- Processing: consider processing differences (emotions, dysregulation, and information).
- Empathy: what does this example tell us about the double empathy problem and implications for managing neurodiverse groups?
- Predictability: how might this scenario consider sensory comfort, group rules, and intervention orientation (e.g. to reduce stigma harm and to provide predictability)?
Read the scenario below and consider:
- What is happening for Ramish in this scenario?
- As a practitioner, what measures can you put in place to:
- Prevent this situation from occurring in the first place?
- Calm the dynamics that are presenting within the group?
- Provide processing space?
- Emotional space?
Ramish is a participant in a group DAPP. He has been attending for the last 6 weeks and is beginning to feel more comfortable in the space. He knows what to expect when he comes into the room and he is building a positive relationship with the programme facilitator.
In this session, the group are challenged to consider and take ownership of their abusive behaviours. They are asked to imagine how their behaviour impacts their partner and to reflect on what they could do differently.
Ramish begins to feel anxious as he is unsure how to approach the exercise. He asks the person next to him, who replies (out of the practitioner’s earshot) ‘are you thick or something’.
When asked how his partner might be feeling, Ramish tugs repeatedly at his beard, saying ‘I don’t know, I’m not her’. When challenged to try and to put himself in his partner’s shoes, Ramish begins to zone out.
Others in the group get frustrated, as they have all participated and they feel Ramish gets ‘special treatment’ and that he ‘is not owning up to his behaviour’. The facilitator asks the group to settle down and continues on with the programme.