Sorcha Dunne's Avatar

Sorcha Dunne

@sorchadunne.bsky.social

AuDHD gal | Lecturer and Admissions Lead in Occupational Therapy @ University of Gloucestershire | MASc Creative Health | Passionate about neurodiversity, disability justice, ABI rehabilitation, creativity and dogs πŸͺ©πŸ‡΅πŸ‡Έ Name pronounced sore-sha.

573 Followers  |  279 Following  |  29 Posts  |  Joined: 17.11.2024  |  1.8356

Latest posts by sorchadunne.bsky.social on Bluesky

It's been great! I love teaching about my special interests, and seeing the students develop is amazing. Academics are very opinionated (myself included πŸ˜…) but I've been really lucky that all OT academics I've worked with so far have been super innovative and pushing for change. Would recommend!

05.12.2024 22:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I may be biased but I would very much recommend OT as a career, if you ever want to chat about it, let me know!

05.12.2024 22:02 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Hi Cliff, gladly! Nice to connect with you and hear the work you're doing

27.11.2024 18:08 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Collaboration featuring engineering, occupational therapy and high school students creates hundreds of adapted toys for children | Marquette Today Santa’s workshop returned to Marquette this November as part of an annual effort to adapt accessible toys for children and provide hands-on learning for students eager to serve. The Opus College of En...

Santa’s workshop returned to Marquette this November as part of an annual effort to adapt accessible toys for children and provide hands-on learning for students eager to serve.

#community #engineering #accessibility #occupationaltherapy

27.11.2024 14:46 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Preview
a lucas & friends logo with the word hello on it ALT: a lucas & friends logo with the word hello on it

#SocialConnection
#Research
The no., of social roles doesn't matter - it's the quality of roles that does (Plaisier et al., 2008), but the quantity AND the quality of social interactions matter - even minimal social interactions lead to greater well-being (Sun et al., 2019)

27.11.2024 07:28 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I've added you 😊

27.11.2024 12:23 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

To any #OccupationalTherapists using creativity, arts, nature and play in practice...you belong here too!

27.11.2024 12:22 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I've created a #CreativeHealth starter pack! If you work or engage in research related to the use of #ArtsInHealth, let me know if you'd like to be added - it's a small group at the moment, but hopefully it will grow as more move over to the Bluesky app 😊

go.bsky.app/N71NApZ

27.11.2024 12:18 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 0

Is there a #CreativeHealth or #ArtsinHealth starter pack? I can't seem to find one, would anyone be interested in me putting one together?

27.11.2024 11:39 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1

Introduce yourself with your worst feedback from school πŸ‘‡

I'm Sorcha. I need to be constantly challenged otherwise I will noisily distract myself and everyone around me.

How my ADHD was only picked up in my late 20's baffles me after reading my reports πŸ˜…

26.11.2024 19:12 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This is a brilliant idea, I may use this to get OT students to reflect on harmful/negative language in service user notes and reports πŸ‘€

26.11.2024 19:09 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Feeling apprehensive ahead of the Irish #GE24. Personally, this election may be the decider of whether I ever return home, which I have always wanted to do. More importantly, another FF/FG coalition will cost thousands of disabled people's lives & ongoing emigration of our incredible young people

26.11.2024 11:06 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Would also like to start a petition for @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social to have Kevin Shields on his podcast ahead of their upcoming gig next year #MBV

26.11.2024 10:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get to see My Bloody Valentine live, but the Dunne sisters just secured our tickets. So many incredible artists and sounds would not exist if it weren't for #MBV, can't wait to experience them live for myself.

26.11.2024 10:44 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If there are any #neurodivergent adults experiencing neurodivergent burnout, please see @vivdawes.bsky.social's post below πŸ‘‡ to help with a new book

....and please share
__
#Burnout
#AutisticBurnout
#NDBurnout

23.11.2024 13:26 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

"Non-autistic people often expect Autistic people to learn non-autistic culture and communication.

Indeed, Autistic people are frequently given β€˜treatment plans’ to help them to understand non-autistic perspectives."

Which leads to masking, which leads to distress and burnout, which leads to... 😣

22.11.2024 22:07 β€” πŸ‘ 89    πŸ” 27    πŸ’¬ 10    πŸ“Œ 2

It is SO LAZY. Surely the more prominent theme to talk about from this broadcast is the history of Irish people using slave labour, and not the inflections of the voiceover πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™€οΈ

22.11.2024 14:42 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

100% agree, but I think it's even crazier that neurotypicals feel they can comment on autistic people's tone, regardless of how 'good' or 'valuable' their work is perceived to be by the wider population - 'Inclusivity is great, but only if you conform to NT social norms so that we feel comfortable'

22.11.2024 14:40 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Heading: Rethinking Neurodiversity

Being awarded the grant and business support by Rethink Ireland enabled us to pilot a
project which disrupts the traditional model of children's disability services. The project
has three separate strands, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory,
which directly support neurodivergent children, their families and educators.

Project One:Occupational Therapy
Guided Play Groups
A child-led, demand-free
environment promoting authentic
play, social connection and self-
regulation, guided by principles
of neuroaffirmative occupational
therapy.

Project Two: Regulate-Participate!
A Whole-School Project
A whole-school approach to
learning about neurodiversity,
facilitated by our team of OTs
and Psychologist, via a series of
discussions, an audit of the
school environment with
recommendations on actioning
inclusivity & support on targeting
movement breaks.

Project Three: Information Sharing
Webinars
Providing free, educational
opportunities is one of our core
goals at Neurodiversity Ireland.
We empower families and health
professionals with the knowledge
and confidence they need to
support and connect with their
neurodivergent children.

Heading: Rethinking Neurodiversity Being awarded the grant and business support by Rethink Ireland enabled us to pilot a project which disrupts the traditional model of children's disability services. The project has three separate strands, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which directly support neurodivergent children, their families and educators. Project One:Occupational Therapy Guided Play Groups A child-led, demand-free environment promoting authentic play, social connection and self- regulation, guided by principles of neuroaffirmative occupational therapy. Project Two: Regulate-Participate! A Whole-School Project A whole-school approach to learning about neurodiversity, facilitated by our team of OTs and Psychologist, via a series of discussions, an audit of the school environment with recommendations on actioning inclusivity & support on targeting movement breaks. Project Three: Information Sharing Webinars Providing free, educational opportunities is one of our core goals at Neurodiversity Ireland. We empower families and health professionals with the knowledge and confidence they need to support and connect with their neurodivergent children.

Heading: Outcomes of Play Groups:
What to Measure?
Main Text:
We want to move beyond traditional, deficit-focused and standardised assessments for
neurodivergent children. We realise and regret the harm that has been caused to
neurodivergent children and their families, by measurements of their abilities against
neurotypical test scores or comparative metrics. We no longer wish our children to be
assessed for their ability to perform β€œskills” that do not align with their authentic,
neurodivergent identities. The β€œgoals” we seek for our children must be informed by an
evidence base that aligns with neuro-affirming values and centres the perspectives of
what neurodivergent children need and want. We want to improve their well-being and
most of all, we want them to be happy!
We know that child surveys have limited scope in capturing children’s experiences,
particularly for diverse learners and communicators. We know there is a lack of data on
children’s perceptions and confidence in their cultural identities and their participation in
group activities. We believe in the need for innovative child data collection practices.
Neurodiversity Ireland advocates against splitting children into separate diagnoses,
thereby requiring separate services, across various sectors. Similarly, we advocate for a
whole-child approach to measuring well-being, that respects the particular qualities of
and challenges faced by neurodivergent children.
We recognise the importance of children’s own activities, attitudes, environments and
relationships as both drivers and outcomes of their well-being. With this in mind, we
argue that the whole ecosystem around the child must be considered, when seeking to
measure their well-being.

Heading: Outcomes of Play Groups: What to Measure? Main Text: We want to move beyond traditional, deficit-focused and standardised assessments for neurodivergent children. We realise and regret the harm that has been caused to neurodivergent children and their families, by measurements of their abilities against neurotypical test scores or comparative metrics. We no longer wish our children to be assessed for their ability to perform β€œskills” that do not align with their authentic, neurodivergent identities. The β€œgoals” we seek for our children must be informed by an evidence base that aligns with neuro-affirming values and centres the perspectives of what neurodivergent children need and want. We want to improve their well-being and most of all, we want them to be happy! We know that child surveys have limited scope in capturing children’s experiences, particularly for diverse learners and communicators. We know there is a lack of data on children’s perceptions and confidence in their cultural identities and their participation in group activities. We believe in the need for innovative child data collection practices. Neurodiversity Ireland advocates against splitting children into separate diagnoses, thereby requiring separate services, across various sectors. Similarly, we advocate for a whole-child approach to measuring well-being, that respects the particular qualities of and challenges faced by neurodivergent children. We recognise the importance of children’s own activities, attitudes, environments and relationships as both drivers and outcomes of their well-being. With this in mind, we argue that the whole ecosystem around the child must be considered, when seeking to measure their well-being.

Interested in how we can provide #neuroaffirmative support to neurodivergent kids? Have a look at the report I wrote with #NeurodiversityIreland which highlights the incredible community based supports they're building with and for the community neurodiversityireland.com/about/

22.11.2024 14:30 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A screenshot of Blindboy Boatclub's (an Irish podcaster, writer and incredible storyteller) Instagram story. On a white background, there is a screenshot of an Irish times article with a headline that reads: TV review: it's great to hear a Limerick accent on TV, it's astonishing that regional accents are still such a rarity on the airwaves. That said, Blindboy has an unusual method of delivery that makes everything he says sound sarcastic. Even when he's being sincere, as he is throughout this broadcast, it's as if he's winding up for a punchline that never arrives.

A screenshot of Blindboy Boatclub's (an Irish podcaster, writer and incredible storyteller) Instagram story. On a white background, there is a screenshot of an Irish times article with a headline that reads: TV review: it's great to hear a Limerick accent on TV, it's astonishing that regional accents are still such a rarity on the airwaves. That said, Blindboy has an unusual method of delivery that makes everything he says sound sarcastic. Even when he's being sincere, as he is throughout this broadcast, it's as if he's winding up for a punchline that never arrives.

Incredibly disappointing to see the Irish Times tone policing @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social in his recent (brilliant) broadcast. In today's world, having 0 understanding that many #autistic people speak in different tones & inflections than NTs is embarrassing. Herein lies the double empathy issue πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™€οΈ

22.11.2024 13:56 β€” πŸ‘ 141    πŸ” 29    πŸ’¬ 7    πŸ“Œ 3

Thank you for the well wishes - it seems like such a great opportunity, it would be silly to let my imposter syndrome take over. Looking forward to connecting with more international OTs 😊

22.11.2024 13:43 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I'll be attending with some of our lovely OT students in Gloucestershire - we're really looking forward it and have enjoyed the whole series so far 😊

21.11.2024 21:57 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

What an incredible achievement, congratulations!

21.11.2024 21:47 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Feeling... terrified (and excited) to be submitting some work to the #WFOT Congress for the first time ever. Is anyone here in the same boat, or have any words of wisdom/encouragement?! Hoping to meet lots of lovely OTs in Bangkok next year 😊

21.11.2024 21:47 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

Such a great feature! The chaos of an ADHD brain often means I forget to complete important steps of tasks, and this really simple accessibility feature enables me to ensure my content is accessible too - design principles based on mutual soundness πŸͺ© (as @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social might say)

21.11.2024 18:56 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Hoping this fills the void of #OTalk πŸ₯Ή

21.11.2024 18:10 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

✨ #Neurodivergent, Neuroaffirming Health & Social Care Practitioners✨

Yes, I'm going for it with my #StarterPacks!

Look at this amazing, growing list

But...I want more

Let me know somehow, anyhow if you want to be added or know someone else who should πŸ™‚

#Neuroaffirming only

go.bsky.app/CvfD2Rf

18.11.2024 17:35 β€” πŸ‘ 25    πŸ” 14    πŸ’¬ 17    πŸ“Œ 3
Book cover 'Antiracist Occupational Therapy' by Dr Musharrat J Ahmed- Landeryou

Book cover 'Antiracist Occupational Therapy' by Dr Musharrat J Ahmed- Landeryou

Hello Blue Sky people. How is everyone here? I am here to get away from surveillance & vexatious baseless accusations on X because I am politically proPalestine.
Oh yes please buy my history making #OccupationalTherapy book

16.11.2024 20:14 β€” πŸ‘ 38    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Celebrating Diversity and Unique Thinking - Neurodiversity Ireland

NDI website: neurodiversityireland.com and our first report is available on this page: neurodiversityireland.com/about/ 😊

19.11.2024 14:08 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I would love to be added! Im currently working in collaboration with Neurodiversity Ireland, supporting them with their research and producing reports on the incredible neuroaffirmative work they are doing with neurodivergent kids. I'll share a link to the report/website for those interested below

19.11.2024 14:07 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

@sorchadunne is following 20 prominent accounts