Articles linked to SEN (Special Educational Needs) in education and parenting
The Stereognostic Sense in Montessori Education In the multi-sensory world of a Montessori classroom, the focus extends beyond just sight and sound. Here, the oft-overlooked stereognostic sense is vital for cultivating cognitive development and independent learning. But what exactly is this enigmatic “stereognostic sense“? What is the Stereognostic Sense? The stereognostic sense, also known as … Read more
Symptoms and Strategies for Inattentive ADHD Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological condition that manifests in various forms, each with its own set of unique challenges. Among these forms, the predominantly inattentive subtype, formerly known as ADHD-PI, is often overlooked or misunderstood, particularly in its presentation in both children and adults. This article aims … Read more
Developing Essential Cognitive Abilities: Nurturing Executive Function in the Classroom What are Executive Functioning Skills? Executive function skills are a set of mental abilities that act like the brain’s air traffic controller. They help us organize our thoughts, prioritize tasks, manage our time, control our impulses, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. Essentially, … Read more
Understanding the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a crucial tool in understanding and measuring autistic traits among adults. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his team at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge in 2001, the AQ provides valuable insights into the expression of autistic traits in individuals. Its significance and … Read more
The Gendered Exclusion of Neurodivergent, AuDHD Women Historically, autism and ADHD have been viewed as predominantly male conditions, with diagnoses being four times more likely for males than females. This gender bias has led to the systematic exclusion and misunderstanding of neurodivergent women and girls, who often struggle to obtain accurate diagnoses and access appropriate … Read more
What is AuDHD and is it a Special Educational Need? Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or AuDHD if you have both) is a topic of significant interest in the realm of education. As educators, parents, and professionals, understanding the relationship between ADHD, Autism and Special Educational Needs (SEN) is crucial for providing effective … Read more
An Inclusive Summer Holiday Bucket List for Neurodiverse Families The Summer holidays are here (or approaching), which means fun in the sun and plenty of opportunities for memory-making! As a parent raising neurodivergent children, you know that keeping kids engaged and having a good time isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate … Read more
Building Resilience: Social Emotional Learning Strategies for Autistic Children Resilience has emerged as essential in nurturing students’ overall well-being, academic success, and ability to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) equips young minds with the vital skills to navigate life’s challenges effectively, empowering them to bounce back from adversity with … Read more
Reducing Chewing Behaviours in Autistic Children: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach Chewing behaviours are common among autistic children and individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). These repetitive actions, such as chewing on clothing, biting pens, or random objects, often serve as a self-soothing mechanism. As educators, parents, and caregivers, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons behind … Read more
The Debate on Behaviour Contracts for Autistic Children: Perspectives and Controversies Introduction Behaviour contracts are widely used in various educational and therapeutic settings to address challenging behaviours and promote positive change. When it comes to autistic children, the use of behaviour contracts has sparked both support and criticism. In this debate, we’ll explore different opinions … Read more
What Is Natural Environment Teaching (NET)? Natural environment teaching (NET) emphasizes teaching skills in the child’s natural settings and daily routines, aligning with their interests and motivations. Despite its play-based nature, NET is a structured method that effectively targets communication, socialization, and other essential skills. This is not an article supporting the approach but sharing … Read more
Communicating with School: A Guide for Parents of Children with Special Needs Having a child with special needs like autism or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) means developing a strong partnership with the professionals involved in your child’s care and education. Effective communication is absolutely vital for ensuring your child receives the support and … Read more
Advocating for Your SEN Child Navigating the UK school system, especially when your child has special educational needs, can be daunting. The complexity of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) and various processes can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. However, as an SEN parent, you have the power to advocate for your child effectively. Here’s a … Read more
Building an Effective Teaching Assistant Team in School Effective collaboration is essential for teaching assistants (TAs) to provide the best possible support for students and teachers in UK schools. When TAs work together as a cohesive team, drawing on each other’s strengths and working towards shared goals, it can have a tremendously positive impact on … Read more
Vestibular Stimming: Self-Regulation and More Vestibular stimming, also known as vestibular self-stimulatory behaviour, is a type of repetitive movement that provides sensory input to the vestibular system, which is responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation. Many individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sensory processing … Read more
Proprioception vs Vestibular What are the Differences? Proprioception and vestibular senses are both crucial components of our body’s sensory system, but they serve distinct functions: Proprioception: Vestibular Sense: Key Differences: Understanding the differences and interplay between these senses is crucial in fields such as physical therapy, sports training, and treatment of balance disorders. Exploring the … Read more
Neurodiversity and the Art of Adaptation (Masking and Fawn Response) As we journey into the intricate world of autism, we encounter the visible aspects and the subtle survival mechanisms that shape an individual’s experience. One such phenomenon is fawning, a behaviour deeply intertwined with the neurodiverse landscape. This article will explore the origins, impact, and … Read more
As a dedicated teacher in the U.K., my passion lies in nurturing young minds and helping every child reach their full potential. However, the reality of catering to the diverse needs of students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), within the constraints of the current education system, is a daunting challenge. I will tell … Read more
Simple Sensory Activities for Autistic Teenagers at Home What Are Sensory Activities? Sensory activities engage the senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, motion, and balance. These activities can vary from simple exercises like listening to soothing music to more complex setups like sensory circuits. They are beneficial for autistic teenagers as they aid sensory … Read more
What is Gestalt Language? Gestalt language processing is a style in which the child processes and understands language as a whole rather than breaking it down into its parts. For instance, instead of understanding each word in a sentence separately, children who are gestalt language processors often learn and recall phrases and sentences as a … Read more
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