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Perspectives / Näkökulmia
This page brings together my writing on profound autism, reflections on recent research and experiences from everyday practice. The articles are free to read and offer my personal perspective on how I approach my work as a trainer and neuropsychiatric coach at Lainattu Rauha®/
Tälle sivulla on kirjoituksiani syvästä autismista, pohdintaa tuoreista tutkimuksista ja arjen työstä. Artikkelit ovat vapaasti luettavia ja tarjoavat henkilökohtaista näkemystäni siihen, miten ajattelen työtäni Lainattu Rauha ‑kouluttajana ja nepsyvalmentajana.
Free Pictures for a Hairdresser Visit: Visual Supports for Autistic and Non-Speaking People
A haircut is easier when you can see it in advance. Here are free pictures for every step of the hairdresser visit.
Satu V
1 day ago2 min read
When Being Non-Speaking Hides Ability
The abilities of a non-speaking, profoundly autistic person are easily underestimated. A way to communicate may reveal the message behind behaviour. When a person cannot speak, the people around them are constantly forced to make interpretations about what they understand, what they can do and what they are thinking. There is one rather serious problem with this: if a person cannot demonstrate their abilities in a way that others recognise, those abilities may be judged to be
Satu V
4 days ago3 min read
Free Pictures for a Doctor Visit: Visual Supports for Autistic and Non-Speaking People
A doctor visit is easier when you can see it in advance. Here are free pictures for every step of the visit.
Satu V
4 days ago2 min read
Free Halloween Pictures: Visual Supports for Autistic and Non-Speaking People
Halloween is easier when you can see it in advance. Here are free pictures from carving the pumpkin to trick or treating, and for the moments when it all gets too much.
Satu V
Oct 292 min read
Free Pictures for a Blood Test: Visual Supports for Autistic and Non-Speaking People
A blood test is quick, but it can feel scary. Here are free pictures for every step of the visit.
Satu V
Oct 292 min read
Moving into Supported Living: Free Pictures for Autistic and Non-Speaking Adults
Moving into supported living brings a new home, new people and a new daily rhythm. Here are free pictures of adults for the move and for everyday life.
Satu V
Oct 282 min read
Free Pictures for a Dentist Visit: Visual Supports for Autistic and Non-Speaking People
A dentist visit is easier when you can see it in advance. Here are free pictures for every step of the visit.
Satu V
Oct 272 min read
When Symptoms Cannot Be Described in Words
How do you find out what is physically wrong when a non-speaking, profoundly autistic person cannot describe their symptoms? The most important clue is what has changed. I have often thought about how difficult it really is to work out what is physically wrong with a non-speaking person with profound autism. At an ordinary medical appointment, people are asked where it hurts, what the pain feels like, when it started, whether it radiates, whether they feel dizzy or nauseous,
Satu V
Oct 273 min read
Whose Voice Is Heard in the Autism Conversation When Not Everyone Can Speak for Themselves?
“Nothing about us without us” matters. But who speaks when a profoundly autistic person cannot take part in the conversation themselves?
Satu V
Oct 116 min read
When goals in profound autism are set too low
People can speak about a child's future as though it has already been mapped out, even when a shared way of communicating is still being developed and much of the child's day is spent trying to cope with their surroundings. Assessments are made of what they will learn, what they will be capable of as an adult and what their therapy and support should focus on. A parent listens and tries to understand how much we can really know about the future when we still struggle to make
Satu V
Sep 193 min read
When a spoon falls - sensory overload in profound autism
How the senses show themselves in profound autism, and why the responsibility moves to the person who is watching. In the afternoon a spoon falls on the floor, and everything falls apart. The people around see the outburst and think: it came out of nowhere, a spoon is a small thing. But nothing happens out of nowhere. It came from a whole day of build-up. In the morning the light came from a different angle, because it is spring. There was a substitute teacher at school. Musi
Satu V
Sep 144 min read
Coaching does not stop where speech ends: supporting a non-speaking autistic client
Written by Satu Väänänen Neuropsychiatric coaching is built on strengths, practical everyday solutions and structure. What happens when the client does not speak at all? Many coaches believe that closes the door completely. It does not. A word on the Finnish context. In Finland, neuropsychiatric coaching ("nepsy coaching") is an established profession: a solution-focused, goal-oriented form of support for people with ADHD, autism and related conditions, close to what is know
Satu V
Sep 77 min read
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