Reframe Your Thinking Around Autism: How the Polyvagal Theory and Brain Plasticity Help Us Make Sense of Autism

by Holly Bridges

Overview

Outlining a new and optimistic way to understand autism, this concise book offers practical ideas to support individuals on the autism spectrum. The Polyvagal Theory suggests that symptoms of autism are a learnt response of the nervous system - the result of being in a prolonged state of flight/fight. This book explains the theory in simple terms and incorporates recent developments in brain plasticity research (the capacity of the brain to change throughout life) to give autistics, parents and professionals the tools to strengthen the mind-body connection and enhance wellbeing. This new edition includes updated autistic language and concepts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780645488609
Publisher:	Licensetothink Ptyltd
Publication date:	08/31/2022
Pages:	118
Sales rank:	351,245
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Holly Bridges is a neurodivergent, award winning Australian therapist, keynote speaker and author. Since writing 'Reframe', Holly has developed the Autism Reframe Technique (A.R.T.) which incorporates the principles of co-design and brain plasticity. She works internationally with teens, adults and children with autism, ADHD and I/D. Holly lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband, two kids, three dogs and a cat.

Table of Contents

About the Book. Praise for this book. 1. Where we are. 2. What we know. 3. Something new- the Polyvagal Theory. 4. The Polyvagal Theory - in more detail. 5. The Social Engagement System. 6. Living is an embodied experience. 7. Learning to Be. 8. The Gifts of the Autist. 9. Integrating the Nervous System. 10. Brain Plasticity and Autism. 11. The Process of Discovery and Self-Image. 12. Anat Baniel and Brain Plasticity. 13. The Nine Essentials. 14. Some Other Integration Techniques. 15. Where we go from here. About the Author. Some resources to explore. References.

Editorial Reviews

Reframe Your Thinking Around Autism is a succinctly written book with engaging graphics that provides a new optimistic approach to conceptualize autism. Rather than focusing on the clinical diagnostic tools that have been used to define autism, Holly Bridges focuses on linking many of the compromised functions that are experienced by autistics to features of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory I developed. Using the Polyvagal Theory as an organizing principle she introduces a variety of intervention models that potentially could function as neural exercises (i.e. brain plasticity) to rehabilitate the social engagement system and to optimize autonomic regulation. This unique and readable book effectively connects to the families and the people who directly interact with individuals with autism.

Stephen W. Porges

Holly Bridges writes with an absolute clarity and vision about her subject. I liken her to a seamstress, sewing back in the missing pieces, and pulling the threads together that have limited our autistic model. For all the knowledge and understanding that a lot of people in this field offer, there is a big gap in this area. There is always so much more to learn on this journey, but applying this knowledge and seeing real changes happen, is heart-warming, encouraging and inspiring!

Ceri Wood B.A.

Holly Bridges' passion and compassion has led her to connect to children on the autism spectrum and to look to help them from where they are in their world. I am thrilled that she is offering the 9 Essentials of the Anat Baniel Method as a science-based NeuroMovement® approach to generate positive impact on these children's brains, in their lives and the lives of their families. Holly can inspire all of us with her love, dedication, receptiveness to new ideas and open mind.

Anat Baniel