When things happen to you or when you are faced with a challenging situation...you can CHOOSE to 'REACT' (impulsive and with mostly negative outcomes) or 'RESPOND' (calculated and with usually positive outcomes). This is relatable to ANYTHING in life ...including SEND.

Did you know that ... On average, children attend school for about 20% of the year (figure may actually be less) taking into consideration non-school hours, weekends, half terms and school holidays. Meaning a greater percentage of at least 80% of a child's upbringing, support and education is carried out outside of the school - at home, with carers or family. Many parents/carers rely heavily on the school system to 'educate' their child and expect a lot from it which is fair enough, as we all either pay school fees or taxes. However, like it or not, the education system is currently stretched with budget cuts, teacher training and retention issues, larger class sizes, overworked and very stressed teachers, an increasing number of children with SEND trying to access an 'inclusive' education, and many other challenges. Parents/carers....be wise! Your child is YOUR child for life and you are most likely the most constant factor in your child's education/life. Don't leave it all to the school. Seek additional support if you have or can afford to. You are your child's greatest advocate and educator.

Special Books by Special Kids

Inspirational!!!. When the Lord closes a door, somehow or somewhere he opens a window. Children and people with SEND are all around us even though we may not always know that or see them. They often go through a lot of challenges that would break the strongest of us.. and they keep going, and often times, smiling. #raisingawarenessaboutSEND

Jamie Grace on The Doctors | Feb. 18, 2015

Still on the matter of Tourette's Syndrome...

A Brief Introduction to Tourette's Syndrome

On the condition of Tourette's Syndrome which is very personal to me....

Crawling and Creeping: The Benefits. GymbaROO Online.

Benefits of crawling... Did you know that crawling is recognised as being a developmental process which aids other areas of development and its absence is considered by some to affect various aspects of learning? The crawling stage is very important, so parents should not be too hasty in encouraging their babies to walk too soon or make too much use of walkers.

C&D Independent Speech and Language Therapy

I have worked with 2 ladies from this team. Well recommended.

Charlie's Crouzon Story

Today, I learnt a little more about Crouzon Syndrome. I first saw a young man that had it on a TV programme called 'The undateables'. Again with every type of SEND, there are varying levels of severity. This boy's story is touching...

International Cri Du Chat Syndrome Awareness Video (Phase 1)

I learn something new about SEND everyday. Someone sent me a message on linkedin about a syndrome called Cri Du Chat (cry of a cat - in French). I have NEVER heard of it. I just watched this video about it. I wonder how many people with a disability, especially in less developed countries, go undiagnosed but instead become stigmatised, isolated or abandoned. We need awareness...

Top 10 SAVANTS With Real Super Powers

Still on the issue of Savant syndrome...

Alanzo C 9 News 110513

Savant syndrome. When someone with an intellectual disability has an amazing gift... Alanzo Clemons. https://alonzoclemons.com/

Timeline Photos

Open your hearts and minds.... Physical disability does not necessarily mean intellectual disability just as intellectual disability does not mean lack of talent, gift, creativity or personality. EVERY human being has a PURPOSE on this Earth, no matter the length of time they are in it for. What's your purpose?