School Avoidance Week 2024
How can we recognise and properly support children who are struggling to attend school? School avoidance – sometimes referred to as school ‘refusal’, which we’ll address further on – is a very complex and multifaceted issue where a child experiences intense difficulty attending school.
On The Double Rainbow – Ausome Charlie
Intersectional Diversity: The ‘Double Rainbow’ of Autism and LGBTQIA+ Charlie Hart, also known as ‘Ausome Charlie’ (she/they), is a popular keynote speaker, an experienced Human Resources Analyst, and an influential neurodiversity advocate. Charlie is multiple neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, Complex PTSD), bisexual/pansexual, and gender non-conforming. The ‘double rainbow’ Studies show that autistic people are far more […]
Managing Back To School Anxiety
Helping Children Manage Back-to-School Anxiety Here at Sunshine Support, anxiety is one of the topics that we come across the most, especially as we approach the start of the new school term. As the days of summer start to fade, the prospect of going back to school in the Autumn term can stir up an […]
Managing Different Needs Within the Family
The task of meeting the needs of your entire family is demanding enough without mixed needs to consider; how do we manage different needs within a family effectively? In this post, we’ll be sharing some valuable insight from families whose children have mixed needs, as well as signposting you to our own resources in order […]
A Mother’s Journey: Navigating the Storm of Child to Parent Abuse
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a fighter. I fought to bring my daughter into this world, and I’ve fought every single day since to ensure she has the best life possible. My daughter, now in her twenties, was diagnosed with autism with a PDA profile and ADHD.
Understanding and Managing Exam-Based Anxiety: A Guide for Parents and Educators
As we approach the exam season, it’s crucial to remember that for many children and young people, this period can bring about heightened levels of anxiety and stress. I’m here to shed light on this issue and offer insights and strategies to help pre-empt and manage exam-based anxiety effectively.
The Importance of Resilience and Self-Esteem for Parents of Children with Special Educational Needs
Being a parent is an incredible journey, filled with joys, challenges, and moments that test our strength. When you add the responsibility of caring for a child with special educational needs (SEN), this journey can become even more demanding. Many of us in this unique situation often find ourselves struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional fatigue.
Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders
As a parent it can be heart-breaking to watch your child struggle with their food. Whether this is seen as ‘picky eating’ or something else, it’s hard to understand when it’s an actual problem and how we go about helping them.
We’ve all heard the terms “disordered eating” and “eating disorders”, but are they really the same? Let’s clear this up…
Why Home Educate?
As a parent, one of the most crucial decisions we make for our children is how they receive their education. For many families in the UK home education has become an increasingly popular choice. But why? What drives parents to choose this path for their children? A recent study conducted by Dr. Karen Smith, Dr. […]
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.