special needs

Community Based Instruction (CBI): Effective Planning and Implementation

by
Community Based Instruction (CBI): Effective Planning and Implementation 1

Community Based Instruction: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers Community Based Instruction (CBI) is a cornerstone of effective special education, providing students with disabilities the opportunity to learn and practice essential life skills in real-world settings. This comprehensive guide aims to equip special education teachers with the knowledge and strategies to implement successful CBI programs, enhancing … Read more

Understanding Childhood Disintegrative Disorder – A Guide For Families

by
Understanding Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - A Guide For Families 2

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment, and Long-Term Management Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), also known as Heller’s syndrome, is a rare and debilitating neurodevelopmental condition characterised by the regression of skills and loss of abilities in areas such as language, social functioning, play, motor skills, and self-care. In this article, we explore key aspects of … Read more

Generalisation of Skills for SEN Students

by
Generalisation of Skills for SEN Students 3

Generalisation of Skills As special educational needs (SEN) teachers, we often find ourselves focusing intensely on helping our students master specific skills. However, the true measure of success lies not just in the acquisition of these skills, but in the ability to apply them across various contexts and situations. This concept is known as generalisation … Read more

ECT: Preparing for a Successful Start with SLD and SLCN Students

by
ECT: Preparing for a Successful Start with SLD and SLCN Students 4

ECT: Preparing for a Successful Start with SLD and Communication Needs Students Teaching a class with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and communication needs presents unique challenges and opportunities to demonstrate your teaching skills. This post will explore some strategies and activities to help you create an effective start to your career in SEN. They have … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Classroom Strategies for Oppositional Defiant Disorder

by
The Ultimate Guide to Classroom Strategies for Oppositional Defiant Disorder 5

In our diverse classrooms, we encounter a broad range of minds, each with its unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world. Among these, some students experience emotions and interactions more intensely than others, processing their environment with heightened sensitivity and responding with powerful expressions of their needs and feelings. These students, who have … Read more

Understanding and Supporting Elopement Behavior in Autistic Students

by
Understanding and Supporting Elopement Behavior in Autistic Students 6

Elopement Behavior in Autistic Students When a child elopes, it’s often a window into their inner world—a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or simply too intense. Elopement isn’t just about leaving a physical space; it’s a complex behaviour that speaks volumes about a child’s emotional state and needs. Imagine being in a place … Read more

Essential Tips for Traveling with a Child with Disabilities

by
Essential Tips for Traveling with a Child with Disabilities 7

Air travel necessitates planning. This is particularly valid in cases where your child possesses health issues or particular requirements like autism. That whole preparation phase can be extremely draining for parents and other caretakers! However, families don’t have to give up on exploring new locations and creating moments with one another. As with any ability, … Read more

Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Benefits of Sensory Breaks

by
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Benefits of Sensory Breaks 8

Sensory Breaks: Supporting Neurodiverse Students in the Classroom In today’s diverse classrooms, recognising and accommodating the sensory needs of all students, including those who are neurodivergent, is crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Regular sensory breaks throughout the school day are essential for helping students regulate their nervous systems and maintain focus … Read more

Olympic-Inspired PMLD Sensory Activities

by
Olympic-Inspired PMLD Sensory Activities 9

Sensory Activity Guide for PMLD Learners Inspired by the Olympics and the Olympic Rings With the next Olympics nearly upon us here is a detailed activity guide tailored for children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), based on the colours of the Olympic rings. Each ring colour has multiple colour-focussed activities designed to provide … Read more

Supporting Pupils with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

by
Supporting Pupils with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach 10

Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a persistent pattern of defiant, disobedient, and disruptive behaviours toward authority figures. Pupils with ODD often present significant challenges in the classroom, testing the patience and skills of even the most experienced teachers. However, it is crucial to recognize … Read more

Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in Special Education

by
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in Special Education 11

Utilising Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in Special Education Teaching “I can read the words, but I don’t understand what it’s saying.” This frustration, echoed by many students with learning difficulties, highlights the complex interplay between decoding text and comprehending its meaning. When working with SEN learners, understanding the intricate processes that govern learning is paramount, … Read more

Don’t Dismiss Neurodiversity or Neurodiverse Perspectives on Autism

by
Don't Dismiss Neurodiversity or Neurodiverse Perspectives on Autism 12

As part of a neurodiverse family and working in the field of SEN (Special Educational Needs) this article – Why the Neurodiversity Movement Has Become Harmful by Moheb Costandi, a molecular and developmental neurobiologist, the author of Body Am I (2024) didn’t chime with what we believe or are trying to achieve at school. The article presents … Read more

Understanding Why Children Eat Glue: Causes and Solutions

by
Understanding Why Children Eat Glue: Causes and Solutions 13

Why Do Children Eat Glue? Children eating glue can seem like a perplexing and concerning behaviour for parents and classroom staff alike. While it may appear harmless, at least initially, understanding the underlying reasons is crucial to addressing this habit effectively. This article will explore the factors contributing to glue-eating and provide practical strategies to … Read more

Neurodiversity Perspective on AuDHD: Strengths and Advocacy

by
Neurodiversity Perspective on AuDHD: Strengths and Advocacy 14

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

The Ultimate Summer Holiday Bucket List for Neurodiverse Families

by
The Ultimate Summer Holiday Bucket List for Neurodiverse Families 15

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

How to Advocate for Your Child’s Rights and Needs in the UK School System

by
How to Advocate for Your Child’s Rights and Needs in the UK School System 16

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

Creating a Highly Effective Team of Teaching Assistants

by
Creating a Highly Effective Team of Teaching Assistants 17

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

80 Why Questions to Use In Lessons/Speech Therapy

by
80 Why Questions to Use In Lessons/Speech Therapy 18

The Power of “Why?” Questions in Developing Expressive Language Skills As a special needs teacher, you need to understand the importance of taking any opportunity to develop expressive language skills in children. These skills empower them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas effectively. One powerful and effective tool in your arsenal is the “Why?” … Read more

Understanding Dyscalculia: Symptoms & Free Tests

by
Understanding Dyscalculia: Symptoms & Free Tests 19

What is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects an individual’s ability to understand and work with numbers. Also referred to as acalculia, arithmetic disability, or number agnosia, dyscalculia manifests in various forms, including developmental, secondary, and acquired. Developmental Dyscalculia: Developmental dyscalculia arises from early childhood, leading to challenges in comprehending numerical concepts. Those … Read more

Pupil Voice: Children with Speech, Language, & Communication Needs

by
Pupil Voice: Children with Speech, Language, & Communication Needs 20

Methods for Gaining Pupil Voice from Children with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs The recognition of children’s voices has become increasingly imperative in contemporary educational discourse. Shifting social, cultural, and political landscapes, alongside legal mandates such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscore the necessity of involving children, particularly those with … Read more