Welcome to Connection Beyond Words! I believe every child, including those with autism, has unique strengths and valuable lessons to share. I see them not as having a disability, but as individuals with translation and regulation needs. They deserve to be seen, loved, and respected, just like anyone else. My approach is to empower you, their teachers and them, by understanding their love languages, creating safety, and focusing on removing the barriers that hold back their growth.
But who am I?
I am Katrien.
My dream is that all children can learn to communicate their needs, things they enjoy and what they don’t like. And that their communication (in whatever way) will be understood or at least accepted.
My dream is that people learn to see when a child is showing their true happiness. That people can learn to see over time that everyone, also people that are non-verbal and have autism have something beautiful to bring to the world. As I do in every person I meet.
As a child I had difficulties communicating my needs. As I am a really sensitive person, but was not great at communicating in words. I have strengths in picking up things that most people do not pick up on. But it can be a heavy load on my nervous system too. Being in contact with my body and listen to it helps me find balance.
I finished studies with specialization Youth and Disability Care. In Belgium. And I worked with children and adults with special and complex needs all my life. In both Belgium and in the UK where I lived for some time, And now also here in the beautiful Portugal. If it was working as a caregiver, supervisor or as a teachers assistant, SEN-teacher, as a child minder,… I always loved the people I worked with and am always looking forward to meet each one of them again somewhere in life.
So if you want some support in any of the ways I offer Services , feel free to contact me. Also for just a coffee to first get to know each other a bit and check how it feels. :)
Katrien Storken specialist non-verbal communication