Chill and just be…. I add events in my diary named DNDs - Do Nothing Days. Allowed just eating and resting/relaxing. Perhaps a little yoga, meditation, purposeful breathing or journaling. give it a go… enjoy .
29/11/2024
I love this lady’s words. So true for our community
27/10/2024
EMPOWERING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS: A COMPREHENSIVE BOOK GUIDE
Dr Beale-Ellis (as pictured with her book) is a passionate advocate for autism awareness and inclusion, using her expertise to create a groundbreaking martial arts book specifically designed for individuals on the autism spectrum.
This innovative resource provides valuable insight, techniques, and strategies for both practitioners, teachers and instructors to effectively teach and practice martial arts in a way that is inclusive and accessible for individuals with autism.
Dr Beale-Ellis' commitment to promoting diversity, understanding, and empowerment within the martial arts community sets her apart as a true leader and an invaluable resource for all who seek to learn from her expertise.
Several years ago, Dr Beale-Ellis received a clinical diagnosis of autism as an adult. She is a 7th Dan black belt within karate in her own right and the NAKMAS Director of Operations.
The hardback booked entitled ‘Autism and Martial: A Guide to Children, Parents and Teachers’ (ISBN: 978-0-9933142-0-9) is available from NAKMAS for £10 inclusive of postage and package.
Orders can be taken over the telephone via card payment, (via 01227 370055) BACS, or via the following secure PayPal link ensuring the book is mentioned via the PayPal payment:
Sport England UK Sport Sport and Recreation Alliance BSI UK National Autistic Society Kent UK Autism Support Kent & Medway Group- Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK CIC Kent Autism Education Service East Kent Autism & ADHD Social
23/10/2024
THE EMPOWERING JOURNEY OF AUTISTIC MARTIAL ARTS COACHES
Autistic children have historically faced challenges in finding their place in society, but a recent study by the National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) suggests that many autistic children become excellent martial arts coaches.
Through the structured environment and focus on discipline inherent to martial arts training, autistic individuals are able to develop important skills such as communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
This research underscores the importance of providing opportunities for individuals with autism to pursue their interests and talents, ultimately leading to successful careers in a variety of fields.
The success of autistic martial arts coaches serves as a powerful example of the capabilities and potential of individuals on the autism spectrum when provided with appropriate support and resources.
Two prominent officials of NAKMAS are on the autism spectrum. One holds an 8th Dan, while the other possesses a 7th Dan, demonstrating that accomplishment is attainable regardless of autism, or perhaps, because of autism!
A NAKMAS endorsed hardback book is available at £10 which includes postage and packing and available via NAKMAS. Here’s the details:
Autism and Martial Arts: A Guide for Children, Parents and Teachers by Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis (7th Dan/Karate, the NAKMAS Director of Operations).
This book is an insight into what might be experienced within a martial arts class. It is written with the child or young person in mind, but includes parent guidance throughout, and a section specifically for teachers. All students featured in the book are students of Sandra's. The book combines personal perspectives with those of her students to give a unique insight into the issues in the book.
'My autism path began with one student and along the way I have gathered many more autistic individuals who have touched my life in some way. I am blessed'.
Hardback - ISBN: 978-0-9933142-0-9
To order here’s a secure PayPal link to NAKMAS and please state the autism book is being purchased on the PayPal payment:
National Autistic Society UK Sport Sport England Sport and Recreation Alliance Autism UK
07/10/2024
PRIEST/AUTISM
As a person and a priest with autism, God holds immense importance in my life. He serves as my guiding light, providing comfort, strength, and purpose in times of struggle and uncertainty. Through prayer and faith, I find solace in knowing that I am never alone and that God's love is unconditional. As a priest, my connection to God deepens as I carry out my duties to serve others and spread His message of love and compassion. Despite the challenges that come with autism, my faith in God remains unwavering, grounding me in moments of doubt or confusion. Through Him, I am able to find peace and fulfilment in my calling as a priest, as well as navigate the complexities of everyday life with grace and resilience.
A local sensory project. Looks great and has a lovely coffee shop attached
The Little Lighthouse
Sensory Rooms in Sellindge, Kent - Find us next to Notion Coffee Lounge, free parking near the Village hall..
Creating a fun & exciting space for your little ones to fall in love over & over again 🫧🌈
28/05/2024
I’ve had a headache all day and it’s making me grouchy. Whilst killing time between appts today I have made a list of what makes me even more grouchy:
Misuse of apostrophes especially when they’re used at the end of a plural word
The phrase ‘put your big girl/boy pants on’
The phrase ‘punching above your weight’
Dentists who are apparently above descaling teeth by hand (rather than the nasty vibration machine which spits out water and squeals in my ear’ no sympathy for autism !!
Independent cafes which charge more for a specialist coffee than Costa
Cafes which charge extra for non dairy milk
That’s it for now but what makes you grouchy? Let me know and cheer me up 🤷♀️
Recently, someone approached me with a question regarding the compatibility of autism with religious practices. This individual, who identified as autistic, expressed their desire to participate in religious activities. As someone who is autistic, I was clinically diagnosed in 2008 and would like to share the following thoughts. However, I use autism spectrum conditions (not disorders!):
…………….
It is essential to comprehend the specific challenges individuals with autism face in comprehending and participating in religious activities in order to truly understand the connection between autism and religion. To illustrate, individuals on the autism spectrum might encounter difficulties in grasping intricate concepts and interpreting figurative language, leading to added challenges in comprehending religious texts and doctrines. Furthermore, individuals on the autism spectrum may encounter difficulty engaging in religious practices as a result of their sensory sensitivity, given that the environment may prove overwhelming for them.
Considering the assistance provided by religious organisations in the development and progress of individuals with autism, this holds immense significance. Religious organisations provide an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere for individuals with autism spectrum conditions to be welcomed and embraced. Religious organisations have the potential to provide supplementary assistance and adjustments for individuals with autism spectrum conditions. This might entail providing serene environments or facilitating participation in various activities.
In summary, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs that individuals with autism face in relation to their religious beliefs and practices. Additionally, religious organisations are a valuable resource for providing assistance and special adjustments to individuals with autism spectrum conditions. (Remember, conditions not disorders!).
The Autistic Voice National Autistic Society National Autism Network
Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Ashford?
Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis is a writer, teacher, speaker and successful businesswoman who happens to be autistic, is a doctor of education and has survived childhood cancer and subsequent medical anomalies.
She believes everyone has a story to tell and it's these stories which inspire, motivate and connect us as human beings. With her academic research interests lying firmly in auto-ethnography, and her blogging under the auspices of The Autistic Voice, she has always been completely open with who she is, and never afraid to be truthful to her audience about the highs and lows of her life in autism and beyond. She was clinically diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2010.
As well as being a successful author of Autism and Martial Arts: A Guide for Children, Parents and Teachers (found in Publications), she is a well known and successful karate and dance teacher. Her new book Sensing the City: My Autistic Perspective is shortly to be released; and an, as yet untitled, collection of short essays exploring her perspectives of a plethora of lessons learned in her life... so far, using an insightful, honest and witty style, is her current project.
Sandra is a popular speaker for local and national groups, events and conferences, universities, and has a regular 'gig' speaking on the National Autistic Society's Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, run in unison with Sheffield Hallam University and has worked with the NAS on the Active for Autism online training module.
Additionally she has been at the forefront of national martial arts governance over the past twenty five years, is an experienced systems manager and auditor, and manages to find time to work with local and international charities including Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, a local and Bhutan based charity which works with a school for disabled children, and other village projects in South Bhutan.
She is happily married and lives in a semi-rural idyll with her husband Joe, their two fur babies, Holly and Rosie (yorkshire terriers), and a myriad of feathered and scaly creatures. Over the past few years, she has forayed into the world of yoga and simple living and their place in an ever demanding society. She has recently qualified as a yoga teacher with The Yoga Academy accredited with the British Wheel of Yoga, The Yoga Alliance (US) and The Yoga Alliance Professionals; trained by Simon Low and others. She is also a Relax and Renew (TM) Level 1 Trainer, trained by Judith Hanson Lasater from the USA. She is setting up a studio specialising in management of anxiety, stress and anger related to medical, emotional and social conditions as well help the physical body.