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Supporting Neurodiversity
One of our organizations' focuses is educating & improving the mauliola of children and adults in our community with learning differences; including (not limited to) Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, & OCD. These populations face significant challenges in our standardized educational, governmental, & societal systems.
oUR pROGRAM
Founded by a neurodivergent indigenous woman, our program at Mauliola Keʻehi supports children and adults with learning differences through a culturally grounded, ocean-based learning experience. We strive to create a learning environment that is welcoming and accessible to all.
Our programs teach participants:
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Social emotional learning skills & emotional regulation techniques
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ʻIke Hawaiʻi on mauliola & coastal ecosystems
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Physical & mental fitness through Hoe waʻa (canoe paddling)
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Hands-on marine science education
Social Emotional Learning
(Sel)
Social-emotional learning (SEL) teaches participants to handle stress, set goals, make decisions, and manage their emotions, allowing them to work and learn more effectively in educational and real-world environments (3).
cultivating mauliola
Mauliola Keʻehi educates participants on actionable skills to mālama (take care of) and cultivate their mauliola (wellbeing). These skills allow participants to develop self-awareness, social awareness, and practice self-management (3).
breathing
Kilo
pīkai
Our exercises support active engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system through diaphramic breathing, body scanning, and practicing the physiological sigh (1).
Engaging in awareness through visualization and kilo kino (deep observation of oneself), allows participants to calm their mind before entering a new environment; as well as equipping them with tools to regulate their own stress and anxiety (5).
Pīkai, or to sprinkle with saltwater, is a sacred and healing practice that cleanses our participants from all the negativity within their bodies and minds. This practice instills a grounding and restorative connection to self, kai (ocean), honua (Earth) and kūpuna (ancestors).
Sources: (1)Leggett, H. (2023, February 9). ‘Cyclic sighing’ can help breathe away anxiety. Stanford Medicine Insights. Stanford University School of Medicine. (2)Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 6). Parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS): What it is & function. Cleveland Clinic.(3) Child Mind Institute.(4)Balban MY, Neri E, Kogon MM, Weed L, Nouriani B, Jo B, Holl G, Zeitzer JM, Spiegel D, Huberman AD. Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Rep Med. 2023 Jan 17;4(1). (5) American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Mindfulness and stress reduction.
rESOURCES
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