Down Syndrome Awareness Month – Featuring Bella
Positive awareness for Down syndrome is something that is only really now bursting through into mainstream media. When there are so many positive things to be said it makes you wonder, why aren’t more people shouting about them? The reality is, it takes an awful lot of vulnerability to share your thoughts and experiences of a condition that so many take prejudice against. Fortunately, Jess (and also Bella!) have been ardently telling their story from the very beginning.
Celebrating 6 Years of Sunshine Support: Empowering Families and Advocating for Special Educational Needs
What began as a passionate endeavour to support, educate, and advocate for parents and professionals in the field of special educational needs has blossomed into a remarkable journey filled with achievements, resilience, and hope
Seclusion and Isolation: Is it Breaking Fundamental Human Rights Laws?
We hear, too often, about children being locked in rooms and told they ‘must stay’ in buildings as a form of control or punishment, many schools are now securing each door with magnetic locks so children can’t freely leave. But, we ask, how lawful is this practice?
Pre-Action Protocol and Judicial Review – Your Legal Rights
As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. When local authorities fall short of their legal responsibilities in processing Education, Health, and Care (EHC) needs assessments or managing the EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan), it can be a stressful and frustrating experience. However, it’s essential to know that you have legal rights and recourse to hold the council accountable for their actions. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of ensuring that your child receives the support they deserve.
Embracing Visual Learning to Improve Inclusivity
Imagine a classroom where every student’s unique way of understanding is not only acknowledged, but celebrated. Visual communication methods are a brilliant way to achieve just that. From printed visuals to sign language and Makaton, these methods offer a spectrum of possibilities that benefit not only those with communication differences or special educational needs but every single child in your class.
Toileting and Continence Development Challenges: A Compassionate Guide for Parents
As parents, we embark on a remarkable journey filled with countless highs and lows no matter the needs of our child. Each milestone our child achieves brings joy and pride, but it’s the moments of struggle that truly make us doubt ourselves as parents. One such challenge that many parents face is supporting their child through toileting and continence development difficulties. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone. There is support available, and we hope to give you some hope in this article…
PDA & FII (Fabricated or Induced Illness)
As I glance at pictures of my beautiful daughter in her younger years I fantasise about what could have been… What should have been. We had a glorious relationship; “you and me against the world” we would say.
What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a symptom of ADHD not listed in the DSM-5 and is considered as a form of emotional dysregulation. It is extremely common (around 95% of ADHDers experience it) in both children and adults with ADHD, but as there is still very little research it is unclear whether it is a trait exclusive to people with ADHD.
What is Gestalt Language Processing?
What is meant by Gestalt Language Processing? And how can we support this style of language development?
Selective Mutism & Demand Avoidance
I am absolutely convinced that H’s Selective Mutism is related to stress and demand avoidance. I think that the most important thing we have learned is that none of the difficulties are due to a conscious choice, they are all stress/anxiety based and all of that stress/anxiety is caused by a lack of support in school settings, misunderstanding of autism, the way H processes the world and their perception of when they need to be anxious.
