Noticing how Battie talks about Stretcho with deep knowledge, excitement, and pride.
Thinking about how a special interest can make a person feel.
Exploring how people have different interests and how these change over time.
Identifying own preferences and being able to self-advocate.
It is Dress Up Day at school and each student dresses as what they want to be when they grow up. Battie wears a costume he made with his Grandfather; Stretcho, a superhero. The other children arrive in costumes for jobs such as a vet and other real world careers. The other children find it difficult to understand Battie's interest. Battie shares that he knows Stretcho is not a real job, but that he can grow up to do things that Stretcho does, like being brave and helping people.
• What did you notice about the way Battie talked about Stretcho?
• Battie's grandfather helped make the costume. Who is someone who shares or supports your interests?
• How does it feel when you get to talk about something you really love?
• Battie said he could grow up to do the things Stretcho does. What are the things your interests say about who you are?
• What are other ways Battie can share his interest with others?
• What could someone do to show they are interested in learning about your special interest?
The questions within this guide are designed to open dialogue and facilitate discussion around the relevant topics. It is up to the user to adapt as needed to best suit the person they are supporting. A neuroaffirming approach was central to the design of these resources and remains essential to their application. This means recognising and respecting the diverse ways people think, communicate, and experience the world, ensuring all conversations are led with curiosity, respect, and without judgement. These resources are a starting point. Trust your knowledge of the person you are supporting to shape the conversation from there.
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