We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.
December at The Real Work: new diagnoses, a great new resource and NATURE.
Published 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi parents and caregivers,
We hope you're well this December! For many families, it’s full of noise, transitions, and expectations. We want to share some resources and kindness with you before the months is up.
We often see more parents exploring possible evaluations this time of year, as school stressors and expectations ramp up
Supporting newly diagnosed kids and their parents
Many parents we work with come to us after an autism or ADHD diagnosis feeling unsure about what actually helps. Our team has been talking about how to support parents and caregivers during this exploration period with understanding your child’s nervous system, their strengths, and the environments they’re moving through every day.
This is important for kids and teens who regulate best through movement, sensory input, relational connection, or connection to their interests.
Explaining Brains is a neuro-affirming resource helping caregivers talk with kids about diagnosis and brain science
A resource we love for parents: How to Explain a Diagnosis to kids
Our clinician Gabi recently shared a resource with our team that we immediately wanted parents to have too.
Explaining Brains is a clear, compassionate way to understand neurodivergent brains without pathologizing them. Many parents tell us it helps them explain things to grandparents, teachers, and even to themselves with more ease.
If you’re newly diagnosed or still making sense of things, this is a helpful place to start. https://explainingbrains.com/
Nature-based groups led by our therapists include 3-5 kids per group
Why we keep coming back to nature
One thing we’ve been noticing more and more is the power of nature-based therapy. If your child struggles in traditional indoor spaces, this can matter more than you think.
December tends to bring its own kind of intensity for us. Fewer daylight hours and more time indoors and together can be a lot, and can highlight our personalities and sensory needs. Many kids need heavier input, fresh air, and whole-body movement right now. The outdoors can offer steady sensory information without overload such as space to move and explore without so many expectations.
For many families, that combination is very supportive. Our Occupational Therapists (Mary, Emilee, Diana, and Pierce) AND our Nature-Based Play Therapist Bonnie make sure to encourage families to tune in to their own regulation needs this time of year, and get moving even when the weather feels terrible.
We also want to shine a light on our colleague Jenn at Little Sparrow Counseling in Hillsboro! Jenn and their dog Loshi place a special focus on working with neurodivergent, transgender, and other queer individuals (kids, teens, and adults)!Give them a follow!
See you next month!
Warmly,
Rebekah and The Real Work Collective
PS: Reply here if you have questions about any of the following openings:
Groups and offerings coming up
Nature-Based Social Group Ages 4–7 Thursdays 3:30–5:00 at THPRD Nature Center in Beaverton Launching in January as soon as three kids are enrolled
Special Interest Group January 11 Learn more and sign up here: https://realworkwellness.com/social-groups
Current therapy openings
We have a handful of openings across our team right now, including:
Heather — Mondays at 2:30pm (adult therapy; family-of-origin stressors showing up in parenting)
Kimia — Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:00am and 11:00am (ages 3–8)
Bonnie — Wednesdays at 12:00pm & 2:30pm (kids ages 3–10)
Therapy Collective for Kids, Teens and Parents | Therapist-Designed Resources + Education
We are a therapy collective with a specific focus on neurodiversity, early childhood, brain science, attachment, expressive arts and the power of play.
