Know a child who’s struggling to make friends or keep them?
Have you seen them react quickly and strongly to a change in routine?
Do they struggle with being overwhelmed by some sensory experiences?
Are you concerned they might be being bullied, but not fully understanding it?
Changes in routine, new friends, sensory experiences or activities can be challenging for any child. For neurodiverse children, (like those with ADHD, High Functioning Autism or other developmental differences), there may be an extra layer of challenge. There are so many skills, social and emotional, that come naturally to some, that can be more challenging for neurodiverse children to develop.
That’s why we become Cadets of the Secret Agent Society program (SAS). From our very first session at the academy, we form a special group of Cadets, facing challenges similar to our own. Together, we learn gadgets like the O2 Regulator and Helpful Thought Missiles to help us to regulate our emotions.
We become Secret Agents by working together to learn secret codes and practice using spy tools. SAS is an interactive program that involves mixing up “friendship formulas” in test tubes and practicing O2 Regulators with water bubbles – as a interactive way of teaching essential skills. These tools allow the Cadets to go out into the world and practise using their O2 Regulator when they’re overwhelmed by a busy setting or a new sensation. They can practice the friendship formulas when they’re not sure who’s trying to be their friend, or why they’re confused about someone not being very nice.
Actively learning these skills aims to help Cadets enter the world more prepared with the secret, special knowledge and skills of a trained 'Secret Agent'. It’s an exciting program, and it works towards making a difference to school, play and home settings for Neurodiverse children. When parents and teachers learn the codes, tools and secret missions with the cadets, our Secret Agents become better equipped with the knowledge of how to make and keep friends, regulate reactions and reduce overwhelm.