Author Archives: patguyschoolandfamily

Neurodiverse children include those with autistic traits, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. Although each pupil is an individual, the barriers to their learning will be similar. Barrier 1 = Limited understanding of neurodivergence in schools.  Accommodation = Awareness raising in schools is essential if these pupils are to have a positive educational experience. Barrier 2Continue reading “Inclusion and The Neurodiverse Pupil”

When the child with ASD represses their emotions and adapts their behaviour to meet the expectations of others, they are said to be masking. Most young people with ASD mask at school to hide their high levels of anxiety from adults and peers. Masking for any length of time is exhausting, and can lead toContinue reading “Why the ASD child masks in school”

To assess, or not assess, that is the question. Many parents find it difficult to decide whether or not to have their child assessed for a Specific Learning Difficulty such as dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia or Aspergers Syndrome. Some parents prefer their child not to have a diagnosis because they do not want them to beContinue reading “Assessments”

The behaviour of a child with ADHD can be exasperating, but is not deliberate. Adult help with problem solving is important if the child is to find ways to circumnavigate their difficulties: –  Movement helps the child with ADHD to concentrate. In addition to lots of opportunities for physical activity and sport to use upContinue reading “How to help the child with ADHD”

Many women with ADHD are mis-diagnosed as having anxiety, depression or a mood / personality disorder rather than ADHD. One of the reasons for these mis-diagnoses is the hormonal fluctuations that complicate a woman’s ADHD presentation.  Studies suggest that people with ADHD have an imbalance of chemicals in their brain. One of these chemicals isContinue reading “ADHD, Dopamine & Women”

I had such an amazing reaction to my ‘Happiness is…’ competition – over 50 amazing entries! A huge thank you to all who took the time to enter. I have so enjoyed looking through these colourful and hugely artistic entries, and it was extremely hard to pick the winners, so hard in fact that IContinue reading “Winners of the ‘Happiness is…’ competition”

Children learn to read and write at primary school. All Key Stage One and Two lessons will have some element that is designed to develop the pupils’ literacy skills.  In secondary schools, pupils use literacy to access curriculum subjects. Secondary teachers are not literacy specialists, they are subject specialists. Secondary subject teachers in mainstream schoolsContinue reading “Pupils should not be defined by their secretarial skills”

Current research confirms that lockdown had a significant impact on children’s language development. A survey of schools across England revealed an increased number of four- and five-year-olds needing support with language. Of the 58 primary schools surveyed, 76% of headteachers said that children starting school in September 2020 needed more assistance with their verbal communicationContinue reading “It’s only words…”

While extroverts are stimulated by the company of others, introverts are content to be by themselves. Introverts can be sociable, but find it draining rather than fulfilling; social interaction being pleasant for a while, but then the individual will need time alone to recharge their batteries.  Some people assume from an introvert’s behaviour that theyContinue reading “The Power of Introverts”

WIN a hoody featuring an ‘Olivia and the Proverbs’ image and proverb – available in a variety of sizes, colours and designs. TO ENTER: Just draw / make a picture to show what happiness is to you. This could be anything from being on holiday, going swimming, taking your dog for a walk, reading, buildingContinue reading “Creative Competition “Happiness is…” Under 12’s”