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NHS Greater Manchester Sensory Processing Differences Support Padlet

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NHS Greater Manchester Sensory Processing Differences Support Padlet

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These resources can help you better understand children and young peoples sensory needs and how to support them in everyday situations. Some resources have been developed by other areas but the information is still relevant for families in Greater Manchester.

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Are you under 18 and waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment in Greater Manchester? 🧠

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Are you under 18 and waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment in Greater Manchester? 🧠

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The NHS is investing £2 million to help improve waiting lists and make sure young people get support based on your needs. 💙

Find out more about these changes and what help is available in your local area

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Supporting your autism and ADHD differences as a child or young person

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Find support for autism and ADHD symptoms for children and young people in Greater Manchester. Access guidance, services, and resources.

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THE BLOOM TOOLKIT: Sensory & Communication Support for Families

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THE BLOOM TOOLKIT: Sensory & Communication Support for Families

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Created by a UK children’s Occupational Therapist and Speech & Language Therapist, this gentle, neuro-affirming resource helps parents reduce sensory struggles and support communication at home.

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🌼 The BLOOM Toolkit Join Now for FREE
Sensory & Communication Support for Families – Free for a Limited Time Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we’re offering our complete BLOOM…

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Free Training for Organisations: Introduction to Neurodiversity: Focus on autism

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Free Training for Organisations: Introduction to Neurodiversity: Focus on autism

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This is an introduction to neurodiversity focusing on autism for those working with children and young people.

The course will help you to:

Increase your understanding of neurodivergence and autism

Build your knowledge of the increased mental health risks experienced by neurodivergent young people

Learn more about neuro-affirmative practice

Find out about additional training opportunities and resourcesIntroduction to Neurodiversity: Focus on autism - GM CAMHS

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This is an introduction to neurodiversity focusing on autism for those working with children and young people.

The course will help you to:

Increase your understanding of neurodivergence and autism

Build your knowledge of the increased mental health risks experienced by neurodivergent young people

Learn more about neuro-affirmative practice

Find out about additional training opportunities and resources

Take regular breaks throughout

Pause and come back to training another day

Print some sections to read off screen

Discuss what you are learning with colleagues to deepen your understanding

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Introduction to Neurodiversity: Focus on autism - GM CAMHS

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This is an introduction to neurodiversity focusing on autism for people working with children and young people in CAMHS across Greater Manchester.

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Free online coaching sessions for anyone supporting autistic people in England

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Free online coaching sessions for anyone supporting autistic people in England

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The sessions offer a safe space to reflect on autistic wellbeing and family life. Our peer guides provide practical guidance to navigate services and offer a listening ear, helping you feel heard and connected.

Anyone living in England and supporting an autistic person of any age is eligible and can access up to 10 consecutive sessions.

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Open to people within families and support networks of autistic people who live in England. One-to-ones offer, personalised guidance and coaching from trained peer guides with lived experience. Receive practical guidance and signposting for navigating services and systems

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A free NHS peer education autism service

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A free NHS peer education autism service

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Autism Central for Parents and Carers | Autism Central

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Autism Central offers a wealth of resources for parents, carers and personal assistants of autistic people in England – from articles and learning materials to signposting you to services and support in your local area.

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Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) has been working closely with NHS Greater Manchester to pull together this Youth Voice project led by our fantastic group of young people. Some of the young people have

diagnoses of ADHD and some are still on waiting lists for assessments.

We have created this zine alongside

our wonderful artist Bethany (Fig Hous).

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WWL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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All families who receive a yes to a diagnosis of autism, then the child or young person’s family will be invited to a post diagnostic session with the Neurodevelopment Pathway Co-Ordinator, these are held across the borough and give families the opportunity to link up and network together. The Neurodevelopment Pathway Co-Ordinator will share a presentation at the session, focusing on what is Autism, the difficulties some children and young people may face and how to support them as a family including lots of information sharing on local community groups, strategies and advice.

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Speech, Language and Communication: Supporting all Children to thrive

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Speech, Language and Communication: Supporting all Children to thrive

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A selection of resources gathered together to support Children, Young People and their families to understand and develop communication

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THE HUB: A website designed to support young people’s health and wellbeing.

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THE HUB: A website designed to support young people’s health and wellbeing.

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It brings together clear, trusted information and links to local services

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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The Hub is to support young people’s health and wellbeing. It brings together clear, trusted information and links to local services.

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Advice and support for families of young autistic children to care for their teeth. Created with families, professionals and researchers.

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Advice and support for families of young autistic children to care for their teeth. Created with families, professionals and researchers.

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Advice and support for families of young autistic children to care for their teeth and gums.

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16+ Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Service drop-in sessions

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16+ Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Service drop-in sessions

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Service drop-in sessions | News and Events

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Read the latest news from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and see our latest events.

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The UK's first podcast dedicated to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

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The UK's first podcast dedicated to Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

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➢ They aim to shine a light on FASD and bring conversations out of the

shadows.

➢ Combining the latest research with lived experience, their conversations will

be real and raw.

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The UK’s first podcast dedicated to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We aim to shine a light on FASD and bring conversations out of the shadows. We’re getting stuck in and chatting about everything from diagnosis to dentistry, education to executive functioning. Combining the latest research with lived experience, our conversations will be real and raw. We believe there us nothing to be afraid of and with open discussion, those with FASD and their caregivers can thrive. Join us on our journey.

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This website is for young people with FASD.

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This website is for young people with FASD.

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➢ It has information about FASD and things that can help.

➢ It was created in the UK working with a very experienced team including

medical professionals, teachers, parents and most importantly an advisory

team of adults and young people with FASD

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This website is packed full of ideas to help you understand and own your diagnosis.

It's written with advice from adults and young people in the UK who have FASD and a whole team of experts and families.

We also would really like to hear from you. Contact us!

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Me & My FASD. Learn about FASD. Explore and have fun!

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This website is packed full of ideas to help you understand and own your diagnosis. It's written with advice from adults and young people in the UK who have FASD and a whole team of experts and families. We also would really like to hear from you. Contact us!

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GMAC - Everything you need about autism and more.

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Skip to content

The following pages are about general resources on subjects that the GMAC team often get asked about.

About Autism

Getting Support

Health & Wellbeing

Policies & Initiatives

The Greater Manchester Autism consortium (GMAC) is a project which is part of the National Autistic Society. The project is a point of contact for autistic people, family members and professionals and also oversees the Greater Manchester Autism Strategy. GM Autism is a team within Manchester Foundation Trust which supports strategic development across Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester region is generally referred to as GM in this website so please note that where it says GM this is what it is referring to.

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The following pages are about general resources on subjects that the GMAC team often get asked about.

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A Young Person’s Guide To Being Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+

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A Young Person’s Guide To Being Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+

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A Young Person’s Guide To Being Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+

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What does it mean to be a young person who is neurodivergent and LGBTQ+? Download this free guide, full of expert advice and support.

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Just ask us - A Video Series by Autistic Young People, for School Senior Leaders

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Just ask us - A Video Series by Autistic Young People, for School Senior Leaders

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GMAC - Everything you need about autism and more.

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Just Ask Us – A Video Series by Autistic Young People, for School Senior Leaders Just Ask Us is a set of videos created by the Greater Manchester Autism Consortium (GMAC) in collaboration with SENDCode and DISC. Aimed at senior school leaders across Greater Manchester, the series highlights how small, low- or no-cost adjustments can

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PDA Society - Pathological Demand Avoidance

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The term PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance. This is widely understood to be a profile found within some autistic people. The most obvious

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Would you like to know the tips about sensory differences that therapists wish that every family knew? Listen in as five experienced Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioners discuss solutions and strategies for daily life people with sensory integration or sensory processing difficulties.

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Would you like to know the tips about sensory differences that therapists wish that every family knew? Listen in as five experienced Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioners discuss solutions and strategies for daily life people with sensory integration or sensory processing difficulties.

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NHS Ken Sensory Processing Strategy Video 

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NHS Ken Sensory Processing Strategy Video 

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Sensory processing - part 3 - strategies

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NHS Kent Introduction to Sensory Processing Video

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NHS Kent Introduction to Sensory Processing Video

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Sensory processing - part 1 - intro to sensory processing

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CEREBRA Sensory Processing Guide for Parents

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CEREBRA Sensory Processing Guide for Parents

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Free Sensory Processing Downloadable and Printable Guides

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Falkirk Council Life Skills for Teenagers

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Falkirk Council Life Skills for Teenagers

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Free Sensory Processing Downloadable and Printable Guides

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Falkirk Council Life Skills for Little Ones

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Falkirk Council Life Skills for Little Ones

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Free Sensory Processing Downloadable and Printable Guides

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Rehabilitation for Independence Sensory Feeding Advice

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Rehabilitation for Independence Sensory Feeding Advice

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Sensory feeding advice and strategies for children and young people who are experiencing difficulty with eating a range of foods

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Sheffield Children's NHS Trust - Sensory Top Tips Information Sheets

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Sheffield Children's NHS Trust - Sensory Top Tips Information Sheets

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These Sensory Top Tips’ information sheets provide ideas to help with some of the everyday challenges that children with sensory processing difficulties frequently experience.

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he White Noise Lite App can be found on the App Store and Google Play. This generates white noise which can be helpful in individuals who are sensitive to environmental sounds & noise

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The best free White Noise app keeps getting better!

Do you have trouble going to sleep? Are you traveling on a plane and need a quick power nap? Does your newborn baby wake up in the middle of the night? There are numerous benefits to using White Noise:

* Helps you sleep by blocking distractions
* Relaxes and reduces stress
* Pacifies fussy and crying babies
* Increases focus while enhancing privacy
* Soothes headaches and migraines
* Masks tinnitus (ringing of the ears)

Even when you're asleep, your brain is constantly scanning and listening for sounds. If it's too quiet, unwanted noises such as faucet drips or police sirens can interrupt your sleep. White Noise generates sounds over a wide range of frequencies, masking those noise interruptions, so you can not only fall asleep, but stay asleep.

SOUND CATALOG

Air Conditioner, Airplane Travel, Amazon Jungle, Beach Waves Crashing, Blowing Wind, Blue Noise, Boat Swaying in Water, Brown Noise, Camp Fire, Cars Driving, Cat Purring, Chimes Chiming, City Streets, Clothes Dryer, Crickets Chirping, Crowded Room, Dishwasher Rinsing, Extreme Rain Pouring, Frogs at Night, Grandfather Clock, Hair Dryer Blowing, Heartbeat, Heavy Rain Pouring, Light Rain Pouring, Ocean Waves Crashing, Oscillating Fan, Pink Noise, Rain on Car Roof, Rain Storm, Running Shower, Running Water, Stream Water Flowing, Thunder Storm, Tibetan Singing Bowl, Train Ride, Vacuum Cleaner, Violet Noise, Water Dripping, Water Sprinkler, White Noise

APPLICATION FEATURES

* 50+ perfectly looped sounds with additional free sound downloads from the White Noise Market app or website: https://whitenoisemarket.com/
* Background audio support so you can use other apps while listening.
* Record and professionally loop sounds without being an audio engineer!
* Revolutionary Mix Pad editor for creating new soundscapes like a DJ with support for adjusting sound position, sound variance, volume, and pitch of each individual sound in the mix
* Upload and Share your recordings and mixes with the White Noise Market app
* Full screen digital clock with multiple colors and brightness controls makes it the perfect companion for any nightstand
* All screen resolutions supported including iPhone X, iPhone 5-8+, and iPad
* Portrait and Landscape orientations supported.
* Advanced alarm and timer system that slowly fades audio in and out so you awake naturally feeling more refreshed
* On-screen media player and volume controls with swipe gesture support for navigating sound collection
* Heart favorite sounds and mixes in the sound catalog for quick access using the Favorites view
* Set Music alarms that slowly fade in so you wake refreshed
* AirPlay sounds to Bluetooth devices or Apple TV
* Remote media controls on lock screen and headphones
* Advanced controls for volume, balance, pitch, mixing with iPod music, looping the playlist, custom alarm snooze times, and more
* Upgrade to the full version to remove advertising.

PRESS REVIEWS

White Noise has been featured by popular TV shows (Today Show, Dr. Oz Show, FOX&Friends, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), major media outlets (NBC News Today, Health Magazine, The Washington Post, NY Times, CNET, Esquire, PC Magazine), and raved about by millions of satisfied customers. Visit our website at https://www.tmsoft.com/ for more details.

UPGRADE

White Noise was created for the original iPhone in 2008 by TMSOFT and has been continuously updated with new features. Download the full version of White Noise to remove advertising and add additional features including Apple TV & Apple Watch support. Just tap the + button and "Upgrade" to learn more.

MORE INFO

Download new sounds at https://whitenoisemarket.com/

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteNoiseApp

Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/whitenoiseapp

Support and FAQ info at https://www.tmsoft.com/white-noise/support/

v8.0.21
- Support for latest iOS versions

v8.0 Introduces the Sleep Log, where you can view your sleep habits and listening stats for your favorite sounds. This feature is optional and can be disabled in the Settings menu. We have also made many changes under the hood that allows us to provide better organizational features users have been asking for. Those features will be available in the near future. In addition, we have included several bug fixes discovered in previous versions.

Puts me to sleep every night

Be sure to get the White Noise Market app if you get this, with both of them you have the best and widest selection of free sounds you can get on apps like these hands down. If you've already tried of all the sleep apps that lock out all the good sounds unless you pay, you'll really appreciate this one. Tons of free sounds publicly uploaded and some uploaders even take requests. Even the premium sounds are free at a slightly lower quality. You'll find anything from beautiful thunderstorms to some dude squishing puddy in his hands. After you've found all the sounds you can search for on the market you can put them all into your own mix, change the pitch, position where you want the sounds to be. i like letting the sounds roam around freely in my headphones and you can even change the speed at which the sounds move around. I love how much freedom this app combined with the Market gives you for free. I'll spend my money on the premium version of this before I spend a penny on the other apps trying to sell me a limited amount of sounds i can't even preview in a mix first. Glad I got this one and I can delete all the other apps i've tried. The fact this app has helped me sleep for the past couple months while being diverse enough that i can always try something new with it deserves all my appreciation

My White Noise Review As to Why You Should With Emphasis Download This App

I really truly do love this app because I can use it anywhere I am, even if I'm in a hotel in a big hotel room, where there's lots of other people around me so that I can both fall asleep and stay with emphasis asleep at night without interruption and problems from babies screaming to babies crying in anger and frustration of hunger and chaos, somebody vomiting in the middle of the night, early, early, early, early morning vomiting to somebody using the toilet or taking a shower really early in the day, your house alarm going off downstairs because you're still asleep at 9:45 AM and somebody downstairs got up at like 9:30 AM to a door being opened at night because somebody is freaking out because an epileptic person is seizing and having a seizure, from somebody making a bunch of noise next to you to somebody talking next to you while you're trying to fall asleep or are asleep and you're telling them to please be quiet, please stop talking, be quiet, stop talking, please shut it, shut it, shut up, please shut up, etc. Obviously, don't ever say shut up to somebody, instead, say, hush, please hush, or please remain quiet, please get quiet, asap, as soon as possible, fast, and quick, quickly.

Still in love

Everyone should have this app then learn how to use it to make your life better. I've had this app since my first smart phone and I still love it. We have 8 children now and I love to travel and visit a variety of places. This app makes it so easy to help them have a good nights sleep wherever we are. We can all sleep in the same room if needed and not be terribly worried we'll wake up like sleep-deprived Zombies. I absolutely love the clock feature! When in landscape, I'm able to see the time from across the room with a color of my choice conducive to our needs. This is especially helpful if the phone needs to be particularly close to a certain child. It is so nice to see the time at anytime through out the night without even touching my device. It is my travel sanity. It is also handy when mom (or anyone) needs to catch a nap, but the background noise is a bit too much (even when they are trying to be quiet) or I need to be in the same room, but want to override their whispers to concentrate better.

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

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‎Do you have trouble going to sleep? Are you traveling on a plane and need a quick power nap? Does your newborn baby wake up in the middle of the night? There are numerous benefits to using White Noise: * Helps you sleep by blocking distractions * Relaxes and reduces stress * Pacifies fussy and cryi...

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Sensory processing & Neurodevelopment information 

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Sensory processing & Neurodevelopment information 

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What is sensory processing?

The way we get information from our different senses, and what our brains do with it, is called sensory processing. We are all individuals and our brains process information slightly differently. This means we have different sensory likes and dislikes. Think about what food and drink you like and don't like. Some people love coffee, some people don't; some people love loud rock music, some people don't.

The sensory system within our bodies processes incoming information all day long and works hard to keep our system balanced. This is called sensory self-regulation. Regulating our sensory system allows us to feel comfortable and ready to take part in activities, such as playing, learning, exercise and sleeping.

Our Amazing Eight Senses
We have many different senses. The most well known are the five traditional senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. In addition, we have 3 significant internal senses.

The three internal senses

Proprioception

Awareness of pressure and force on your body, and knowing where your body is in space/its location. Differences with proprioceptive processing mean you might bump into things or feel the need to chew or bite down on toys or clothing. You also might need to keep moving about even when others around you are sitting still.

Vestibular

Awareness of balance and movement. If you have a high threshold you may need to rock, spin or swing lots more than other people. If you have a low threshold you might avoid swings and movement altogether!

Interoception

Awareness and understanding of what's going on inside our bodies, such as how we feel hunger, pain, needing the toilet, or whether we are hot and cold. Interoception can also help us with body signals about how we are feeling emotionally. Someone with different interoception processing may feel these signals more acutely than others, or they may struggle to pick up these signals at all.

Sensory processing and ND

Lots of us have differences in sensory processing without it getting in the way of everyday life. However, the sensory processing differences in neurodivergent individuals can be much more significant; this can lead to great enjoyment as well as significant challenges. It can be extremely challenging for neurodivergent individuals' sensory systems to be well balanced in the noisy, busy and highly stimulating neurotypical world we live in.

Sometimes an individual might need more sensory information (hypo-sensitive) while others might need less information (hyper-sensitive) to feel "just right". These sensory processing differences and needs can change within the same person across each hour, week and month, depending on the person's environment and emotional and physical health.

These internal and environmental factors may lead to a person's sensory processing being quickly overwhelmed by what or how they are feeling. This can be called 'sensory overload'. This can then cause challenges in carrying out daily routines or activities.

This video helps us understand how a neurodivergent individual might experience an everyday experience such as visiting a shopping centre.

How sensory processing might look in ND children/young people

Sensory overload

Sensory overload can happen when things in the environment overstimulate an individual's senses, e.g. a hot crowded room or a smelly noisy dinner hall. There is suddenly so much information coming through our senses that our brains cannot separate the experiences, process them or manage them comfortably. This can cause challenges in carrying out daily routines or activities.

Most people experience sensory overload from time to time. However, neurodivergent individuals often experience sensory overload more often and more intensely. This can make it incredibly challenging for them to self-regulate their emotions.

Sensory overload and emotions

Someone experiencing sensory overload might have feelings of 'flight or fight', as well as overexcitement, irritability, anxiety, physical discomfort or fear. This may lead to the child/young person 'flipping their lid'.

Children and young people with sensory processing differences tend to experience emotions very differently to their peers and may respond to their emotions in ways that lead to social judgements e.g. meltdowns, anger or wanting to hide. Our emotions page has more information on emotions and neurodivergence.

Neurodivergent children may feel pressured to change themselves to fit in. This is known as masking, which can be exhausting and even harmful to a young person's health and well-being.

Sensory hangover

Some neurodivergent people describe experiencing 'sensory hangovers'; they can feel extremely emotional, stressed, overwhelmed and/or exhausted after being in highly stimulating environments, e.g. school, work, shopping centres, music concerts. When they return home, the individual may want to be in a quiet, dimly light space and find it challenging to talk or interact with others due to the strong sensory overwhelm and fatigue they are experiencing. It's important that we honour and advocate for children's sensory differences and the adaptions needed.

Sensory regulation and autonomy

Ultimately, the aim is for you/your child to have sensory autonomy - the ability to understand and advocate for your own sensory differences and needs. Individual help is likely to be needed to understand the human senses, personal sensory processing and individual sensory needs. This may take time and be worked on over several years.

In the meantime, you, as a young person or parent/carer, can make small changes to your environment and daily routine to help accommodate for sensory differences, likes and dislikes. You may already have developed some strategies and sensory routines to help keep regulated which is great.

My teenage son will often get very distressed and ask me to turn out the lights because he struggles with this. It can also be calming for autistic children to have a sensory tent. They can also struggle with body position and movement. Read more

Emily, parent

Support Strategies

It will take time to learn about your/your child's individual sensory preferences before working out which strategies to try. Please don't expect big changes overnight. It can take several months for sensory strategies to be used effectively. Try to persist with strategies but you can always leave a strategy and come back to it if it doesn't work straightaway.

For things that are essential in your everyday life, such as putting on clothes or going to school, it can help to identify individual likes and dislikes, e.g. light levels, noise levels, textures. It may help to use physical objects or pictures to help identify and express these likes and dislikes.

You can then accommodate these sensory preferences across your life, both at home and school. It may help, in some situations, to keep encouraging different sensory stimuli experiences. This can help reduce anxiety; completely avoiding situations can sometimes make it worse in the long run. But it's really important that when they do these things, you have strategies in place to make them bearable and for the child/young person to communicate if it's too much.

It's OK to be different from other people - to help reduce stress in your/your child's life, it can be ok to make choices that suit individual sensory preferences.

Try not to judge

Do not judge or presume you know how that individual is feeling. Try to ask them how it feels and what they need, if they are able to tell you.

Reduce the demands

Simple every day activities can place huge demand on ND individuals, e.g. getting dressed/changed, brushing teeth, stopping one activity and starting another.

Reduce any unnecessary demands on the individual where you can, e.g. keep it to things they really need to do, particularly in challenging moments. This can help reduce anxiety.

Adapt the environment

Lots of sensory needs can be accommodated for with a little preparation at both home and school/education.
Labels can be cut out of clothes and some schools now accept jogging bottoms as part of their uniform. Lights can be dimmed, coloured or used differently throughout the day. Schools can offer a distraction-free, uncluttered area to work.

Try to keep calm

Try to keep your emotions and communication calm. Use very little language and pause in between your sentences. You may need to repeat what you're saying, slowly and calmly with pauses in between.

Use accessories

Ear defenders are now widely available and can reduce noise to a bearable level for a neurodivergent individuals. Fiddle toys help keep fingers busy! Your local Occupational Therapist will be able to support with other equipment needs such as wobble cushions to sit on, weighted cushions or blankets, or safe chewable toys.

Clear start and end

Have a clear beginning and end for sensory tasks that can't be avoided. For example, use a sand timer for teeth brushing or tell your child the noise will have finished by the time you've counted to ten or sung a song.

Sensory routine

A sensory routine is where specific activities are routinely put into place each day to proactively meet the individual's sensory interests and needs. For example, starting the day with some soft coloured lighting to wake up to; having a smelly toy to smell on the journey to school each day; doing a physical activity that includes a lot of jumping for 5 minutes straight after school; ending the day with a warm bath and lots of time to play with water.

You/your child could make a list of a range of sensory experiences/activities you/they like and you create a routine together to fit these in across your daily activities. The activities that work well for you/your child will be highly individual and may take some experimentation to find what you/they enjoy most.

Proactively allowing opportunities to meet and exercise sensory interests will decrease anxiety across the day and support the ability to focus and engage in other more challenging activities.

Sensory checklist

Create a sensory checklist to help work out what changes can be made. Complete this yourself/together with the young person where possible.

You could use this from STARS

Sensory circuits

Sensory circuits can significantly help keep an individual's overall anxiety and dysregulation levels down.
Example sensory circuit info and ideas for home STARS

Support from peers

Reach out for support from other parents/people with lived experiences to problem solve together. Someone else will have been there and will have ideas to offer! Local and national support groups can be found here

Plan ahead and prepare

It can help to plan ahead and adjust your routine/activities before hand. For example:

If you know your child doesn't like noisy, busy supermarkets, choose to go earlier when it is quieter, or find out if and when your shop has a designated quiet time. Alternatively, go alone, if and when you can.

Plan your trips out and incorporate lots of movement breaks, or squeeze in a trip to a park or playground when you can - it doesn't have to be for long.

Talk to your child about what they might experience beforehand. Can we change anything to help? E.g., if you are going to a birthday party where there are likely triggers e.g., balloons or sudden singing, perhaps speak to the parents beforehand about whether balloons could be avoided or kept in one room? Could you take some sensory toys and/or ear defenders?

Go to resource

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The way we process and react to sensory information (e.g. noise, taste, touch) can differ in neurodivergent individuals. Find out more about sensory processing and neurodivergence, including support strategies/information here.

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Sensory processing information and strategies to reduce the impact difficulties can have on children and young people's daily lives

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Connect NHS - Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire

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Humber Sensory Processing Hub - Connect NHS

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Humber Sensory Processing Hub, sensory processing information and strategies to reduce the impact difficulties can have on children and young people’s daily lives.

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Dyscalculia Network | Leading Support Network for Dyscalculia

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The Dyscalculia Network is a leading community interest company supporting individuals with Dyscalculia. Find a online tutor today.

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The British Dyslexia Association is the voice for the 10% of the population that are dyslexic

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SEND parent community connector offering holistic support and advice

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SEND parent community connector offering holistic support and advice

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The UK SEN diagnosis and educational support system is a tough, fractured system to navigate. We aim to help parents & guardians access all forms of support for their children and we also offer training to organisations who wish to work with children and young adults with SEN, OUR FUTURE GENERATION.

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Autism Wellbeing resources for parents and carers

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Autism Wellbeing resources for parents and carers

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Wellbeing resources for parents and carers

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We've launched a new series of six webinars on looking after yourself as a parent or carer of an autistic person. Each episode features a conversation with Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker on a different wellbeing topic.

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Children's Speech & Language: How you can help your child 

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Children's Speech & Language: How you can help your child 

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Here are our top tips and resources:

(WWL are not responsible for the content of 3rd party websites. Please let us know if there are any broken links or changed content.)

General Ideas and Information

Talking point: information on all aspects of children's communication, including a useful progress tracker to map your child's development.

Communication Trust: The Communication Trust is a coalition of over 50 not-for-profit organisations. Working together we support everyone who works with children and young people in England to support their speech, language and communication.

I CAN is a specialist children's communication charity providing a range of information services about children's communication.
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Early Years

Tiny Happy People: The BBC Tiny Happy website is packed full of ideas and activities that are easy to build into your daily routine. They're quick and inspiring, but they're also based on expert advice and evidence, and are proven to help your child's development.
Startwell
Startwell events in the area
Special time
Playing together
Sharing books together
Helping listening and attention skills
Helping understanding and talking
Baby Buddy
Booktrust
Baby Box University (for newborns)

A playlist of communication strategies from @Towerhamlettherapies
Adult-Child Interaction
A webinar from our colleagues in North East London Foundation NHS Trust
Special Time
A short example of the Dos and Don'ts of Special time (from our colleagues in Tower Hamlets)

Primary School Resources

Helping listening and attention skills
Helping social communication skills
Helping speech sounds
Helping understanding
Helping talking - Infants
Helping talking - Juniors
Sharing books - Infants
Sharing books - Juniors
Sharing time together
Blank Levels
Knowing what children understand, helps us ask the right questions. Blank levels are a useful framework to help us.
Colourful Semantics
Colourful semantics is an approach created by Alison Bryan, speech and language therapist, to support children who have a developmental language disorder. Teachers can use the principles to help children learn about and talk about language structure.

Secondary Age Resources

Developmental Language Disorder
DLD | Developmental Language Disorder | Language Disorder (dldandme.org) Colourful Semantics
Colourful semantics is an approach created by Alison Bryan, speech and language therapist, to support children who have a developmental language disorder. Teachers can use the principles to help children learn about and talk about language structure.

Unclear Speech (phonology)

Unclear speech (neurological conditions)

Additional Needs (Also known as Special Educational Needs, or SEN)

Wigan Parent Carer Forum
A-Team Hub
Embrace Wigan and Leigh is a user-led charity dedicated to helping people with any type of disability and their families who live, work or use services primarily within the borough of Wigan, gain the support they need to live a fulfilling life.
Down's Syndrome Association
Blank Levels
Knowing what children understand, helps us ask the right questions. Blank levels are a useful framework to help us.
Modelling Symbols
Some children and young people needs symbols to help them understand or express themselves, or to develop their language skills.
Intensive Interaction
This approach was developed by Hewitt and Nind, and helps develop meaningful and enjoyable interactions between two people.The video explains the technique and gives examples of it in action.
Communication Profile
A single page of information that helps people get to know a child or young person. Click here to download a template you can edit.

Selective Mutism

Cleft Palate

Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)

National Autistic Society
www.socialthinking.com has some great resources and information for all ages on how to think socially, and therefore develop social skills through a better understanding of what people are thinking and why they act in the way they do.

Take a virtual tour of the Grand Arcade shopping centre in Wigan. The iRoam technology allows people to familiarise themselves with the shopping centre in advance of any visit and can really help to reduce anxiety. This may be particularly useful for people with autism.
Howe Bridge Leisure Centre virtual tour (wigan.gov.uk) Wigan Life Centre virtual tour Leigh Leisure Centre virtual tour (wigan.gov.uk) Modelling Symbols
Some children find it difficult to process the spoken word, or to express themselves using speech. Symbols can help.

We teach symbols in the same way we "teach" speech - use it, and allow children to see how powerful communication can be. Below is an example of how we can model symbols during a playdough activity. There is no pressure on the child to use the symbols. We model, and the child can use the symbols when they are ready. We can create opportunities for the child to express themself by pausing, allowing them to copy, or to tell us something new!
Intensive Interaction
This approach was developed by Hewitt and Nind, and helps develop meaningful and enjoyable interactions between two people.The video explains the technique and gives examples of it in action.

Dysfluency (stammering)

Communication Aids (AAC)

1Voice is a user-led network and support group for children who use communication aids and their families.

Communication Matters provides information and resources for professionals and families and people with limited natural speech.
Modelling the Use of Symbols
If children are learning to use symbols to express themselves, they need to see symbols being used all the time, so they can learn this visual language. Here is an example of modelling symbols during a playdough activity. There is no expectation that the child uses the symbols. We model, and when the child is ready, they will use the words/symbols that are meaningful to them. We create opportunities for them to use the symbols by pausing, or by pretending to do things wrong - we give the child something to talk about!

Signalong

Signalong - The Communication Charity Information about the signing system that Learning Disabled children and adults use in Wigan.

Watch videos:

Visual Supports

Some examples of visual supports
Word Maps

Communication Role Models

A communication disability doesn't have to stop you achieving.

Read some success stories:

Chris Packham (TV presenter and Wildlife Expert)

Professor Stephen Hawking (Scientist, Author)

Lost Voice Guy (Lee Ridley: Radio 2 Comedy Award winner 2014, writer)

Francesca Martinez (Activist and Comedian)

Rosie Jones (Actor, Activist and Comedian)

Becky (Artist and AAC user)

Pink Wheelchair Films (Film maker who uses AAC)

Eating and Drinking

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WWL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Children's SALT How You Can Help Your Child

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Here are our top tips and resources: (WWL are not responsible for the content of 3rd party websites. Please let us know if there are any broken links or changed content.) General Ideas and Information Talking point: information on all aspects of children's communication, including a useful progress tracker to map your child's development.

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This page is intended to support in accessing available resources - if you have a service you want to include or cant find what your looking for - please contact Marie Baron on: marie.baron1@nhs.net 

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This page is intended to support in accessing available resources - if you have a service you want to include or cant find what your looking for - please contact Marie Baron on: marie.baron1@nhs.net 

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Maintaining oral health in children with autism.

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Maintaining oral health in children with autism.

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Embrace - Behaviour Support Online Workshops

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Join the National Autistic Society’s EarlyBird programme for parents and carers of autistic children aged under 6 years.

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Autism Friends Newsletter - Autumn 2024

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The SENDcast is a one-stop-shop for SEND content, with information all in one place for teachers, parents and anyone else supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. 

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The SENDcast is a one-stop-shop for SEND content, with information all in one place for teachers, parents and anyone else supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. 

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Listen to all episodes of the SENDcast podcast for FREE here - the #1 podcast for Special Educational Needs.

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Care Education & Treatment Reviews and Dynamic Support Registers

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Care Education & Treatment Reviews and Dynamic Support Registers

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The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - an integrated health and education service.

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WWL Early Years Neurodevelopmental Team - Training & Workshops 

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WWL Early Years Neurodevelopmental Team - Training & Workshops 

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Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

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Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

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The following resources for healthcare professionals and parents/carers are free to download and share.

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The following resources for healthcare professionals and parents/carers are free to download and share.

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Paediatric Dentistry - Advice for parents of children with Autism

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Paediatric Dentistry - Advice for parents of children with Autism

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New online course for anyone living or working in Greater Manchester. At the end of this one-hour course you will better understand: the difference between mental health and poor mental health - the things we can do to help us cope with our negative thoughts and feelings - the benefit of talking and sharing our thoughts and feelings with someone we trust.

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New online course for anyone living or working in Greater Manchester. At the end of this one-hour course you will better understand: the difference between mental health and poor mental health - the things we can do to help us cope with our negative thoughts and feelings - the benefit of talking and sharing our thoughts and feelings with someone we trust.

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Healthy Minds Greater Manchester online course

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A mental health-focused online course for people living and working in Greater Manchester to help get people thinking and talking about how they are feeling

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#DRMESTER is here to inspire and support you to go alcohol free when pregnant or planning a pregnancy. There's lots of different advice out there. Our message is simple and based on the facts – when it comes to alcohol, there's no safe time and no safe amount to drink during pregnancy.

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#DRMESTER is here to inspire and support you to go alcohol free when pregnant or planning a pregnancy. There's lots of different advice out there. Our message is simple and based on the facts – when it comes to alcohol, there's no safe time and no safe amount to drink during pregnancy.

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#DRMESTER is here to inspire and support you to go alcohol free when pregnant or planning a pregnancy. There’s lots of different advice out there. Our message is simple and based on the facts – when it comes to alcohol, there’s no safe time and no safe amount to drink during pregnancy.

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UKFASDManifesto People with FASD ask for the same respect as others People with FASD here in the UK have created a manifesto that says how they would like doctors, teachers, parents and others to better support people with FASD. More than 60 people gave us their ideas!

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GM FASD Network; This page is in production and will be coming soon – If you would like to be part of the further development of the network, please sign up here for updates!

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GM FASD Network; This page is in production and will be coming soon – If you would like to be part of the further development of the network, please sign up here for updates!

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Landing - Greater Manchester FASD Network

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Dyscalculia & Maths Learning Difficulties

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Dyscalculia & Maths Learning Difficulties

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Supporting a child or young person: A guide for parents

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Supporting a child or young person: A guide for parents

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Ten percent of the population are believed to be dyslexic, but it is still often poorly understood. With the right support, the strengths and talents of…

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Adult (16+) - British Dyslexia Association

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Dyslexia can have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. We look at common issues...

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We offer information, resources and training to help teaching staff to identify and support neurodiversity in the classroom

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Empowering Dyslexic Children: A Guide for Supportive Parents

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Empowering Dyslexic Children: A Guide for Supportive Parents

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Empowering Dyslexic Children: A Guide for Supportive Parents

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Parental support plays a vital role in the journey of a dyslexic child. By providing understanding, guidance, and appropriate interventions, parents can help their children thrive and build confidence. In this blog post, we will explore effective ways parents can support their dyslexic children.1. Knowledge is Power: Educate yourself about dyslexia, its characteristics, and how it affects learning. Understand that dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence but a specific learning difference. Know

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In this video, it talks about how Dyspraxia can affect someone. It talks about what Dyspraxia is and what to look out for. 

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In this video, it talks about how Dyspraxia can affect someone. It talks about what Dyspraxia is and what to look out for. 

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of Dyspraxia - a guide for parents

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of Dyspraxia - a guide for parents

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of Dyspraxia - a guide for teachers

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of Dyspraxia - a guide for teachers

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Coping Tools | Anxiety Support | Regulation | Activities

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Free downloads and ideas to introduce coping tools and strategies to children. Coping tools aren’t there to stop an emotion, they are there to be able to help us cope whilst the emotion is there, helping to reduce fear of emotions and nurture a growth mindset and emotional resilience.

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This padlet is for children to understand their ADHD

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This padlet is for children to understand their ADHD

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Epic Autism Resources - Spectrum Gaming 

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Epic Autism Resources - Spectrum Gaming 

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A WEBSITE ABOUT AUTISM, FOR AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE

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A WEBSITE ABOUT AUTISM, FOR AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE

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A website about autism, for autistic young people - so that everyone can gain a better understanding of what autism actually is.

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You Tube Channel created by Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Understanding Autism and Anxiety | Autism Barriers to Education

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This Padlet is for young people and teens to understand their ADHD

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This Padlet is for young people and teens to understand their ADHD

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of ADHD - A guide for teachers

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of ADHD - A guide for teachers

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of ADHD - A guide for parents

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Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of ADHD - A guide for parents

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Supporting Children and Young People with Sleep

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Supporting Children and Young People with Sleep

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We are dedicated to creating new and interesting fresh content for your child and we hope the whole family can enjoy our App!
With such a wide selection of free sleep sounds, meditations and stories to try out, and even more available with one of our affordable subscriptions. What have you got to lose?

Available to Download for FREE today.

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New Horizon - Meditation & Sleep Stories | Home

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New Horizon create Guided Meditations & Sleep Stories for Adults & Children. Get our new FREE App!

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Greater Manchester Autism Consortium - Understanding sensory needs

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Greater Manchester Autism Consortium - Understanding sensory needs

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Understanding sensory needs

The Understanding sensory needs Seminar :

​

These videos have been recorded by our parent facilitators and are split into approximately 25 minute sections. These Sensory Needs videos are approximately 100 minutes in total. Please note: The evaluation surveys referred to in these videos are now completed in the interactive webinar and not on the website.

The booklet below accompanies the videos and there is space to write notes and complete the 8 exercises .

The PDF booklet below can be printed off or downloaded.

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 1

The videos below are referenced in the Sensory seminar (section 1) video link above and may be helpful to watch:

It is important to have watched the three accompanying videos above before registering for the Zoom webinar.

Two parent facilitators who have ASD children will be running the webinar.

They will be 90 minute sessions for up to 10 parents, of children aged 0-16 years.

We start the webinar with Introductions: ideally we like parents to be on camera, you can ask questions or type your answers in the Zoom chat box.

There will be a brief recap while answering the 8 exercise questions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.

We ask all attendees to kindly complete the interactive evaluation form towards the end of the session. We really appreciate your feedback as it enables us to improve our content.

​

Not sure how to join a Zoom meeting? Click on the video below:

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Understanding sensory needs The Understanding sensory needs Seminar : ​ These videos have been recorded by our parent facilitators and are split into approximately 25 minute sections. These Sensory Needs videos are approximately 100 minutes in total. Please note: The evaluation surveys referred to in these videos are now completed in the interactive webinar and not on the website.

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Tips and tricks to help with challenging behaviour

Formulated by Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke and the POP-UP team, these tips and tricks are backed by science and proven to work with families.

Tips and tricks to help with emotions

These videos focus on emotions and are formulated by Professor Andrea Danese and colleagues at the Maudsley CAMHS Trauma, Anxiety and Depression clinic. They are drawn from Cognitive Behavioural-Therapy (CBT) principles used to help young people who experience anxiety or depression.

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Parenting Tips & Tricks - Families Under Pressure - Maudsley Charity

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A guide with simple tips and tricks for parents on dealing with challenging behaviour and negative emotions, developed by researchers & NHS mental health experts.

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This course has been developed for anyone to take the training, but we particularly recommend you take the training if you are part of the autistic community or work with autistic people.

This course is recommended for people aged 16 or over.

What the training covers

Our hope is that through the training you will:

How long the training takes

The training can be taken at your own pace but could take up to an hour to complete.

Acknowledgements

This training has been informed by research, evidence and lived experiences.

We are extremely grateful to our steering group of autistic people, carers and professionals who contributed their time and expertise to help develop this training course.

We are also extremely grateful to the 200 plus people who shared their personal and professional experiences and hopes for the training directly with the ZSA.

Your invaluable insights have helped inform and shape this training.

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This course has been developed for anyone to take the training, but we particularly recommend you take the training if you are part of the autistic community or work with autistic people. This course is recommended for people aged 16 or over.

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Get 24/7 support whenever you need it

Learn how to help someone who may be thinking of suicide with Zero Suicide Alliance's free training.

It can be really hard to know how to support someone who you think might be feeling suicidal. Zero Suicide Alliance have created free online training that will give you the skills you need to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Please be aware that this training may be challenging for some people. Make sure you have someone you can talk to if you need to.

Suicide Awareness Training

An in depth suicide awareness training session which takes 20 minutes to complete. It will equip you with the skills and confidence to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide.

Take part now

A brief introduction to suicide awareness

This five minute module will give you advice on how to start a difficult conversation with someone who is struggling.

Take part now

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Learn to Save a Life | Shining a Light on Suicide

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Get 24/7 support whenever you need it Learn how to help someone who may be thinking of suicide with Zero Suicide Alliance's free training. It can be really hard to know how to support someone who you think might be feeling suicidal.

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Tourette Syndrome is an inherited, neurological condition, the key features of which are tics, involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements. TS is a complex condition and covers a wide spectrum of symptoms. This eLearning module will help users understand and learn more about Tourette Syndrome

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How to support your Neurodiverse child at risk of suicide and self harm

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How to support your Neurodiverse child at risk of suicide and self harm

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Preparing for adulthood (wigan.gov.uk)

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Information, advice and support for parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

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Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often.
It usually starts during childhood and, if left untreated, can persist into adulthood.

A child or adult with selective mutism does not refuse or choose not to speak at certain times, they're literally unable to speak.

The expectation to talk to certain people triggers a freeze response with feelings of anxiety and panic, and talking is impossible.

In time, the person may learn to anticipate the situations that provoke this distressing reaction and do all they can to avoid them.

However, people with selective mutism are able to speak freely to certain people, such as close family and friends, when nobody else is around to trigger the freeze response.

Selective mutism affects about 1 in 140 young children. It's more common in girls and children who have recently migrated from their country of birth.

Signs of selective mutism

Selective mutism can start at any age, but most often starts in early childhood, between age 2 and 4. It's often first noticed when the child starts to interact with people outside their family, such as when they begin nursery or school.

The main warning sign is the marked contrast in the child's ability to engage with different people, characterised by a sudden stillness and frozen facial expression when they're expected to talk to someone who's outside their comfort zone.

They may avoid eye contact and appear:

nervous, uneasy or socially awkward

rude, disinterested or sulky

clingy

shy and withdrawn

stiff, tense or poorly co-ordinated

stubborn or aggressive, having temper tantrums when they get home from school, or getting angry when questioned by parents

More confident children with selective mutism can use gestures to communicate - for example, they may nod for "yes" or shake their head for "no".

But more severely affected children tend to avoid any form of communication - spoken, written or gestured.

Some children may manage to respond with a few words, or they may speak in an altered voice, such as a whisper.

What causes selective mutism

Experts regard selective mutism as a fear ( phobia) of talking to certain people. The cause is not always clear, but it's known to be associated with anxiety.

The child will usually have a tendency to anxiety and have difficulty taking everyday events in their stride.

Find out more about anxiety in children.

Many children become too distressed to speak when separated from their parents and transfer this anxiety to the adults who try to settle them.

If they have a speech and language disorder or hearing problem, it can make speaking even more stressful.

Some children have trouble processing sensory information such as loud noise and jostling from crowds - a condition known as sensory integration dysfunction.

This can make them "shut down" and be unable to speak when overwhelmed in a busy environment. Again, their anxiety can transfer to other people in that environment.

When mutism occurs as a symptom of post-traumatic stress, it follows a very different pattern and the child suddenly stops talking in environments where they previously had no difficulty.

Another misconception is that a child with selective mutism is controlling or manipulative, or has autism. There's no relationship between selective mutism and autism, although a child may have both.

Diagnosing selective mutism

Left untreated, selective mutism can lead to isolation, low self-esteem and social anxiety disorder. It can continue into adolescence and adulthood if not managed.

Diagnosis in children

A child can successfully overcome selective mutism if it's diagnosed at an early age and appropriately managed.

It's important for selective mutism to be recognised early by families and schools so they can work together to reduce a child's anxiety. Staff in early years settings and schools may receive training so they're able to provide appropriate support.

If you suspect your child has selective mutism and help is not available, or there are additional concerns - for example, the child struggles to understand instructions or follow routines - speak to a GP and ask them to refer you to a local specialist service for a formal diagnosis.

You can also contact a speech and language therapy clinic directly. Do not accept the opinion that your child will grow out of it or they are "just shy".

Your GP or local integrated care board (ICB) should be able to give you the telephone number of your nearest NHS speech and language therapy service or another specialist service that can help in your area.

Your child may also need to see a mental health professional or school educational psychologist.

The clinician may initially want to talk to you without your child present, so you can speak freely about any anxieties you have about your child's development or behaviour.

They'll want to find out whether there's a history of anxiety disorders in the family, and whether anything is causing distress, such as a disrupted routine or difficulty learning a second language. They'll also look at behavioural characteristics and take a full medical history.

A person with selective mutism may not be able to speak during their assessment, but the clinician should be prepared for this and be willing to find another way to communicate.

For example, they may encourage a child with selective mutism to communicate through their parents, or suggest that older children or adults write down their responses or use a computer. They may watch the child playing or watch a video of them speaking in a comfortable environment.

Diagnosis in adults

It's possible for adults to overcome selective mutism, although they may continue to experience the psychological and practical effects of spending years without social interaction or not being able to reach their academic or occupational potential.

Adults will ideally be seen by a mental health professional with access to support from a speech and language therapist or another knowledgeable professional.

Diagnosis guidelines

Selective mutism is diagnosed according to specific guidelines. These include observations about the person concerned as outlined:

they do not speak in specific situations, such as during school lessons or when they can be overheard in public

they can speak normally in situations where they feel comfortable, such as when they're alone with parents at home, or in their empty classroom or bedroom

their inability to speak to certain people has lasted for at least 1 month (2 months in a new setting)

their inability to speak interferes with their ability to function in that setting

their inability to speak is not better explained by another behavioural, mental or communication disorder

Associated difficulties

A child with selective mutism will often have other fears and social anxieties, and they may also have additional speech and language difficulties.

They're often wary of doing anything that draws attention to them because they think that by doing so, people will expect them to talk.

For example, a child may not do their best in class after seeing other children being asked to read out good work, or they may be afraid to change their routine in case this provokes comments or questions. Many have a general fear of making mistakes.

Accidents and urinary infections may result from being unable to ask to use the toilet and holding on for hours at a time. School-aged children may avoid eating and drinking throughout the day so they do not need to excuse themselves.

Children may have difficulty with homework assignments or certain topics because they're unable to ask questions in class.

Teenagers may not develop independence because they're afraid to leave the house unaccompanied. And adults may lack qualifications because they're unable to participate in college life or subsequent interviews.

Treating selective mutism

With appropriate handling and treatment, most children are able to overcome selective mutism. But the older they are when the condition is diagnosed, the longer it will take.

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on:

how long the person has had selective mutism

whether or not they have additional communication or learning difficulties or anxieties

the co-operation of everyone involved with their education and family life

Treatment does not focus on the speaking itself, but reducing the anxiety associated with speaking.

This starts by removing pressure on the person to speak. They should then gradually progress from relaxing in their school, nursery or social setting, to saying single words and sentences to one person, before eventually being able to speak freely to all people in all settings.

The need for individual treatment can be avoided if family and staff in early years settings work together to reduce the child's anxiety by creating a positive environment for them.

This means:

not letting the child know you're anxious

reassuring them that they'll be able to speak when they're ready

concentrating on having fun

praising all efforts the child makes to join in and interact with others, such as passing and taking toys, nodding and pointing

not showing surprise when the child speaks, but responding warmly as you would to any other child

As well as these environmental changes, older children may need individual support to overcome their anxiety.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps a person focus on how they think about themselves, the world and other people, and how their perception of these things affects their thoughts and feelings. CBT also challenges fears and preconceptions through graded exposure.

Behavioural therapy

Behavioural therapy concentrates on helping combat current difficulties using a gradual step-by-step approach to help conquer fears.

Techniques

There are several techniques based on CBT and behavioural therapy that are useful in treating selective mutism. These can be used at the same time by individuals, family members and school or college staff, possibly under the guidance of a speech and language therapist or psychologist.

Graded exposure

In graded exposure, situations causing the least anxiety are tackled first. With realistic targets and repeated exposure, the anxiety associated with these situations decreases to a manageable level.

Older children and adults are encouraged to work out how much anxiety different situations cause, such as answering the phone or asking a stranger the time.

Stimulus fading

In stimulus fading, the person with selective mutism communicates at ease with someone, such as their parent, when nobody else is present.

Another person is gradually introduced into the situation and, once they're included in talking, the parent withdraws. The new person can introduce more people in the same way.

Shaping

Shaping involves using any technique that enables the person to gradually produce a response that's closer to the desired behaviour.

For example, starting with non-verbal communication, gradually moving to making eye contact, saying short words and then longer sentences and, finally, 2-way conversation.

Positive and negative reinforcement

Positive and negative reinforcement involves responding favourably to all forms of communication and not inadvertently encouraging avoidance and silence.

If the child is under pressure to talk, they'll experience great relief when the moment passes, which will strengthen their belief that talking is a negative experience.

Desensitisation

Desensitisation is a technique that involves reducing the person's sensitivity to other people hearing their voice by sharing voice or video recordings.

For example, email or instant messaging could progress to an exchange of voice recordings or voicemail messages, then more direct communication, such as telephone or Skype conversations.

You could also record your child at home and encourage them to watch or listen to themselves speaking.

Medicine

Medicine is only really appropriate for older children, teenagers and adults whose anxiety has led to depression and other problems.

Medicine should never be prescribed as an alternative to environmental changes and behavioural approaches. Though some health professionals recommend using a combination of medicine and behavioural therapies in adults with selective mutism.

However, antidepressants may be used alongside a treatment programme to decrease anxiety levels, particularly if previous attempts to engage the individual in treatment have failed.

Advice for parents

Do not pressurise or bribe your child to encourage them to speak.

Let your child know you understand they're scared to speak and have difficulty speaking at times. Tell them they can take small steps when they feel ready and reassure them that talking will get easier.

Do not praise your child publicly for speaking because this can cause embarrassment. Wait until you're alone with them and consider a special treat for their achievement.

Reassure your child that non-verbal communication, such as smiling and waving, is fine until they feel better about talking.

Do not avoid parties or family visits, but consider what environmental changes are necessary to make the situation more comfortable for your child.

Ask friends and relatives to give your child time to warm up at his or her own pace and focus on fun activities rather than getting them to talk.

As well as verbal reassurance, give them love, support and patience.

Getting help and support

Teenagers and adults with selective mutism can find information and support at iSpeak and the Facebook group SM SpaceCafe.

The Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMiRA) is another good resource for people affected by selective mutism. There's also a SMiRA Facebook page.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice can help you find professionals in your area with experience in treating selective mutism.

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Find out about selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that prevents people from speaking in certain social situations.

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Our Ethos At Wigan Youth Zone we believe that #everyyoungpersoncan. That's why our inclusion team are dedicated to providing support for all young people at the Youth Zone. The team make sure that each and every young person who attends the youth zone can get involved in the activities they want to, regardless of their [...]