Talking about strengths-based interventions with Renae Beaumont, PhD

For children with autism and other developmental differences, evidence-based interventions can make life-changing improvements—and the earlier these interventions are started, the better. And as expert clinicians are discovering, basing those interventions on the child’s interests and strengths can be quite effective.

In Episode 2 of our podcast series, “In the Know,” Renae Beaumont, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at Weill-Cornell and founder of the Secret Agent Society, talks with us about the impact of early intervention and some of the concepts around which those interventions are built.

“The sorts of evidence-based interventions that I’m delivering for kids are based on a couple of different theoretical frameworks,” Dr. Beaumont explains. “Part of what I do is help kids to be more self-aware of the thoughts going on in their head and how they impact on how they’re feeling and what they’re doing.”

There are several types of interventions available for kids with developmental delays, such as autism. These programs not only teach skills that support kids themselves, but also help kids communicate their needs and help parents, teachers, and friends understand the child a little bit better.

One program that we were eager to ask Dr. Beaumont about was the one that she founded, called the Secret Agent Society, which has been helping kids for over a decade. As their website describes the program, “Espionage-themed resources provide an evidence-based, comprehensive and captivating solution to structured social and emotional learning for children aged 8-12 years old.”

“The Secret Agent Society was originally developed for children with autism, “ Dr. Beaumont tells us. “Now it’s been shown to be effective for autistic children, children with ADHD, anxiety disorders, and even neurotypical children who are struggling a bit with friendships or managing emotions. It’s a program that teaches kids skills to feel happier, calmer, and braver, and how to make and keep friends.”

As Dr. Beaumont reminded us, caring for kids with autism is often just as much about teaching others around the child the “language” of autism, as it is teaching the child the “language” of the neurotypical world. In that spirit, it is encouraging to know that many autism programs are based around finding and developing the child’s strengths and interests as they are, not trying to change the child into someone they are not.

To hear more of this conversation and others in the In the Know series, use the player below or find us on Apple, Podbean, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

Our recently launched podcast series, In the Know, regularly features conversations with top experts in behavioral and developmental health to provide information and insights for clinicians and for families of children with developmental delays.

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