A few months ago, as schools were fully opening after lockdown, I pulled together a list of resource websites that provided support and information for families of children with disabilities and additional needs whose children were returning to the classroom. As we start thinking about the next ‘back to school’ moment, later in August in … Continue reading Back To School: Resources For Families With Children With Additional Needs
Our Autistic son, James, had a meltdown recently, an experience that will be familiar to many families of Autistic children. Like any Autistic child or young person, when James has a meltdown there can be a wide range of triggers that could be causing it. He may be being overwhelmed by a range of sensory … Continue reading Helping Our Autistic Children Recover From Meltdowns
We’ve been warned about it, we’ve seen it coming, maybe we’ve experienced it in our own family situation, but now the evidence is all too clear and stark. We might be coming towards the end of lockdown restrictions, ‘Freedom Day’ as some seem to like to call it, but we are only just fully understanding … Continue reading Coming Out Of Lockdown: The Child Mental Health Cost And What We Can Do About It
As part of its ongoing research partnership with Pears Foundation, the Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP) of which I'm a member, surveyed roughly 300 parents in June 2021 in our final survey as part of the series. I had the privilege of being one of those parents. The findings, released today, reveal that whilst the rest … Continue reading Left Behind – Children With Additional Needs As We Emerge From The COVID-19 Pandemic
Previously, I've reminded us of the “Go Compare!” TV advert and how we should “Go Cherish!” instead when thinking about the children and young people we journey with that have additional needs (see link at the end of this blog post). This time, I want to remind us of another TV advert and how it … Continue reading Make Sure We Make The Right Choice. Because Sometimes We Don’t, Do We?
June is the month where three generations of Arnold’s celebrate their birthdays; James, me and my Dad. Chronologically, and just by a few hours, the first is James’ birthday. This has been the second birthday he has had during the pandemic, the second birthday that we’ve not been able to celebrate with him as we … Continue reading Why Getting Birthday’s Right Matters!
Who knew that when global pop icon Madonna’s third hit single, ‘Holiday’, hit the airwaves in 1983 that the words to this upbeat pop classic would become so iconic for the world some 38 years later. As we arrive at the second COVID-19 summer many families are looking for a much-needed holiday, but with so … Continue reading Holiday! Celebrate! – A Song For Additional Needs Families In 2021
We are surrounded by noise, whether it is the noise of people around us, the constant noise of technology, the noise of kitchen appliances, the noise of cars and trucks, emergency vehicles, planes and trains. There is noise everywhere and perhaps that is one reason why we've become less good at listening… listening to each … Continue reading Leaving Lockdown: Learning To Listen To Each Other, Our Children, And Ourselves
As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions ease further from Monday 17th May, one of the most looked for announcements has finally been made – hugging will be allowed! The UK Government has said that “...people in England will be allowed to hug loved ones and enjoy indoor hospitality from next Monday...”, whilst urging people to "...exercise … Continue reading To Hug, Or Not To Hug, That Is The Question!
Throughout the childhood and adolescence of any child there are many different kinds of milestones, transitions and rites of passage, many changes that come along, but for families of children with additional needs these can provide many opportunities for unhealthy comparison and a realisation of difference, which can sometimes be so difficult and painful.Milestones might … Continue reading Don’t “Go Compare!” – Milestones, Transitions And Rites Of Passage For Children With Additional Needs
Delightful Handmade Dog Products and Gifts
An additional needs Dad and Son baking adventure...
Special Education Teaching Resources, Sensory Stories and SEND Information
The Additional Needs Blogfather 