Allison Davies | Education

Allison Davies

Phone: 0450417911

Address: Allison Davies 7325

Website: http://www.allisondavies.com.au

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25.01.2022 Whether you've been following along for a short or a long time you may or may not know that I drop a weekly Blog post across on my website. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/blog/ Share in my journey and gain a few lightbulb moments along the way. Alli xx

25.01.2022 CW - ABA, abuse, neuronormative themes . . . .... . . Last week the International Day of Protest Against ABA was held. (NB. I inherently and fully oppose ABA in all its forms.) Im sure there are therapists out there who are good people, who are delivering ABA in the most genuine and loving ways they can, and that doesnt alter the fact that ABA, by its very nature, is dangerous and trauma inducing. Applied Behavioural Analysis is a form of intervention, whereby manipulation, bribery, rewards etc are used to train the client to act/behave/respond a certain way. To make eye contact, to stay seated, to not stim, to eat foods, to be quiet, to speak, to comply, to fit in. And I absolutely understand how so many of us (me included at one point!) float towards therapies like this in the name of supporting our children and clients. Because when autism is perpetually described to us as a disorder that benefits from early intervention to make life easier for our children, (and were conditioned to believe this as truth), and we want to do the very best for them, its an obvious first step for anyone who knows no differently. But the actual truth is that autism isnt a disorder, its a neurotype (we all have a neurotype), no one benefits from any external adaptations (we only ever benefit from internal regulation), early intervention is another way of saying theyll change more quickly if you start while theyre young and easier means easier for everyone else (at the expense of the child). The single silver lining around me not knowing my own autistic identity from childhood is that I was never the recipient of ABA. But I still bear the scars of informal behavioural expectations. Wearing clothes that hurt, eating foods that didnt feel safe, brushing hair. These have had a long term impact on me, in ways that effect me to this very day. In ways so big I cant explain in words. As an autistic person I KNOW the pain that comes with sensory desensitisation, with trying not to stim publicly, with making eye contact to be polite etc. As do my autistic kin. And autistic voices are begging for ABA to be ditched. Because trying to change our children so that society feels more comfortable, so that the systems dont need to change, so that they can live someone elses definition of a fulfilling life? Is perpetuating the myth that to be autistic is a broken version of being human. A version that needs fixing. And that myth is killing us. Literally. I dont often post political advocacy type posts, because Im far too sensitive for the comments and forever fearful of rejection, but I implore you... If this post has triggered you, interested you, angered you, motivated you - go and seek out more autistic voices - listen to our perspectives. Because only we can truly understand this trauma, we are the experts. We are the survivors of an era that tried to change us. And its time for that era to end with us.

25.01.2022 This video made me feel so sad for so many hundreds of thousands of us, but also reminded me that we are not alone! I cannot tell you the back and forths and rejections and denials and lack of knowledge that I have encountered along the way with my own journey of seeking diagnosis, therapy, medication etc... And then they have the nerve to accuse us of Dr Shopping!... I know so many people with GP trauma, and I have experienced it myself, the feeling that I literally *can not* bring myself to make another referral appointment because I already know the drs dont believe (because they dont understand) the neurodivergent diagnosis. Thankyou for sharing your story How to ADHD even though its a painful one, it reminds others that we are not alone in this system. This very video may spark awareness in a whole host of medical service providers. And that in turn may influence the system, something has to xx

24.01.2022 Want to learn how to sing your own song? It’s easier than you may think, requires no lessons or musical background, will remind you of your power, will change your life. That’s all ... www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare The Brain Care Cafe closes for new members in less than one hour. I’m ready for you when you are xxxx

24.01.2022 Hvppyhands always nails my reality

24.01.2022 When I first saw the 30 Day Mindfulness Workbook for Women I was kinda floored! Head and Heart Mindfulness have thought of everything - its beautiful, its thorough, its easy, its true mindfulness. And right now its Free!!!! Click below and follow the link using the special discount code for Womens Health Week to download your copy. ... Honestly, its truly such an important gift to yourself! Xxxxxx

24.01.2022 I am so thrilled for Vision Australia Radio and in particular Peter Greco for this fabulous recognition, just the nominations in themselves are so very telling! I’m a regular contributor to Vision Australian, and look forward to my monthly interviews with Peter discussing the therapeutic uses of music in our lives. I adore projects that recognise needs and create accomodations, and VAR does just that - a radio station solely focused on accessibility for those with vision impa...irments and support needs around printed content. So proud to be a tiny part of this fabulous station!

23.01.2022 Want to learn how to sing your own song? Its easier than you may think, requires no lessons or musical background, will remind you of your power, will change your life. Thats all ... www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare The Brain Care Cafe closes for new members in less than one hour. Im ready for you when you are xxxx

23.01.2022 Once you read this you just can’t Unread it! I cut this quote out of a newspaper in Bihar, India, 12 years ago and carried it in my wallet, then stuck it to my computer desktop. And it’s still there.... I try as best I can to live my life by these words. I developed the 12 Pillars of Braincare, focus on supporting them, use music strategically in bits and bobs, here and there, every single day. It requires constant self enquiry and constant self gentleness! Because it really is a slow moving process - kinda like making proper sourdough, ya know? Brain Care, however, is a worthy commitment and by gosh does it move you from the depths of a sick society to a place of awareness and greater capacity for change. So. This is a little reminder to everyone in The Brain Care Cafe - and anyone just about to join (you have 24 hours left btw - link below to get on board...) www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare This will be slow. This will take time and belief in yourself, steps forward and steps back maybe. But nothing, NOTHING feels better than to realise your measure of health is your own clarity, flow and ease. And to realise the profoundly sick society is not your home. And that’s worth waiting for!!! Xxxxx

23.01.2022 I love, love, love, loved this interview with Maggie Dent. Her wisdom is just so WISE! And even though I have a few years before my boy hits adolescence I still know I need this book on my shelf. Maggies books are brilliant, and I recommend any resource she ever creates. Click on her name above to go through and find her new book From Boys to Men. Xxxxx

23.01.2022 Routine, rhythm or ritual??? If you or your children find daily living difficult, find the routine impossible and therefore harmful to aspire to, you may find the concepts of rhythms and rituals helpful. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/rhythm/

23.01.2022 Every SINGLE behaviour that you worry about in your children... The behaviour that is risky, dangerous, detrimental to their wellbeing or safety, and even just the ones that are neither here nor there but trigger the hell out of you. EVERY behaviour is always a biproduct if what is going on in their brain. ... The behaviour is NEVER the problem and can always be categorised into one of two categories. Im going to tell you what those categories are AND help you understand how to support them in my (FREEEEE ) live online workshops This coming week (19th & 20th August) To register click - www.allisondavies.com.au/workshop This. Recognition. Of. Your. Childrens. Needs. Will. Change. Your. World. It did mine. And it will yours. Even the slightest shift in perception regarding our children and their needs can create a snowball of empowering changes in our lives. So lets get the snowball rolling!! When you register for this workshop youll receive a downloadable worksheet, your prep is to list down all the behaviours that you worry about, and together we will nail the underlying focus. Its really much less complex than you may think, its pretty back and white actually. And Im excited about being there for this. Reframing our childrens needs is one of my favourite things in life . See you there? Xxx www.allisondavies.com.au/workshop

22.01.2022 I’m doing a thing. I’m having a flash sale style mini (48 hour) opening for The Brain Care Cafe. I was going to spring it on you as a surprise, but honestly I’m rubbish at keeping the exciting things to myself . So what does this mean for you? Between 8pm the 19th & 21st of Dec AEDT (ie. tomorrow night until this Monday night) you can become a member of my online membership. The Brain Care Cafe.... You can join for us on a monthly basis, or join for a year. And you choose how long you want to stay for. The Cafe is the place where you get to see me the most, where I get to know you, answer your questions, support you as best as I can and where I get to witness you on your path and you get to witness me on mine. You’ll find a community of HUNDREDS of incredible, supportive, friendly, amazing people using music as a tool for braincare. You’ll receive weekly braincare strategies, weekly musical massages, especially curated playlists and monthly interviews from legends who have much for us to learn from. I will help you to use music more therapeutically, to understand how powerful it is as tool to support anxiety and regulation. And to develop a stronger relationship with your own musicality. Oh The Cafe, it’s my fave place. And as a ‘Summer solstice, age of Aquarius, summer lovin, end of 2020, bring on ‘21, Santa clause is coming to town’ type of celebration - I really wanted to open up our Cafe doors for you to try us out. There are still a few days before doors open, so for now? Click here and join the waitlist https://www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare you’ll find all the finer details there and will get an email to let you know your next move xxxx (Oh, and it’s $24)

22.01.2022 So many of you are asking for more music during lockdown. More ideas, more activities, more tutorials. So here is my one biggest piece of advice for those of you motivated to support your children through and with music... Music is an experience, and it can be experienced by making it, listening to it or thinking about it. Music doesnt require lessons, a basket of instruments or a carefully curated playlist (though these things are also great!).... Here is how I would ensure that you and your children experience music as often as possible. *Hum or whistle in your childrens presence *Choose an album over listening to the radio *dance randomly (daily loungeroom discos ftw) *do clapping games, hopscotch, elastics, skipping ropes at home *talk in a sing songy voice whenever it feels appropriate *bask in the silent anticipation of a song/piece of music about to start and one that has just finished *make up funny parodies and songs to get daily chores done *let that song get stuck in your heads and dont try and fight it * sing as you walk * stretch/exercise/move with music on in the background * drum or listen to drumming more often * celebrate musical autonomy by letting each other listen to music on headphones. Honestly, I could go on for hours with this list. Music is happening all around us, in almost every situation there is the capacity for rhythm, melody, repetition, silence, movement, harmony, tempo, volume. The opportunity for us and our children to engage musically is literally always within us and around us. I am honoured to provide musical activities, songs and melodic mantras for you and your children (see my YouTube account for those), but my bigger purpose in life is to remind you that you ARE your very own musical activity. We ARE musical beings, by our very nature. Music is inherently part of everything. And so by you claiming your musicality and engaging in musical moments (in so many teensy tiny ways) each day, you show your children how to be musical. You become their music teacher. You show them that music doesnt need to be made in a classroom, a lesson, a choir, a group or an activity, but that music is always here, just waiting for us to engage with it. Join my 10 week eCourse here www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours

21.01.2022 Ive had a question about the phrase early intervention in regards to a post I made. And it was specifically about the word intervention. I really much prefer the word support. Early support, early supports great. That means as soon as we recognise our children have support needs we can be there, supporting them from as soon as we recognise it. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/intervention/

21.01.2022 Gosh I love that research other than of the Cause and cure variety is taking place in the autism world, research that can back up what autistic voices have been communicating and recognising for many years! Research that gives us deep insight into who we are intrinsically, recognises diversity over disorder and will help people receive true clarity into their identity. ... This research is so validating! We want this study to really demonstrate that both of these things can co-occur, and just because these things co-occur does not mean that one should be denied. The findings also suggest that researchers should investigate how autism presents in gender-diverse people, Warrier adds. Researchers have often missed autism in cisgender girls because they tend to show different traits than cisgender boys do, and the same may be true for gender-diverse people. ***Trigger warning though (for those of you about to click), this article mentions ADHD as a mental health disorder ( its not, its a neurotype), and speaks of autistic participants scoring lower in empathy (which is more likely that empathy wasnt expressed in the way society expects it to be, or that empathy is so overwhelming it cant be expressed externally)

21.01.2022 Happy International Day of People With Disability!!! What a glorious opportunity to celebrate a word which used to come layered with connotations of pity, fear, inability and lesser than, but that has been well and truly reclaimed with much pride and power by the disabled community. Our disabilities are important, they are real even when they can’t be seen and they demand respect. ... Our disabilities ARE the real world, and we will no longer be prepared for, or encouraged to live within, a real world that claims to accept the disabled, though does not cater for us systemically or socially. Our disability may be visible or invisible, and that does not make our access needs any greater or lesser than in terms of importance or validity. If you are new to the idea of centring disability in this way take a little google of ‘critical disability theory’ or ‘social model of disability’ and you will learn that disability is a social construct, not the inevitable result of an ‘impairment or deficit’. We are disabled by barriers in society and in our environments that mean we can’t access life the way non disabled do. Removing these barriers will take time, emotional labour, trust and (to be honest) the deconstruction of politics, education, health care and racial, gender, sexual, social economic, (etc) normative ideals. The best way to partake in this enormous task is to be an ally, to the disabled. We need you. Xxxx

20.01.2022 It was an honour to witness this piece of musical genius. Watching people being powerfully in their bodies, using rhythm, flow, movement, voice, silence, tempo, pulse, melody, expression, body language... Its inspiring, emotional and, in this case, vital to creating change.... Black Lives Matter. I loved this

20.01.2022 The Brain Care Caf here - www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare Oh My Musical Goodness here - www.ohmymusicalgoodness.com (Caf closes in a couple of days so click there first) xxxxx

20.01.2022 Rise, women rise! Stand tall, lift your eyes Listen to your womb and decide... That by your power you are strong enough to change the movement of the tide. Its all inside And the time is now Rise, women rise! Hello all Well I made this little video for the members of The Brain Care Café this afternoon, and then thought - why not share it with the world!? So here it is. This is a song to be shared, and as a way of protecting the integrity of my songs I ask that you share them with reference to the song carrier/writer/mother (me), and a little about the song itself. This is how I choose to honour songs that I share with others, and how we can all do our bit in keeping the aural tradition of song sharing and information sharing alive.

20.01.2022 Manifesto For Music. I live in a world where we are all called musical, where our voice is our instrument, and we are all maestros. A world in which we all belt out the long note in the power ballad because we know our voice, and the song, is worth it. I live in a world where our voices are not suppressed, or shushed, or told to mime in the back row of the choir. Where kids aren’t witness to their parent’s self denigration of their voice, their musical ability or their dancin...g skills- because they no longer self denigrate. In my world music isn’t predominantly a form of education or performance, it’s a deep source of expression, it’s emotive, it’s honest. Not a cover or a copy or an audition, it’s an experience of deepest truth and with it comes healing deeper than we can fathom. Music is void of othering. There is no such thing as the music teacher, the choir leader, the music therapist, the group facilitator, the project coordinator, because music is the experience in and of itself and every single sentient being witness to it’s multidimensional existence in any given moment is equally involved and enmeshed. There is no western scale, there is no out of tune, no theory lessons, no exams. But there is making and creating and sharing and improvising and being. Music is for individuals, and music is for groups but music isn’t for individuals performing to groups. Arena concerts have peaked, world tours have peaked, 3 day festivals have peaked. We have remembered the intimacy of music. The quiet, ceremonial, circle, one stage - no stage - just being together with shared instruments, in backyards, in parks, in community. Sustainable, eco friendly, intimate music making. I live in a world in which we love our voice, we experiment with it, use it in public, honour it and tune in to its every contour of sound. Our children watch us, and they know they too have the power to use their voice, loudly, softly, expressively, when they need to, as a deep inherent respect to themselves. The world of music I live in has led us back to the ways of crying, wailing, keening, laughing, gasping, exclaiming, groaning, roaring, howling, lilting, whistling, humming, storytelling, playing the piano, the harmonica, striking the gong, writing the words, the poetry, the melodic mantra. We are once again openly musical, the way we were always designed to be. We honour the foundations of music - rhythm, movement, flow, melody, tempo, volume, harmony - and know that our clapping game, our swaying, our singing with our child, is every bit as musical as the studio production. We ARE GaGa, we ARE TayTay. Our music soothes Our bodies dance Our melody haunts Our ancestors cheer We are music. We are all music. And this is literally the truth of music. Xxx

20.01.2022 Whether youve been following along for a short or a long time you may or may not know that I drop a weekly Blog post across on my website. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/blog/ Share in my journey and gain a few lightbulb moments along the way. Alli xx

19.01.2022 One of my very favourite people Maggie Dent is nailing what the world is obviously needing with her new book From Boys to Men. I can vouch for the brilliance of her books, and her wisdom - so do order this one if you have a boy/tween/teen/young man in your life! Xxx

18.01.2022 Join The Brain Care Caf here - www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare We are taking new members until 8pm AEST tonight (which is 8 hours from now) xxxx

18.01.2022 It’s a very powerful thing when we take back control of what we accept and what we say, ‘thanks but no thanks’! https://www.allisondavies.com.au/powerful-melodic-mantra/ Try this Powerful Melodic Mantra for yourself.

18.01.2022 Over the past couple of weeks Ive experienced a large dose of survival mode/anxiety/shut down. So here I am in my dressing gown, cuppa in hand, to tell you all about it. Aaaaannd (i kind of missed this announcement - thanks to anxiety)...... Brains = Behaviours is now open for registrations www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours

16.01.2022 Join The Brain Care Café here - www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare We are taking new members until 8pm AEST tonight (which is 8 hours from now) xxxx

16.01.2022 Yes, Dr Stephen Porges, YES! And we will be dissecting this truth in my live workshops this week. Our childrens behaviours are not behavioural choices, they are regulatory responses. And therefore, behaviour management? ... Its basically pointless. Its not too late to join us! We will talk overload, hyperstimulation, anxiety, meltdowns and more. Click www.allisondavies.com.au/workshop to register. All questions welcome, tag your friends. Xxx

16.01.2022 Isn’t it funny how we put some feelings and experiences on a pedestal and constantly aim to achieve this thing. Confidence is one of those ever sought after states of being! But confidence isn’t a necessity. Bravery, vulnerability, connection, trust - these are what it takes to express ourselves outwardly. These are the very states of being that will always serve us, and when we support ourselves to dip into trust and connection we will experience what others from the s...idelines will probably assume is confidence. We might be afraid, we might feel shame, we might be unsure but when we know our voice is here to support us, to serve us, to keep us feeling safe and in control. When we know that singing out loud is a gift form ourselves to ourselves? We don’t need confidence. We are IN connection. And nothing can be more sought after than that! Xxxx

16.01.2022 The Kalimba, a pentatonic instrument which means that you can play any note in any order and never make a mistake. Bonus is it sounds amazing. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/meet-the-kalimba/

14.01.2022 Safety, it seems, is tied to predictability. If we are in a predictable environment (geographically as well as relationally) people may experience a sense of inner peace and connection, unpredictability triggers the physiological states of flight/flight associated with the sympathetic nervous system. The degree of predictability colours our experience. - Dr Stephen Porges. The Brain loves predictability, its soothing, its comforting, it a salve. And there is not much m...ore predictable to human kind that the natural environment. Humans have been standing bare foot in the beach since the beginning of time, feeling fresh air, experiencing sunlight, touching the grass, standing under trees. Weve only been eating icecream for comfort since packaged icecream was invented, and watching Netflix for comfort since Netflix became available. Lets not forget the impact that the oldest form of comfort has for us. Its waiting for us just outside the door xxx www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours

13.01.2022 Music is one of the biological languages of the brain. Elements of music are involved in all its functions. Take rhythm for example. Neuro transmission, the very core of how our brain works is a series of rhythmic movements. Music! Melody, the movement of tune, is intrinsically involved in our emotional processing and ability to release. And rhythm and melody are only the basics. There is so much more going on when you really start to understand the Music/Brain relatio...nship. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/support-through-brain-care/

12.01.2022 Why is talking so difficult when were in a heightened state? What is regulation and how do we regulate? These are the questions I am being flooded with so often and they are OH. SO. IMPORTANT!... https://www.allisondavies.com.au/communication/

12.01.2022 I’ve been totally absent from here lately, and I was planning on coming here to say it’s because I’ve been working on my book . So many people I admire disappear from social media for a few months and reappear with a new book. So it sounded like a very believable excuse. ... Excuse! As if I needed one! Isn’t it funny, the way we think, the way we aim to be constantly achieving, creating, updating, showing up? Even though we know that that constant showing up is doing our heads in. #literally #doingourheadsin I find I go through stages here where my thoughts are vivid and need writing and sharing, and I go through stages where my thoughts are feelings and just literally have no way of being interpreted in any other way. So. I AM writing a book. And it’s happening slowly, as such projects do with those of us who get distracted easily. And I will go through stages of being here and not being here, because it’s my way, but not because I’m writing a book. And no of course I don’t need an excuse . Let this be a reminder that ‘showing up’ isn’t what they make it out to be. It’s an insty catch phrase, a way of keeping us here, so much so that we sometimes confuse consistency as ‘showing up for ourselves’. (Gosh it feels good to have come here with a white lie and left with the truth!) xx

12.01.2022 Tonight Ive been revisiting this cracking little video (put together by Diana Fisk ) on the POWERHOUSE that was Every Little Cell back at the beginning of lockdown. Music has the power to regulate the nervous system, create a sense of predictability, activate the vagus nerve, release dopamine, control the breath, remind the body it is safe, express emotion, support cognition and so much more. Ill be teaching you *exactly* how music supports the brain and how to work this ...magic into your daily lifestyles so that you, your children and your students all benefit. Its easier than you may think to implement music strategically and therapeutically. Lets do this! Registrations close tomorrrow! (Wed 8pm AEST) www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours Xxxx

11.01.2022 Hello everyone!! Im receiving lots of lots of enquiries about Brains = Behaviours, and registrations close tomorrow!!! So we need to chat STAT! Ask your questions below and Ill be back soon to answer them! Xxx... www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours

11.01.2022 One of the things I love the most about you (especially those of you in the B=B or Brain Care Cafe communities) is that you genuinely, safely, thoughtfully and willingly be here in a manner that allows me to share my truths. And in a way that allows you to share your truths. And then to be seen, heard, validated and cyber hugged.... I cant tell you how important this has been for my own healing. My autism diagnosis (recognition or identification are also great words to substitute with diagnosis) did not come until I was 36. That means 36 years of feeling UNseen, UNheard, confused, invalidated, like there was something wrong with me. And what I now know is trauma, I used to think of as shame and guilt. Being able to speak openly and honestly here (which is the easiest place for me to open up, because, well, no eye contact and no energy transference!) has literally changed my life. And from witnessing the ways those of you in my private communities share, support and see each other I know that healing is happening for you too. What a bloody amazing bunch you are. It makes me happy that the people who have found me, and that I attract to my page, are so inherently giving of themselves in the way they engage and support. Thankyou for being the strangers Ive needed to make change in the world! Xxx See more

11.01.2022 Dog privilege - when being squished by love and dressed in wooly vests during winter is your biggest first world problem. #thoseeyestho

11.01.2022 This is me realising I gave you the wrong dates for the live workshop in the last post which would have meant it was actually last week. (FYI - Ive edited the post already) Dont worry, it was me not you!! My live online workshop, free of charge, replay link sent to all, Downloadable worksheet included, blow-your-lightbulb-moment-mind and change your world event is on THIS WEEK!! ... **The 19th and 20th of August.** Two dates have been set to cater for Aus/NZ/USA/UK Etc audiences. Click here www.allisondavies.com.au/workshop and register for whichever workshop suits your Timezone. I cannot wait to see you. But disclaimer - I can not promise I will have light beams protruding from my third eye. just sayin! Xxxx

11.01.2022 Once you read this you just cant Unread it! I cut this quote out of a newspaper in Bihar, India, 12 years ago and carried it in my wallet, then stuck it to my computer desktop. And its still there.... I try as best I can to live my life by these words. I developed the 12 Pillars of Braincare, focus on supporting them, use music strategically in bits and bobs, here and there, every single day. It requires constant self enquiry and constant self gentleness! Because it really is a slow moving process - kinda like making proper sourdough, ya know? Brain Care, however, is a worthy commitment and by gosh does it move you from the depths of a sick society to a place of awareness and greater capacity for change. So. This is a little reminder to everyone in The Brain Care Cafe - and anyone just about to join (you have 24 hours left btw - link below to get on board...) www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare This will be slow. This will take time and belief in yourself, steps forward and steps back maybe. But nothing, NOTHING feels better than to realise your measure of health is your own clarity, flow and ease. And to realise the profoundly sick society is not your home. And thats worth waiting for!!! Xxxxx

10.01.2022 Today is International Day of People With Disability and so I wanted to take a minute to celebrate disability, explain why it’s such a powerful word and ease your fears (which are totally valid, and are also nothing but a byproduct of how disability was framed when we ourselves were children) xxx

10.01.2022 C.W - childhood exposure to suicide and trauma . . . .... . Im pretty sure we all know by now about the traumatising video that has been circulating on social media this week in which a suicide was live-streamed. This live stream has been saved and embedded in a bunch of different ways across multiple platforms and many, many children have already been exposed to it. And for those who havent seen the video many are hearing about it through their peers. ParentTV have provided this link for free access to their resources on how to talk to your kids about suicide. It may help you make sense of an extremely complex topic and give you insight on how to support your children right now. You are wonderful. Xxxx Lifeline - 13 11 14

09.01.2022 www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours All your questions answered.... registrations close tomorrow so lets do this!

08.01.2022 Its been a tough couple of weeks in my family. 2020 just keeps bringing it, doesnt it?! So can you just imagine the feels when the incredible Emma Marsh (whom I literally couldnt bring my courses to you without) popped a whole bunch of feel good testimonials into messenger for me. They did make me smile, and gave me that fuzzy feeling, which was a big comfort. (Thankyou Em!)... Moreso than anything I feel amazed that these words literally describe my contributions to the world. To think that you ACTUALLY experience what is described in these quotes gives me real life tingles. If youre new here or havent heard of Brains = Behaviours yet, B=B is my 10 week eCourse, its my pride and joy, it runs twice a year and we are JUST about to start taking registrations for our next round. Right now Were getting ready for two free, live, online workshops where together we will look at your childs brain development, and their behaviours and how we can support their needs. Its free, and if youre interested in the course, this is your official taster. Register here www.allisondavies.com.au/workshop Xxx ** please note, I am diagnosed autistic, with SPD and self identified ADHD - this course is neurodivergent friendly and based around the concept of neurodiversity and best support practices, not intervention or fixing.

08.01.2022 This month has been the hardest month that Ive had in years. Ive experienced shock, loss, grief, fear and fury - in large doses! And oh what power these emotions (energys in motion) hold. You know, theres no such thing as a negative emotion or a positive emotion, and for a few years now my emotions have been mostly pretty balanced, the nice ones the yuck ones, they flow in they flow out, I bask in the comfort and I allow the discomfort.... And then the BIG energies in motion arrived. And they SLAMMED ME. Mostly it was my body that felt the full force. My brain told my body that these feelings are too big and that I was probably in danger. (The Brain really has no idea about the difference between emotions and danger), my nervous system responded appropriately and tensed up my muscles, increased my heart rate, my respiratory rate. And then the emotions which were all still there started to become pent up, they went from energies in motion to energies staying inside, and my body started to feel numb. This is called shutdown. It was hard, and I was frightened, it was physically painful. But I gently reminded my body it was safe. I sang I am safe to myself, I sponged my skin in cool herbal tea, I took slow breaths, I rested a lot, I spent time with my pets, I looked at the stars, I tapped and I looked out my window when I didnt have the ability to go outside. And slowly, slowly my body reminded my brain that I was in no danger, that I was safe, and I started to feel and move again. The experience of anxiety is just that - a physiological experience, and to be human is to experience it. I feel brave, and proud of my body for going through the motions, proud of my mind for staying mostly calm throughout and proud of my family for the way they supported me to ride it out. August me is not who I was in July. Being human is just such a trip! by Lucy Champion Photography

07.01.2022 The Little Stevies you beautiful legends! Hopefully you are finally enjoying the sun and the grass and the wind and the beach!! And just being outside - everyone coming out of lockdown you are wonderful - everyone going back into lockdown you are brave. xxxxx

07.01.2022 Im not talking about annoying behaviours, theyre meant to happen! Im talking about the dangerous, the risky, the detrimental. The meltdown, the shutdown, the tantrum, the masking, the avoiding, the running away, the punching, kicking, screaming, biting, self-harming all of it. Theyre all a direct result of what the brain, the body, the nervous systems are doing. Behaviour management is so freakin old fashioned! But regulation? Is KEY.... Missed my free, LIVE workshops? You can still get access here, but only for a short time. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/support-your-childs-indiv/

06.01.2022 I’ve given a lot of thought this year to www.ohmymusicalgoodness.com To its relevance in the world, to its purpose, its necessity, its legacy. And I’ve had to ask myself a lot of hard questions....Continue reading

06.01.2022 I know what it feels like to be this tree - looking at all kinds of perfect from the outside but in reality feeling isolated with an overpowering sense of drowning/suffocating/sinking. Its the depth of feeling youll never believe until you experience it, and youll always wonder how you survived it. https://www.allisondavies.com.au/why-do-i-feel-like-this/

05.01.2022 This week is the 100th birthday of The Brain Care Cafe! 100 music based braincare strategies, over 100 weeks (so far) and 600 fabulous members filling my cup, filling their own cups and committing to using music as a tool for regulation in their own lives. So, to celebrate, I ate a plate of macarons , and love bombed The Cafe members with messages of support and lots of love heart eye emojis. ... I made us some new (especially curated) playlists, went live with my midweek musical massage and this week I interviews our latest ‘expert’. My husband Each month in The Cafe I interview someone special who can shed light on that particular pillar of braincare (there are 12 pillars of braincare, and each month we focus on a different pillar.) I didn’t think anything could possibly beat my interview with The Holistic Psychologist a few months ago, but today’s chat with Leighton as we ate cake (and I giggled a little too much) was pretty special. To all members of The Brain Care Cafe, past and present, you are just wonderful and you make my work days better than they’ve ever been. Music has never been so therapeutic. Thanks for being here (If the sound of The Brain Care Cafe lights you up go click www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare and join the waitlist to find out when our next opening will be)

05.01.2022 The meltdown is never, ever the problem - its only *ever* the biproduct of something else thats going on. Something silently bubbling away below the surface. Survival mode. Survival mode is triggered by a brain that doesnt quite feel in control - and given our fast paced, expectation based, outcomes focused, highly populated, sensory dense, information overloaded, modern Western lifestyle.... (Not to mention 2020!) Its no *wonder* all of us, children and adults alike, are experiencing more meltdowns than ever before. Its our day to day lifestyle that determines how our brain copes with life, and so to support our childrens behaviours the very best we can we need to move away from behaviour management and towards day to day regulatory opportunities. True for our children, true for ourselves, true for our brain. Because children never ever chose the meltdown, survival mode was the culprit all along. Xxx (Wanna dig more deeply into this topic? Brains = Behaviours is currently open for registrations!! You have until Wednesday to join us - www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours )

04.01.2022 I discovered what helps me to be my best, feel my most in control, experience safety, flow, clarity, self awareness and moments of what can only be called anchoredness. And that is to Remain an active and important part of this modern, rushed, expectation and outcome focused, sensory dense, info overloading, success is key Western World... But to reframe the internal expectations, let go of the external expectations, and to care for my brain. ... And Im not exaggerating when I say that this practice has literally changed my life. My definition of brain care is to give our brains MORE of what helps it run and LESS of what shuts it down. And me being me (super fixated on my passions) nutted this out over many, many months and outlined The 12 Pillars of Brain Care. Each pillar a specific way of giving our brain more of the good and less of the not so good. And then (me being me again) worked out how each of these pillars can be supported using music based strategies. The result? Has been a beautiful blend of... 1) emotional release 2) predictability 3) sensory breaks 4) Using Voice 5) Pull back from info 6) creative self expression 7) vagal tone 8)slowing down 9) breathwork 10) physical movement 11) boundaries and structures 12) connection to self AND MUSIC!! 1) melody 2) rhythm 3) vibration 4) frequency 5) tempo 6) volume 7) harmony 8)silence 9) physicality 10) multi dimensionality Sounds complicated, in reality it is more simple than you could imagine. And I now support hundreds of others through this exact process in The Brain Care Café. You message me allll the time with how can I work with you type questions. And honestly? Joining The Brain Care Café is THE BEST way I can work with you, get to know you, support you and guide you deeper into your own musical expression in ways that literally support your brain to be its best!* A brain that feels safe and in control is not a brain in survival mode. And music can help us achieve this.** Right now I am welcoming new members into The Café, and you are welcome to join no matter where in the world you are! Click here www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare to find out the nitty gritty and to join us, Ill be closing the doors in 48 hours!! (So maybe go check it now) * I am a proud autistic woman very much entrenched within the paradigm of neurodiversity, my work only ever supports your brain to function at *its* best (not anyone elses). ** absolutely no musical experience necessary, you will be gobsmacked when you realise how musical you already are xx

04.01.2022 This morning I published a blog post with an image that inherently opposes what I believe online images should portray. And I just wanted to truly, deeply and genuinely thank those of you who called me out on it. The blog post was about meltdowns and the image was of a young child crying on the ground, in an obvious moment of emotional outpouring.... I need to write about this because it’s so important to understand that children, and all of us, have the right to complete agency over our physical, emotional, spiritual and bodily experiences. To have photos taken of (any of us) during a moment of intimate expression, is inappropriate (unless it’s been given in full consent). But to have that photo then posted online, or sold online as a stock image, I believe, is a betrayal of trust on the part of the caregiver/photographer and perpetuates the mistruth that childhood autonomy is less valid that adult autonomy. As an adult who experiences meltdowns there is no way in the freakin’ world I would ever let anyone photograph me mid meltdown, let alone post that image of me online. That would be a hands down relationship breaker. A ‘no-way-in-the-world-I-consent-to-this’ moment in time. And to be honest, I personally unfollow any person or page that posts images I feel are exploitative, or performative or perpetuate the focus on a caregiver’s experience regarding a child’s reality. So if you unfollowed me today? I get it! I would have too (for real)! Thankyou for calling me out on this publicly. It gave me the opportunity to change the image ASAP, have others witness my approach to feedback, and also (perhaps most importantly) to check myself in terms of a person who others are learning from. I’ve been dropping balls lately in my business. Sending out bios which are out of date and include words I myself find triggering, not captioning and describing images where I feel I should be, and now this. I need to pull my socks up, I often forget I have almost 80,000 people here learning and shaping their perspectives through how I present myself. So Thankyou, my fabulous community, for nudging me towards best practice, reminding me and supporting me when I get it wrong and being here to witness my next moves. Creating safe, inclusive, autonomous realities for our children is my priority, and I will do better to make sure this is evident in every, single, public, statement I make. Xxxx

03.01.2022 Ahhhh brain care. I know I talk a lot on here about my personal life, in fact I sometimes kinda forget this is a business thing. But underlying everything I do these days, in my personal and work worlds, is brain care.... My own daily practice is all about giving my brain MORE of what helps it run, and LESS of what shuts it down. And MY GOSH has my world changed. In so many ways. For 2 years now Ive been sharing my music-based brain care strategies with hundreds of beautiful, wonderful people in my online membership. The Brain Care Café. The very best way to work with me in a really personal way with lots of getting to know each other and 1:1 support. Oh, and not to mention weekly musical massages #bliss (see below vid as an example!) Yesterday SURPRISE I opened the doors to The Cafe for the first time in 6 months!! I warmly invite you to go check us out www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare Ill be taking new members until Monday (thats 3 days away) and would luuurve to get to know and work with you in The Café. Link in bio, all questions welcome xxxx

03.01.2022 Certificate for PL requirements Tax invoice for your school Tax invoice tor NDIS The flavour of the day (as far as your questions go) is this one...... Im a teacher, can I use this towards my professional learning requirements? Hells yeah you can! When you complete the course youll receive a certificate for a minimum of 10 hours participation. And for those of you whos (incredibly proactive and awesome) school is registering you for the course - yes we can send them an official tax invoice (just let us know you need one). And for those of you using your NDIS funding for the course - yes we will also send you an official tax invoice (just let us know you need one). All bases covered! www.allisondavies.com.au/behaviours to join us, and for more FAQs xxx

02.01.2022 Im not a woman who does routines, even though I suspect I would find life easier if they were there. Thats the key, i think, if routines were just there I may be able to have them in my life. But having to keep a routine? Eek. Yuck. Uh-uh.... My brain just doesnt work that way. I cannot keep to a routine. I had a psychologist once who told me I could, that I was telling myself I couldnt and that it simply required a shift in attitude. And that makes me sad, to think of all the other neurodivergent people who may right now at this very moment going to that psych for support around their needs, and being ableist feedback, with a dose of gaslighting for good measure. Anyway, I digress I much prefer the word rhythm. Rhythms can substitute the concept of a routine, but to me, by the very nature of the word, I also feel rhythms can fluctuate, adapt, change shape, stretch out, narrow down. The idea of keeping rhythms in my life feels like I have more autonomy and room to move within my daily lifestyle, and that is a healthy way of contextualising. Sometimes though the thought of rhythms is even too much, and thats when I fall back on my favourite concept of all - ritual. Ritual is a concept I understand, believe in, make sense of and yearn for. As Bradley Cooper would say tell me something girl, are you happy in this modern world? And I would reply with a big, assertive (teary faced because of that song) no Bradley Im definitely not happy in the modern world. It insists on routines and my ancestors lived by ritual. To me the concept of ritual puts the autonomy fully back in my hands. The process of bathing as a ritual has meaning, whereas bathing because of the routine confuses me. The ritual of eating lunch, the ritual of getting dressed, the ritual of drinking from a goblet I bought for myself specifically for ritualistic drinks. This makes sense to me, this is something I can adhere to, something my brain will let me do because its a service to my connection to self, not simply a service to what the modern world says the daily routines should be. If you or your children find daily living difficult, find the routine impossible and therefore harmful to aspire to, you may find the concepts of rhythms and rituals helpful also. You dont need (early or otherwise) intervention to meet external behavioural expectations, but you may feel your abilities expand or change shape when you reframe and reconceptualise why and how you do what you do. (And above all, dont be tricked by health care providers who focus on fixing your deficits rather than supporting you to discover your own truths.) You do you. Routine, rhythm or ritual. Xxx

01.01.2022 The Brain Care Café here - www.allisondavies.com.au/braincare Oh My Musical Goodness here - www.ohmymusicalgoodness.com (Café closes in a couple of days so click there first) xxxxx

01.01.2022 TW... functioning labels below... . . . .... I spend a lot of time crossing my fingers that my words won’t be misunderstood, so that the truth behind them can be actualised within the lives of those who resonate with them. ‘Functioning at our best’ and ‘a brain that can function at its best’ however are phrases I use that require more than crossed fingers. These need a proper explanation. Because to confuse these words with functioning labels would be dire. Functioning labels are misleading, discriminatory, a reflection of outdated practice and lead to support needs either being wrongly pathologised, or unsupported and ignored. This will not do. Functioning labels must not be used. When we describe someone by the way we perceive them to function we perpetuate the mistruth that capacity can be defined. Describing non speaking people with complex support needs as ‘low functioning’ denotes their competence, intelligence, ability to thrive and the validity that they are whole, and enough. And identifying those of us with academic inclinations and so-called acceptable social interests as high functioning denotes our pain, disability and trauma, not to mention the existence of masking and fawning. Functioning labels are harmful and must be removed from the diagnostic standards and social rhetoric. The word ‘function’, however, has a place. In it’s literal context it’s ‘an activity that is natural to, or the purpose of, a person or thing’. And our brain does function! Right now my hand is functioning as I scribble these words onto my notebook, my lungs are functioning as I take deep breaths in between each sentence and my brain is functioning in a state of flow as these words pour from me with an urgent need to be written and seen. When I speak of a brain that can function at its best’ I refer to exactly *literally* that. A brain functioning at IT’S best! Whatever that best is, for that person, in that moment in time. I aim to support myself (and those who seek my work) to experience their own sense of flow, of regulation, of creativity, of joy - and this functionality is equally as valid and achievable for every single person - no matter their neurotype, complexity of support needs or co-occurring conditions. I boldly stand for braincare. For supporting our brain to function at its (ever changing) best, in however that looks, feels or fluctuates. And I categorically oppose these use of functioning labels. To seek self actualisation is a beautiful thing. To judge, compare limit and invalidate is discrimination. We deserve better than that, and so do our children. Xxx