Mikaela

My Requirements

I am a sensitive, curious and fun little boy with a great capacity to smile, laugh and self-advocate. I can be a little quiet at the beginning but with enough reassurance and consistency, I can be lots of fun. I am learning to become more sociable and am beginning to develop positive relationships with others.

I like it when grown ups treat me with respect, give me choices, promote my independence in a caring and supportive way, reflect back to me my inner experiences and remain curious about all that I have to say, feel and think. I feel safe when boundaries and expectations are negotiated with me ahead of time and then followed through, particularly around mealtimes, transitions and timings.

I respond positively when grown ups are attuned to my emotions, particularly when I struggle with my big feelings and I like to know that they can help me to access some of my own strategies to help me feel safe, calm and at ease. As my language skills grow, I also find it helpful when grown ups help me to feel understood by saying back to me what they have heard. This helps me to feel listened to and encourages me to develop my language abilities.