As we near the end of yet another academic year, many kids are looking forward to taking a break from their studies to indulge in some fun activities to commemorate the long-awaited summer holidays. However, whilst this time is seen as a treat for the majority, we take note of the challenge this can present to both parents and children diagnosed with autism.

Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. Dyspraxia does not impact cognitive abilities, but it can give the impression it does, as children take longer to do things as they process the physical information around them.

Our journey started with our annual festive project, ‘Christmas for Kids’ (C4K) which, since 2009, has played across the UK with interactive sensory shows to children with complex care and educational needs, as well as those with life-limiting illnesses.

Attachment disorder is much more common in children than once thought. The impact of early attachment between baby and caregiver has been found to have an impact not only on a child’s formative years, but also adulthood.

Education Health Care Plans or EHCPS as they are known are intended to provide ring fenced funding and legalisation of your child’s special educational needs (SEN) provision from birth to the age of twenty-five.

You may have come across the term ‘SENCO’ or ‘SENDCO’ in teacher training, as a parent or as a professional. This sometimes-allusive acronym represents one of the most rewarding, yet challenging roles within a school. As a SENCO for over a decade I want to bring some insight into what the role involves, the highs and the lows. And help others understand why your SENCO may not be responding to your emails as quickly as you want!

Sophie answers some of our questions, gives valuable insights and advice for dealing with a new diagnoses and health concerns

Imagine you’ve woken up in a foreign land and don’t understand a word that anyone has to say. Imagine that you can’t speak that language and so can’t ask anyone where you are, what’s going on or how to get back home.

It was spring 2016 and my first born Inaya was 18months old. In my head and deep within myself I knew we were not meeting the “milestones.” There was no “mama” “dadda” or imitation of language, just what I know now as jargon.

Travel back to 2014, schools, parents and professionals waited with bated breath as the ‘reinvention’ of the SEN system began with the national government reforms.