Why I’m backing the call for a revolution in ICT teaching
My younger son (or Youngest as he’s known around here) is a 12 year old computer wizard. He has so much computer equipment, wiring and accessories that I have nicknamed …
Finished at School – Important Campaign by Ambitious about Autism
Today I am delighted to feature a guest blog from Anabel Unity Sale of Ambitious about Autism to highlight their Finished at School campaign: Going to college after school is a …
SEN Stories of interest in the last week
Below are a few of the more interesting stories I’ve seen about SEN in the past week. If you’d like to receive this weekly update in your inbox as well …
What do parents of a newly-diagnosed child need?
I recently attended the launch of Family Voice Surrey, the new local forum for parents and carers of children with SEN and disabilities in Surrey. It’s part of the National Network …
My article in SEN Magazine: Can teachers recognise SEN in bright pupils?
I have an article in the current issue of SEN Magazine, entitled Can teachers recognise SEN in bright pupils. Both my children, aged 12 and 13, have Asperger’s syndrome, and …
SEN stories that caught my attention this week.
Here are some stories I found interesting that touch on Special Educational Needs in the press this week. To get these and other posts delivered to your inbox, subscribe to …
1-2-3 Magic – the discipline system that saved my sanity
When you have children on the Autistic Spectrum, finding an effective solution to help with discipline is not easy. Out two AS boys are high-functioning but often did not realise …
Autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region.
A new study from Cambridge University has for the first time found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region. The Medical Research Council (MRC) funded study, published …
A brilliant review of my SEN book from an award-winning blogger
This review is kindly reproduced with permission from Claire Sarcone, author of the award-winning “A Boy With Asperger’s” Blog I remember all too well what it’s like to come up against the system …
Education and Training (Young People with Autism) Bill introduced.
A private member’s bill has been introduced in parliament to make provision for the education and training of young people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and to ensure that work opportunities …
Groundbreaking dance DVD to help kids with autism.
Anna Kennedy is an inspirational figure. She is the mother of two sons, one with autism, one with Asperger Syndrome. That’s tough enough on its own but, unable to find …
My article in SEN Magazine – order a trial copy for free
I’m very excited as I have an article in the new edition of SEN Magazine. It’s in their ‘Point of View’ section, entitled “Recognising The Problem”. It’s about how, in …
Ritalin, talking therapies and what I think our kids really need…
The Health Minister, Simon Burns has said that the chief medical officer and the NHS medical director are planning to write to clinicians to remind them of the full range of …
About SOS!SEN, a fantastic SEN charity
SOS!SEN is a small charity based in Middlesex that offers a fantastic service to parents who are trying to secure the right educational support for their children. It was started by …
Paperback of my Statementing book now available at Amazon
Great news! The paperback of my SEN parents’ book, “Special Educational Needs – Getting Started With Statements” is now available on Amazon. It currently says out of stock but it’s …
GAPS – Early screening test for Specific Language Impairment & Dyslexia
Have you heard of GAPS? The chances are, the answer is no. And yet it’s billed as a highly accurate, easy to administer early assessment tool for detecting dyslexia and other language …
Part Two, SEN conference, Towards a Positive Future, Review
This is the second part of the SEN conference review in Newbury, leading, logically enough from … Part One Former Head Teacher, Charlie Mead is a consultant Child and Educational …
SEN conference, Towards a Positive Future, Review part one.
I attended a very interesting conference on special educational needs on Friday. It was held to mark the launch of a new organisation aimed at providing a ‘one stop shop’ …
One Mum’s Statementing Views
Here is a parent’s view of the statementing battle for her son and her advice about the process. I wish I could say this mother’s story was unusual, but other …
Busy weekend for SEN Events.
Yesterday, I got a mention in The Guardian’s Education Cribsheet regarding my new book – what a lovely surprise. It’s also to be featured in our local paper, The Farnham …