Author Archives: patguyschoolandfamily

‘No matter where you go, there you are.’ (Confucious) ‘If only I was slimmer, didn’t wear glasses, was intelligent, more popular. If only I was sporty, funny, had a boy / girlfriend. It’s all right for people who are rich, live in the South, have a good job, go to a private school.’ If suchContinue reading “Optimism”

In 2022, a study that looked at women’s experience within the UK healthcare system, found that 44% of respondents felt the concerns they discussed with medical professionals were not taken seriously.  Several factors contribute towards misconceptions around women’s health problems. One of the major hurdles being that historically, diagnostic criteria and research into medical conditionsContinue reading “ADHD – The Female Factor”

Sam Holness – ‘I just like racing.’ Sam Holness was the first triathlete with autism from the BAME community to complete the Ironman World Championships, (October 2023 – Kona, Hawaii) Sam’s parents have always focused on the things he can do, rather than the things he can’t. They realised that competing in sport helped SamContinue reading “Sport and Autism.”

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways in which human beings interact with the world. Individuals with specific learning differences such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia will be among those considered to be neurodiverse. It is estimated that between 4-5% of the general population and 29% of entrepreneurs have ADHD, while 15% of the general population andContinue reading “Neurodiversity: gifts for entrepreneurs.”

‘If I were a boy, I’d put myself first and make the rules as I go.’ (If I Were a Boy – Beyonce, 2008) The Girl Guides Association published their annual report, ‘Girls’ Attitudes Survey’ earlier this year. The survey asks 2,000 girls aged 7 to 21 years, how they feel about their everyday lives.Continue reading “Girl Guides Survey 2023”

The impact sensory issues can have on an individual is often underestimated. Noise, smell, colour, touch and taste can cause some children and adults real discomfort, if not physical pain. How the person is feeling at that moment, calm or anxious, relaxed or agitated, will affect the severity of their response.  To reduce the impactContinue reading “Sensory issues: haircuts, headphones and hand dryers.”

All children thrive on predictability and routine, and the thought of a new school year will evoke different emotions in different children. Some will worry about the unknown: new teachers, new peer groups and so on, while other children will be looking forward to seeing their peers again. Returning to school in September is stressful,Continue reading “Back to School”

“My spelling is Wobbly. It’s good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places.” (Winnie the Pooh) Children’s spelling develops through several predictable stages. Some children progress comparatively slowly through these stages; with many unable to develop their spelling skills beyond the phonetic level. Learning to spell is harder than learningContinue reading “BACK TO SCHOOL – Spelling”

Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, (SEND), have a higher rate of persistent absence from school than their peers. Children with an Education Health and Care Plan, (EHCP), make up 4% of all pupils, but 12% of persistently absent pupils. (Statistics taken from The Centre for Social Justice, ‘Lost but not forgotten’ paper ofContinue reading “See you in September … or maybe not.”

When it is suspected that a child has an autistic spectrum condition, (ASC), early screening is essential to ensure that they can access appropriate support, and that their behaviour is not misunderstood. However, recent research, (Guardian newspaper article – 17. 7. 23), reports that children are waiting sixty-five weeks on average for initial ASC screening.Continue reading “Round holes and square pegs: Autistic Spectrum Conditions and early screening”