Articles linked to SEN (Special Educational Needs) in education and parenting
A Practical Guide for Teachers and Parents on Managing Sensory Overload This guide is for teachers who want real answers. We don’t need more acronyms. We don’t need more complex charts that sit in a binder and gather dust. We need a practical way to understand regulation in the classroom. This is especially true for … Read more
What Is Autistic Skill Regression? Autistic skill regression refers to the loss or reduced access to abilities that were previously established. This experience can be deeply disorienting and distressing, but understanding what’s happening can help you navigate this challenging period with more self-compassion. Skill regression in autistic adults and children manifests differently than many people … Read more
The teenage years mark a huge step toward independence and increasing demands from life. Homework, changing classrooms, managing timetables, remembering deadlines, and balancing social life – for many students this transition can feel demanding. For teens with ADHD or Autism, these demands can be overwhelming – This is where visual planning comes in. Executive functions … Read more
If you’re a UK parent trying to get your child assessed for autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions, you’ve probably already discovered the not-so-fun reality: NHS waiting lists that stretch into years, mounting stress, and some seriously tough choices about whether to go private. You’re not alone. Loads of parents across the UK are having … Read more
Dreamland Margate, with its retro vibes and seaside charm, stole my heart on our last visit, but let’s be real: it’s not always a seamless ride (pun intended) for neurodiverse little ones. As someone who’s advocated for better access in places like this, I pulled together what I wish I’d known before our trip, focusing … Read more
The bell rings for math class, and you notice the usual pattern: Alex pulls out his materials efficiently and begins the warm-up problem, while Jamie sits frozen, overwhelmed by the multi-step equation on the board. In the same classroom, using the same instruction, one student’s executive function skills are supporting their success while another’s challenges … Read more
Sarah sits at her desk staring at a math worksheet, pencil hovering over the first problem. She understands addition, but the page feels overwhelming. Where should she start? How should she organize her work? Meanwhile, across the room, Marcus has started three different assignments but finished none, his desk a chaos of half-completed papers and … Read more
Creating an inclusive classroom where students with visual impairments can thrive requires intentional planning, specialized techniques, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs. Whether you’re a general education teacher welcoming your first student with a visual impairment, a special education professional, or a parent advocating for your child, these 20 research-backed strategies will … Read more
Celebrating Your Child’s Unique Interests Every autistic child is unique, with their own passions, preferences, and ways of engaging with the world. Many autistic children find joy and comfort in objects, patterns, or activities like lining up toys, spinning objects, or diving deep into a favorite topic like trains or video games. These interests are … Read more
Why some children seem to know exactly where they are while others bump into everything – and what we can do about it You know that child in your setting – the one who seems to have no idea how much space their body takes up? They bump into furniture, knock things over, and seem … Read more
Why getting muddy might just be the best thing you do for your children this term I’ll be honest with you, when I first heard about barefoot sensory paths, I thought it was another passing fad. Just another thing to add to our already overwhelming to-do list. But after watching three-year-old Maya transform from a … Read more
Students dealing with various learning disabilities typically require extra support and attention to learn effectively. They may face difficulties with reading, writing, memory, or problem-solving. Fortunately, they can thrive in the classroom if teachers employ the right strategies. For instance, educators can help by creating inclusive learning environments that enable everyone to feel capable and … Read more
It’s not easy to find your way around school or college. Students are always juggling their many tasks, from tight deadlines to tough tests. But it can be even harder for kids with disabilities. Whether it’s a mental, sensory, or physical disability, these problems are often not seen or talked about. What exactly does it … Read more
Is Their Sock Seam the Villain of Every Morning? 7 Sensory Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling (And How to Gently Help at Home) Parenting is a grand adventure, isn’t it? One minute you’re celebrating a milestone, the next you’re utterly bewildered by why a perfectly good plate of fish fingers has been declared an … Read more
8 Multi-Sensory Learning Ideas for Any Subject Let’s be honest, for many of us, school was a largely visual and auditory affair. Sit down. Look at the board. Listen to the teacher. Read the book. Repeat. And for some students, this traditional approach works perfectly. But what if your brain isn’t wired to learn best … Read more
6 Effective Sensory Break Ideas for the Classroom Sustained attention, especially in a busy, stimulating environment, is a huge ask for any child, but particularly for those with sensory processing differences. Their brains might be craving movement, overloaded by noise, or simply struggling to stay regulated. Sometimes, a quiet chew or a quick wobble is … Read more
How AI is Revolutionizing ADHD Support: Tools, Benefits & Real User Stories Discover how thousands of people with ADHD are using artificial intelligence to transform their daily lives, boost productivity, and finally feel understood. Sarah sits frozen at her desk, staring at a project brief that might as well be written in hieroglyphics. Her ADHD … Read more
9 Simple Ways to Adapt Your Home for Sensory Success Home should be a sanctuary, a place of comfort and calm where everyone feels safe and understood. But for a child with sensory processing differences, even the most loving home can sometimes feel like a bewildering obstacle course or a cacophony of overwhelming sensations. The … Read more
Lion King Sensory Story Multi-sensory approaches to storytelling have proven invaluable for engaging learners of all abilities. This sensory adaptation of Disney’s beloved The Lion King transforms the classic tale into an immersive experience that appeals to all learners. Download as a PDF at the bottom of the page. We also have a sensory version … Read more
Unpacking Executive Dysfunction: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Guide to Understanding and Managing Daily Challenges Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by a simple task? Do you struggle with planning, staying organised, or getting started on something, even when you know it’s important? If so, you might be experiencing executive dysfunction. Far from a sign of laziness or … Read more
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