The exams are over, and I have to say I am just BURSTING with pride at how all of this particular 2022-year group have navigated it all through such unbelievably challenging times.

For our autistic and neurodivergent young people I am even prouder as, in my opinion, mainstream exams bring out the best in nobody, even neurotypical kids; they just create box tickers and finishers; not learners ready to explore and be curious.

For our neurodivergent kids, it is like taking their exams in Japanese, especially as many of them have gone through this whole process without a diagnosis or an EHCP due to the 3–5-year average waiting lists.

I AM SO PROUD OF THEM!!!!

Funnily enough many of the young people I have seen since the exams have finished have been either feeling flat, emotionally numb, or very tearful, and many have had absolute meltdowns.

All behaviour is communication and our young people really have been pushed to the absolute limit on every level.

So here are three very simple mindful exercises to use when you feel that meltdown or overwhelm building inside you.

If your child has already hit meltdown, use these exercises once they have calmed down. Do not do them while they are in that state of “high arousal.”

By doing these regularly, self-awareness is developed: that awareness of things building and how they are feeling.

Self-regulation will then follow as once they are aware that a meltdown is building, they can bring themselves fully to the very present moment by doing one of more of the exercises I have shared today.

Eventually they will be able to self-manage those big emotions. These exercises are wonderful for us all, whatever our label – and anyone can do them, so they are fully inclusive of all abilities.

Have a great week everyone. Take good care of yourselves and each other. Lots of love, Giuliana xx

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