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If the local authority refuses to name your preferred school in your child’s EHC plan, or names a school you believe cannot meet your child’s needs, you have a legal right to appeal. This isn’t about being difficult. It’s about making sure your child’s needs — as set out in law — are properly met. Appeals are made to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) (often called the SEND Tribunal). This is an independent legal body that reviews whether the l

If you have a teenager who is both ADHD and LGBTQIA+, you might notice that anxiety affects them more than it does other teens. This is real. There are several reasons your teen may feel more stressed than their peers, and understanding these reasons is the first step to helping them. This increased emotional sensitivity comes from the brain, not from choice. Everyday challenges like fitting in, making friends, and keeping up with schoolwork feel even more intense. When you a

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, a reminder that a lot of struggling children are not “naughty”, “lazy”, or “too emotional.” All too often, neurodevelopmental conditions are misdiagnosed as mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Children and young people (and adults) do display symptoms of these conditions, and many are worthy of a diagnosis. However, what is often missed is the root cause of these symptoms. Maybe your child is prescribed anti-depr

Helping family understand your autistic child can be a challenge. Whether your child has an intellectual disability or not, there’s often a lot of confusion, assumptions, and well-meaning—but unhelpful—comments. When your child doesn’t have an intellectual disability, people might say, “But they seem so normal.” That’s because many autistic children mask their struggles. They may appear calm on the outside while battling sensory overload or anxiety inside. Explain that autism

Socialising can be confusing and exhausting for many autistic children. This doesn’t mean they’re antisocial—they're differently social. It's especially important to remember this for children without intellectual disabilities, as they can often be expected to cope better than they actually can. Instead of pushing for conventional social milestones, focus on your child's individual capacity for connection. One meaningful friendship that aligns with their interests can be far

As Christmas approaches, we will be re sharing some posts from the last few years on how to prepare and support your child through the holiday festive season. We are kicking things off with this one! It's getting to the time of year where there are festive decorations and lights covering the streets. I have to admit I crave the visual stimulation of certain Christmas lights and last year enjoyed three outings to various nearby Christmas light trails. I can still visualise som

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) was once considered the "gold standard" “treatment” for autism, but many autistic adults and advocates argue it causes significant psychological harm. This is especially true given how autism cannot and does not need to be treated at all. ABA's main goal is to make autistic children appear "normal" by stopping natural autistic behaviours like stimming, and teaching them to behave like neurotypicals. This teaches autistic children that their na

When most people think of ADHD, they picture high energy, impulsivity, or visible restlessness in the classroom. But for many students, especially those with inattentive or combined-type ADHD, the struggle looks very different. These students may appear quiet, hardworking, or even “model” pupils. They often go unnoticed because they spend so much energy trying to meet expectations, follow the rules, and avoid making mistakes. But behind the scenes, they’re masking enormous in

Many parents and teachers assume that children with ADHD struggle most when academic demands are too high. But there's a paradox that often catches families off guard: ADHD symptoms can get worse when a child isn't being challenged enough. Children with ADHD have neurological differences that affect their executive function, attention regulation, and impulse control. One aspect that's often misunderstood is that ADHD brains crave stimulation and novelty. When the environment

If your child with ADHD seems more anxious, fidgety, or emotional when they're bored rather than busy, you're not imagining it. Under stimulation can trigger real anxiety in children (and adults) with ADHD. Think of the ADHD brain like a car engine that needs to run at a certain speed to work smoothly. When there's not enough happening—during repetitive homework, waiting in line, or sitting through easy lessons—the engine starts sputtering. This creates an uncomfortable, rest

Have you ever noticed your child cover their ears during loud noises, refuse to wear certain clothes, or become distressed in busy places...

Mealtimes can be one of the most challenging parts of the day for many families with autistic children. What’s often misunderstood is...

When a child struggles in the classroom, their reactions can sometimes be misunderstood. A child covering their ears, refusing to join...

You’re not imagining it, and they’re not being dramatic. For many autistic and ADHD kids, the anxiety starts weeks before the first bell...

As September approaches, it’s tempting to focus on the practical side of getting ready for school, with new pens, fresh notebooks, and...

Recently, I have been looking back over some reports written about my son. I came across one that angered me as much today as it did 16...

Learn why autistic/ADHD pupils struggle in secondary school.

Why Is My Autistic or ADHD Teen So Sensitive Sometimes? Many parents notice that their autistic and/or ADHD teen seems extra sensitive to...

Summer holidays often mean trips to visit family. While these visits can be filled with fun and connection, they also come with...

Many parents of autistic children notice something that can feel quite puzzling. Their child seems to get along well with certain...

Learning about who you are can be tricky for many people, but it can be especially hard for autistic children. Autistic children often...