support
Extra support. Autism, intellectual disability, assessment and support plans: what the terms mean and what schools can do. General information, not diagnosis.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) questionnaire
A private, 10-question adverse childhood experiences (ACE) questionnaire from the CDC-Kaiser Permanente study, with a careful explanation of what a score does and does not mean, and where to find support.
2 min readAssistive technology in learning
Assistive technology covers tools that help children read, write, communicate and take part in lessons. Examples, how to choose, and what gets in the way.
2 min readFunctional behaviour assessment
A functional behaviour assessment looks for the reason behind a behaviour and uses it to plan support. The steps, common functions, and how families can take part.
2 min readHelping the child who finds school difficult
Behind most "problem" behaviour is an unmet need. How to look for the cause, talk to the child, plan together and get help when needed.
2 min readPsychoeducational testing
Psychoeducational assessments look at how a child learns, thinks and behaves to explain difficulties and plan support. Types of test, the process, and the UK equivalent.
2 min readResponse to intervention (RTI)
RTI, also called MTSS, is a tiered system of support: screen everyone, teach well, give extra help early, and check whether it works. How it operates and what parents can ask.
2 min readSupporting children with intellectual disabilities
What intellectual disability means, how it is described in the US and UK, and what helps children learn. General information; each child needs an individual plan.
2 min readSupporting learning for children with autism
What autism is, what helps autistic children learn and feel secure at school and at home, and where to find reliable advice. General information, not a diagnosis.
2 min readWhat is the DSM?
The DSM is the American Psychiatric Association's manual for classifying mental health conditions. What it is, what changed in DSM-5, why it is debated, and how it relates to the ICD.
2 min read