When One Size Doesn’t Fit All - Finding the right school for a SEND child

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When One Size Doesn’t Fit All - Finding the right school for a SEND child

Choosing the right school for a child with SEND can feel overwhelming, especially when their needs are constantly evolving. What feels like the perfect fit today may not be right tomorrow — and that doesn’t mean we’ve failed. From changing schools to questioning difficult decisions, finding the right environment is often a journey rather than a single choice. As a SEND parent who has navigated three primary schools and two secondary schools, I’ve learned that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is reassess, adapt and keep searching for the place where our child can truly thrive.

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Interoception - The hidden but oh so important 8th sense

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Interoception - The hidden but oh so important 8th sense

Discover the fascinating world of interoception, our body's unique ability to understand and respond to its internal state for optimal health and comfort. Learn how this 'eighth sense' functions like a network of internal messengers, guiding children to recognize and react to hunger, thirst, temperature, and emotions. However, interpreting these signals can be challenging for some children, leading to difficulty in managing basic needs and emotions. Find out how to nurture this skill in your child, transforming them into superheroes of self-awareness and emotional regulation. For more insights and guidance on interoception and child development, explore the resources and expert advice available at TherapySPOT.

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Simple Massage for Children

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Some children need that little bit of help to calm them down and keep them regulated so that they can engage, focus, learn and play. Massage can be a quick and easy way to bring children down if they are running too high. Deep pressure is calming for the brain and can help children more easily make sense of their surroundings and respond appropriately to stimuli. Try incorporating it into your child’s normal routine e.g. as part of getting them dressed, while playing with them on the floor or before bed.

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In a Spin about Spinning?

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In a Spin about Spinning?

So, having just dealt with a huge meltdown from my 3 year old after a soft play session where she spent the majority of the time spinning on a sit-on wheel, I feel the need to warn parents about the power of spinning on the brain. Although a useful tip for all parents, it is particularly poignant for those with children who have sensory processing difficulties, as these kids respond more unusually to sensory input and often have difficulty self-regulating as a result.

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Gym/Yoga Ball Fun!

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A few simple exercises using a gym/yoga ball that you can do at home or school with your kids.

Find one on Amazon here - http://amzn.eu/7LtnzN4

Sensory exercises

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Sensory exercises you can easily do at home, in the car or out and about.

Cowabunga!

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We try really hard at TherapySPOT to make sure that activities and programmes used in therapy are tailored to the individual child. By incorporating the child's interests into therapy, we are likely to see better results as the child is more likely to engage and keep practising.

I recently provided a sensory diet for a little boy who loves the Ninja Turtles - below are a few of the visuals that I created for some yoga exercises that he can do at school and home to help him stay calm and focused throughout the day. Cowabunga! 

Kinetic (Magic) Sand!

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For those of you who have not heard of Kinetic sand it's brilliant! Perfect for messy play without all the messy bits.