The power of reflexology on children with special needs
I’ve long had an interest in the use of alternative therapies and took Youngest to see a Bowen Therapist when he was just six weeks old and his clicky hip …
Category: Columnists
Seven Ways to Winter Wellness for your special needs child
It’s that time of year when parents and carers of children with long-term health conditions begin to feel nervous. How do we ensure their wellness through the colder months? The germs …
World Mental Health Day – Some healthy thinking tips
Today is World Mental Health Awareness Day and I thought it would be a good opportunity to write about keeping your mental health in a good place. Time is often …
The importance of learning resilience
We have all to one extent or another, faced difficult times, whether in our family, school or working lives. We have had to learn how to find a way through …
The pain of finding acceptance with Apert syndrome, a facial difference
We all have a basic need to be accepted by others. As many families affected by a disability know however, not being accepted by peers or being subjected to stares …
Welcoming SNJ’s new legal agony aunt…Jane McConnell of IPSEA!
We’re super-excited today to announce some fantastic news that we hope will help us help many more parents and carers. Jane McConnell, the Chief Executive of IPSEA, has agreed to …
One mum’s tough decision – Mainstream or Special School for her daughter with Down’s
As a mum of a daughter with Down’s Syndrome, I understand at first hand how hard it is to make the decision over whether to choose mainstream or a special …
Back to school with your special needs child: Some top tips for a smooth ride
The Summer is almost over and as parents we are either reluctantly or desperately looking to the start of the new term, depending on how the last few weeks have …
Special Brothers and Sisters: A book review
Special Brothers and Sisters: Stories and Tips for Siblings of Children with a Disability or Serious Illness A Review of this important book edited by Annette Hames, a consultant clinical psychologist …
Charlie’s farm project to create accessible holidays in Devon
Our columnist Charlie Mead has been quiet of late. I sometimes see Facebook posts of him at various locations around the world, enjoying himself, often on golf courses. You would …
How the respite of a Short Break can keep a family together
Parents often talk to me about the unavailability and inaccessibility of respite. They are concerned that there is nothing available to them or their children or that they are not …
Not warriors, but hopemongers
Warrior Mum ♦Parent Activist ♦ Campaigner These are phrases frequently applied to SEN parents, you might even label yourself this way. I’ve had the titles attached to me over the years, by bloggers, …
Nine principles for supporting children’s comprehension
“It’s a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you into hot water” – Franklin P Jones. The English language is complicated. There is a …
How Jonah’s parents are connecting families with his rare disease -and how you can too
As an online manager of international patient communities for many different rare diseases, I receive emails every day from parents and affected people looking for help and information about their …
Seclusion Rooms: What Every Parent and Professional Should Know
Sharon Paley is based in the UK at the British Institute of Learning Disability (BILD). She is currently undertaking a professional study tour of Australia and has received a Florence Nightingale …
Staying sane in special needs parenting: Finding 15 minutes a day to be “just me”
When your family includes a member with special needs or disabilities, there is so little time for you, the parent carer. Almost none. Of course, parenting all young children can …
Should Awareness Days Try Harder?
Awareness day fatigue is a 21st century issue that has turned the the definition of supporting a cause into a quick click of a like button. Have charities and organisations …
The Positive Power of Assessment – finding the right route
What is it that is so interesting about children? It seems a simple question. Parents know their own children well – or so they think. Then the child does something …
A mother’s top tips for parenting your ADHD child
I recently read an article written by professionals concerning Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The article focused on diagnosis and treatment and it was apparent from the article that it …
When and how to access speech and language therapy
When you are concerned about your child’s development, it can be worrying and difficult to know where to go for support. I often have conversations with people who are unsure …