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PWSA UK | Support for those living with Prader-Willi Syndrome

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Seven stages of development with regard to appetite and weight gain have been described by Dr Jennifer Miller and associates.

In an article in the Journal of Medical Genetics (2011), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3285445/

she describes these stages thus:

Phase 0 occurs in utero, with decreased fetal movements and growth restriction compared to unaffected siblings.

Phase 1 the infant is hypotonic and not obese, with sub-phase 1a characterized by difficulty feeding with or without failure to thrive (ages birth-15 months; median age at completion: 9 months). This phase is followed by sub-phase 1b when the infant grows steadily along a growth curve and weight is increasing at a normal rate (median age of onset: 9 months; age quartiles 5- 15 months).

Phase 2 is associated with weight gain-in sub-phase 2a the weight increases without a significant change in appetite or caloric intake (median age of onset 2.08 years; age quartiles 20-31 months;), while in sub-phase 2b the weight gain is associated with a concomitant increased interest in food (median age of onset: 4.5 years; quartiles 3-5.25 years).

Phase 3 is characterized by hyperphagia, typically accompanied by food-seeking and lack of satiety (median age of onset: 8 years; quartiles 5-13 years). Some adults progress to:

Phase 4 which is when an individual who was previously in phase 3 no longer has an insatiable appetite and is able to feel full.

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PWSA UK | Support for those living with Prader-Willi Syndrome

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Seven stages of development with regard to appetite and weight gain have been described by Dr Jennifer Miller and associates. In an article in the Journal of Medical Genetics (2011), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3285445/ she describes these stages thus: Phase 0 occurs in utero, with decreased fetal movements and growth restriction compared to unaffected siblings.

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Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a wide range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems. It's usually noticed shortly after birth.

Symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome

Typical symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome include:

Read more about symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome.

Causes of Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a fault in a group of genes on chromosome number 15. This fault leads to a number of problems and is thought to affect part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which produces hormones and regulates growth and appetite.

This may explain some of the typical features of Prader-Willi syndrome, such as delayed growth and persistent hunger.

The genetic cause happens purely by chance, and boys and girls of all ethnic backgrounds can be affected.

It's extremely rare for parents to have more than one child with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Diagnosing Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome can usually be confirmed by carrying out genetic testing.

Children may be recommended for genetic testing if they have the symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome. Testing may be done in babies who are very floppy at birth.

Managing Prader-Willi syndrome

There's no cure for Prader-Willi syndrome, so treatment aims to manage the symptoms and associated problems. This includes managing the child's excessive appetite and behavioural problems.

One of the most important parts of caring for a child with Prader-Willi syndrome is to try to maintain a normal weight. The child should have a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding sweet treats and high-calorie items right from the start.

If children are allowed to eat as much as they want, they'll quickly become dangerously overweight. A child with the syndrome can eat 3 to 6 times more than other children of the same age and still feel hungry.

Limiting food intake can be very challenging for families. Children may behave badly to get extra food, and their hunger can make them hide or steal food.

Read more about managing Prader-Willi syndrome.

Long-term problems caused by Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome itself isn't life-threatening. However, compulsive eating and weight gain can cause young adults with the syndrome to develop obesity-related conditions such as:

If obesity is not prevented by controlling food intake, people with the condition are likely to die a lot younger than would normally be expected. If their diet is well controlled and they don't become overweight, adults can have a good quality of life and probably a normal life expectancy.

Many adults with Prader-Willi syndrome take part in activities such as voluntary or part-time work but, because of their behavioural problems and learning difficulties, it's unlikely they'll be able to live fully independent lives.

The increased appetite also means there is an increased risk of choking on food, so carers of a child with Prader-Willi syndrome are advised to learn what to do if someone is choking.

PWSA UK

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK (PWSA UK) provides information and support for people whose lives are affected by the condition. You can call the PWSA helpline on 01332 365676.

Information about your child

If your child has Prader-Willi syndrome, your clinical team will pass information about them on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).

This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.

Find out more about the register.

Video: Prader-Willi syndrome

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Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a wide range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems. It's usually noticed shortly after birth. Typical symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome include: Read more about symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome. Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a fault in a group of genes on chromosome number 15.

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Thanks for reaching out. I will make a section for this to give you some ideas of places to look!

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Hi my little boy has just been diagnosed with PWS I don’t know where to start to look for things to help him or where to start. Any advice?

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There are lots of stereotypes that are associated with learning disability. This video sets out to put that right.

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What is a learning disability? Mencap Young Ambassadors tackle stereotypes

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What is Developmental Co-ordination Disorder / Dyspraxia?

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What is Developmental Co-ordination Disorder / Dyspraxia?

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NHS website giving information about DCD. This is a good place to start your research

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Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) cannot be cured, but there are ways to help your child manage their problems.
A small number of children, usually those with mild symptoms who are diagnosed early, may be able to learn how to overcome their difficulties.

However the vast majority of children need long-term help and will continue to be affected as teenagers and adults.

Once DCD has been diagnosed, a treatment plan tailored to your child's particular difficulties can be made. This plan may involve a variety of specialists.

A treatment plan, combined with extra help at school, can help your child manage many of their physical difficulties, improve their general confidence and self-esteem, and help them to become a well-adjusted adult.

Healthcare professionals

Several healthcare professionals may be involved in your child's care.

For example, your child may need help from a paediatric occupational therapist, who can assess their abilities in daily activities, such as:

using cutlery

dressing

using the toilet

playing

fine movement activities such as writing

A therapist may work with a child, their carers and their teachers to help find ways to manage any problems.

Your child may also receive help from a paediatric physiotherapist. They can assess their abilities and create a therapy plan especially for them, which may include activities to improve walking, running, balance and co-ordination, among others.

Other healthcare professionals involved in your child's care may include:

a paediatrician - a doctor who specialises in the care of babies and children

an educational psychologist - a professional who helps children who are having trouble progressing with their education because of emotional, psychological or behavioural factors

Some of the interventions these health professionals may provide are outlined below.

Activity-oriented approach

One of the main types of intervention used to help children with DCD manage their condition is known as an activity-oriented approach.

This involves working with you and your child to identify specific activities that cause difficulties, and finding ways to overcome them.

For example, a therapist can help improve difficulties with specific movements by breaking the action down into small steps. They then teach your child to plan these individual movements and practice them regularly.

Your child may also benefit from adapting tasks to make them easier to do, such as adding special grips to pens to make them easier to hold, or wearing shoes with Velcro fasteners rather than shoelaces to make dressing easier.

Your child may be encouraged to exercise regularly as well, as this is generally considered to be beneficial for children with DCD.

Body-function-oriented approach

An alternative method to the task-oriented approach is the body-function-oriented approach. This is based on the theory that problems with your child's senses or perception of their body may be contributing to their movement difficulties.

A body-function-oriented approach may involve activities aimed at improving your child's general movement (motor) skills, rather than helping them with a particular task or activity.

However, this isn't thought to be as effective as the activity-oriented approach.

Treating other conditions

Children with DCD often have other conditions as well, which may need to be treated separately.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

If your child also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they may benefit from taking medication to help them concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer, and learn and practise new skills.

Find out more about treating ADHD.

Dyslexia

If your child also has dyslexia, they may benefit from special educational interventions designed to improve their reading and writing.

Find out more about treating dyslexia.

Autism

If your child also has autism, they may benefit from special programmes designed to help improve their communication, social interaction, and cognitive and academic skills. This can help children who have autism with everyday life.

Speech and language problems

Speech and language therapy may be useful if your child also has problems with their speech.

A speech and language therapist can assess your child's speech and help them find ways to communicate to the best of their ability.

This may involve exercises to move the lips or tongue in a certain way, practicing producing certain sounds, and learning to control their breathing.

Treatment as your child gets older

Although the physical co-ordination skills of a child with DCD will remain below average, this often becomes less of a problem as they get older.

During adolescence, difficulties in school - particularly producing written work - may become much more prominent.

Further treatment with an occupational therapist for handwriting problems may be helpful when your child is a little older.

Teachers may request older children be allowed more time in exams. Having access to a computer can make homework easier, and some schools will provide a laptop.

A young person may have 1 or more of the additional symptoms associated with DCD which adversely affects their behaviour, socialisation and school achievement.

These young people often require a significant degree of parental support in addition to the treatment they receive.

Alternative therapies

Because of the limitations of available treatments for DCD and the fact it cannot be cured, some parents may look into alternative therapies that claim to cure or greatly improve the condition.

But there's usually no scientific evidence to support the use of alternative therapies, and they can be expensive and time consuming.

It's also important to bear in mind that sometimes the physical co-ordination problems associated with DCD will naturally improve over time.

Support groups

Looking after a child with DCD can be difficult. You may find it helpful to contact local or national support groups, such as the Dyspraxia Foundation.

The Dyspraxia Foundation has information and advice for parents of children with dyspraxia that covers many of the issues that may arise as your child gets older.

Contact the Foundation's helpline on 01462 454 986.

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Developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children - Treatment

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Read about treating developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD). Although it can't be cured, there are ways your child can be helped to manage their problems.

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What are moderate learning difficulties?

Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) are one of the most prevalent triggers that teachers and parents experience with a child. A learning difficulty, often known as a learning disability, occurs when the brain's ability to comprehend information is impaired. This impairment can be caused by many factors, including genetic or biological causes, neurological disorders, sensory impairments, emotional problems, or environmental influences such as poverty, abuse, trauma, or neglect.The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that approximately 15% of children have some type of learning difficulty. In addition, about 1 in 5 adults has been diagnosed with a learning disability. The majority of people who are diagnosed with a learning disability do not receive the services they need to succeed in primary schools and/or work.

Whether you work in a special or a mainstream school, accurately assessing children's needs is paramount for providing them with a broad and balanced education. Special educational needs can be very complex and overlapping. Diagnosing children early on can prevent unnecessary permanent exclusions from school. Identification rates are generally quite accurate but nonetheless, some students can slip through the net, having a detrimental effect on their attitudes towards education.

Learning problems can coexist with developmental disabilities such as ADHD, ASD, and intellectual disability. There are four levels of learning difficulties:

Mild Learning Difficulties: IQ is usually between 50 and 70. Physical traits are frequently absent. They are able to communicate effectively with others. They have high basic literacy and numeracy skills and are able to go about their daily lives normally.

Moderate Learning Difficulties: they have the ability to manage their personal care and have an IQ range of 35 to 49. They have some difficulty with communication skills.

Severe Learning Difficulties: they have an IQ range of 20 to 34, major developmental delay, and limited communication and verbal comprehension skills. They require assistance in order to cope in social circumstances.

Profound Learning Difficulties: they have an IQ of less than 20 and have a major developmental delay in all areas where a well-supported plan and provision are required. There are significant cognitive impairments as well as physical abnormalities.

The main focus of this article will be on moderate learning difficulties. We'll define MLD and learn about the symptoms as well as supported strategies.

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Understanding more about moderate learning difficulties

Before we get into the specifics of moderate learning difficulties in this article, it's important to note that learning difficulties are all on a spectrum; they can be mild, moderate, or severe.

All of the learning challenges have an impact on the child's ability to learn new abilities in other areas of life as well as in non-maintained special schools. It makes it harder to grasp new skills and information while also making it challenging to cope independently with previously taught skills. A child with MLD, for example, may have difficulty putting on his own clothes.

Even with support and differentiation, moderate learning problems (MLD) can cause difficulty working at the expected age level, resulting in issues across the special school curriculum.

There may be other specific special needs, such as dyspraxia, or broader conditions, such as Down syndrome, in addition to moderate learning challenges. MLD is also known as intellectual disability or generalised learning problem.

MLD is not the official term for diagnosing learning problems; it is always associated with a child's IQ score being below the normal range. Although a specific assessment by an educational psychologist should be performed to determine the learning disability, this is usually the main problem that teachers and parents face; the child's IQ is below average, and sometimes it is normal average, but there is a specific learning disability such as dyspraxia that is a trigger for academic, social, and behavioural progress.

There are different types of disabilities in education: physical, mental, and emotional. Physical disabilities include visual impairments, hearing impairments, and motor skills. Mental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. Emotional disabilities include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

In terms of learning disabilities, these are often referred to as "intellectual" because the impairment affects the brain's capacity to process information. The most common type of learning disability is called Specific Language Impairment (SLI). SLI is when children struggle to understand language and use it appropriately. This can affect their speech, writing, reading, listening, and understanding of spoken words.

Children with special educational needs may have trouble using grammar correctly, pronouncing sounds clearly, or speaking fluently. They may have trouble following instructions, remembering what was said, or finding the right word to express themselves.

Pupils who have special educational needs may need extra help from teachers or tutors to improve their communication skills.

Students with special educational needs often struggle with verbal concepts, especially those related to language. This includes vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and pronunciation. These children may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, and therefore require additional support from teachers or tutors.

All children with MLD have different types of challenges and each group requires different types of scaffolding from educators.

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Signs of moderate learning difficulties
Children with moderate learning difficulties can often struggle with reading, writing,

Difficulty understanding basic concepts: for example, a fundamental idea such as personal space between individuals, they may struggle to respect personal space or solving a simple addition problem. This could have an effect on their literacy scores and a wider impact on their attitudes towards education.

Children with MLD have trouble learning basic abilities in reading, writing, and numeracy skills, as well as applying and developing taught skills. As a result, they may not be able to cope with their year group aim, resulting in a lack of confidence.

Poor problem-solving skills: Instead of asking another child nicely, a child may force him or her to play on the swing.

Difficulty applying and adapting taught abilities to new situations: For example, a child with MLD may learn the skill of counting forward, but when it comes to addition, the child may not be able to employ the previous counting forward knowledge.

Children with MLD have trouble remembering and organising skills, and they may forget to finish their schoolwork, forget their school supplies, and so on.

Children in primary school with MLD might have weak social and emotional abilities, which makes forming connections challenging.

It's challenging to recall things visually and auditory when you have poor auditory and visual memory skills. For example, having trouble memorising songs or recalling phonics material, which makes reading challenging.

Children in schools with MLD can have difficulty recalling and retaining knowledge due to poor long and short memory skills. They may also experience difficulties in learning new information, particularly if the information is presented visually or auditorily.

A child who has been diagnosed with MLD will need a lot of support from their family, teachers and other professionals when they are at school. This includes providing them with opportunities for social interaction, as well as ensuring that they receive adequate help with homework and study time.

Participation in schools might be hampered by a speech and language delay: individuals may have difficulties saying words and using language to express themselves, for example, narrating stories.

Behavioural issues: a lack of abilities can lead to behavioural issues such as being aggressive toward others, especially with secondary school pupils.

arithmetic and comprehension skills. They may also find it difficult to focus and concentrate and may experience problems with attention, organisation, planning and problem-solving.
They may also have communication needs and may present as emotionally older than their chronological age. In some cases, they may even appear to be older than their peers because of their inability to understand what others mean.
The additional support that you provide should always be informed by the individual child and their specific needs, however here are some general ideas which we hope will benefit most pupils:
Some children with MLD may need additional support with carrying out everyday activities such as dressing, eating, washing and cleaning up; however, not all children with a mild learning difficulty will show every one of these behaviours.

Provide a structured routine for the student. This gives the student a sense of security and prepares them to adjust to new conditions.

Children should be shared and given responsibility.

Encourage and congratulate the youngster on his or her accomplishments, both academic and behaviour.

Make sure the learning target is reachable and appropriate for the child's attainment levels. Adapt the goals to guarantee that the youngster is learning to his or her full capacity.

Break the task down into little parts, and make sure the work the child is given is differentiated and manageable for his or her level.

Give the learner clear and basic instructions, and don't give them too many directives at once.

To ensure that the child understands what has been said to him, have him recap the provided instruction in his own words.

Revisit the taught abilities on a regular basis to ensure that the student has mastered them.

Use a variety of methods to transmit knowledge to the child, including multi-sensory approaches, to ensure that all of the child's senses are engaged during the learning process.

Instead of describing the needed abilities to the student demonstrate them to him or her.

To assist the child in structuring their work, give them a writing frame and well-organized papers.

Give the child a planner so he or she can plan their duties and cross them off as they are accomplished.

Allow your students to utilise technology to aid his or her study (e.g., audio books, recording the lessons to revisit them, writing on the computer instead of using paper, etc).

Assist the child in developing their social skills.

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Strategies to Support Children with MLD:

Provide a quiet place where children feel comfortable, safe and supported and ensure that learning materials are age appropriate and accessible. Make sure that children have access to books, magazines, newspapers, computers, music etc. You can also encourage children to take part in activities such as arts and crafts, sports, hobbies, clubbing, socialising and group games. Helping children to develop good study skills, including organisation, note taking and revision techniques will advance their metacognitive abilities and improve their independence. Supporting children to learn how to manage their emotions and behaviour appropriately might also need to be considered.

What can schools do to cater for their MLD students?

There are three main types of schools for people with severe learning disabilities: specialist schools, mainstream schools and dual placement schools.

Specialist schools cater specifically to students with specific needs such as autism, dyslexia, Asperger syndrome etc. They usually offer support around teaching methods and curriculum, and provide training for teachers and other professionals working with students with SLD.
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/learning/conditioninfo/signs https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/learning-difficulties https://www.healthyplace.com/neurodevelopmental-disorders/intellectual-disability/mild-moderate-severe-intellectual-disability-differences
Mainstream schools are designed to meet the educational needs of students with mild to moderate learning difficulties, but there is certainly no 'one size fits all' and the provision will differ from school to school. Some mainstream schools offer additional help and support for those with more complex needs.

Dual placement schools combine both mainstream and specialist provision within one school. This allows students to receive extra support and guidance in areas where they struggle most. Students spend half their day in the mainstream setting and half in a specialist setting but not all countries will have this level of support in place. Educational psychologists can also provide guidance and support but in some local authorities, this provision can be scarce.

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Reference:

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Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) are one of the most prevalent triggers that teachers and parents experience with a child. A learning difficulty, often known as a learning disability, occurs when the brain's ability to comprehend information is impaired.

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A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities. There are three different types mild, moderate and severe.

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Life is BUSY - I know! However, you still need to take time to look after yourself, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Remember to always ask for support if you need it.

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I need help - information and support on domestic abuse

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Women's Aid Live Chat does your relationship not feel right? It could be domestic abuse. Send an email to a Women's Aid domestic abuse support worker. Help for all aspects of domestic abuse, suc...

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Every parent needs a little help from time to time. We're on hand, in communities and online

We know that supporting parents means better outcomes for the child. We've seen the difference this support can make. That's why we offer help and guidance, in person and through our online services.

Our parenting programmes support families and care-givers around the UK. They're designed to help parents and children bond, learn, or overcome difficulties:

Incredible Years shares tips and ideas to help a child learn, in school and in life.

Incredible Babies teaches new parents how to support their baby in the first year of their life.

HENRY focuses on health, exercise and nutrition for the really young.

And through the Freedom programme, we help mums and children who have suffered domestic abuse.

These and more are available through children's centres. We also run courses online or by text message, reflecting how parents want to engage.

Parent Talk offers free, down-to-earth advice for parents of children aged 0-19. All our content is written or curated by our parenting coaches, based on their experience working with children, young people and their families.

Parents can browse articles, or chat to a parenting coach for individual advice and emotional support. It's all free, and no topic is too big, small, or embarrassing.

Our online advice services were brought together and relaunched on one microsite this year, in response to an increased demand. We've been working with seven local authorities to deliver a live chat service tailored to local needs. We're now working on rolling this out to help us reach more people.

90% of parents rate the service four or five out of five.

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Every parent needs a little support from time to time. That's why we offer help and guidance online and in person.

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SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) resources, activities and support to help parents support their family.

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About SENDIASS SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service. It's a free, impartial, and confidential service offering information to young people with special educational...

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Irlen Syndrome doesn't get the same level of press as some other SEND needs but it's one that I see a lot in school. This is a good starting point for some basic information.

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Informative video about Irlen Syndrome

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A great springboard site to start your own research

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Irlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual disorder.

Irlen Spectral Filters are only available through an Irlen Centre.

Please contact your nearest Irlen Centre for information and appointment in your local area.

Irlen® Spectral Filters are not available through any opticians in the UK . Irlen® Spectral Filters should not be confused with colorimetry lenses, they are very different.

Irlen Syndrome is a condition that affects the quality of life for around 14% (some estimates are higher) of the population but that is easily treated through assessment and Irlen® Spectral Filters.
Assessment process
The assessment and treatment of Irlen Syndrome is usually carried out in two stages.

Stage 1: Screening assessment - this is the overlay determination stage

Screenings are carried out by specialist Irlen® screeners. They will carry out a screening to identify symptoms and determine how symptoms are impacting upon daily life. Irlen Screeners are trained to determine whether an individual has a profile consistent with Irlen Syndrome or not and advise accordingly.
Stage 2: Full Tint assessment
A referral for a Full Tint assessment may be made if an individual has been screened as having a profile consistent with Irlen Syndrome.

At the Full Tint assessment the individual will choose their preferred combination of Irlen® Spectral Filters.

Irlen® Spectral Filters can be worn as glasses or contact lenses to reduce symptoms of Irlen Syndrome.

Prescription glasses can also be tinted if CR39 tintable, plastic, uncoated lenses are provided by an optician.

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Irlen Syndrome Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual disorder. Irlen Spectral Filters are only available through an Irlen Centre. Please contact your nearest Irlen Centre for information and appointment in your local area. Irlen® Spectral Filters are not available through any opticians in the UK .

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Great charity offering support and advice

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We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind

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We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

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A good starting point for your own research and ideas

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The children who need love the most will always ask for it in the most unloving ways Welcome to SEMH.co.uk, a site designed in 2016 to bring education staff together on the topic of SEMH and explore the best methods to support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.

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Mindfulness exercises for teens and older children.

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10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation for Teens

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Cosmic Kids have a wonderful set of free kids yoga videos on youtube (there are some paid options too - if that's something you want). They are great especially for smaller kids and some even incorporate beloved childrens characters

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Be the Pond | Mindfulness for Kids | Cosmic Kids Zen Den

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Super cute mindful break - also suitable for parents!

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Happy Minds - Sleep Meditation & Bedtime Stories

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Body Scan Meditation for Kids 🌈 5 Minute Kids Mindfulness Meditation

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A really handy little infographic showing some of the difficulties associated with Dyslexia

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There's always room for more TED talks.. a lovely one here discussing some of the strengths Dyslexic people have.

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The Creative Brilliance of Dyslexia  | Kate Griggs | TEDxBrighton

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Dyscalculia
Dyspraxia (DCD)
Attachment disorder
Trauma
If you have any concerns about these or what information more quickly please get in touch with me

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A great charity link for you to use as a spring board to your own research.

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This website places cookies on your computer to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details, see our privacy policy. I agree

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

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A fantastic video giving an insight into the struggles associated with ADHD

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What Don't You Understand? - A Short Film about ADHD

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ADHD is a very complicated thing, and it is very hard to explain, especially to those without it. This film takes you through common experiences that come with the disorder.

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Link to ADHD UK Charity webpage - a great starting point for your own research

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We’re here to help people with ADHD Thrive. Positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK if not the world.

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Purple Ella is a great Autistic advocate - she was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD as an adult and uses her platforms to spread information about how to help, support and understand autistic and ADHD people. She speaks very well about the interaction between these two diagnosis and their contrasting effects. She can be found on most social media platforms. Discretion is advised as there may be some strong language!

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Chris Packham - Inside our autistic minds... your thoughts. 

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Chris Packham - Inside our autistic minds... your thoughts. 

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What did you think to this show? I loved how we were able to see inside Murray's mind and it is heart breaking he has not been able to have his voice heard! What were the key points for you?

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What else would you like to see?

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This is a good infographic encompassing some of the diagnosis and experiences classed under the umbrella of neurodiversity.
It is not everything encompassed however it is a good start. There is a growing 'neurodiversity' movement and, if your child falls under this umbrella, it is a good thing to research and learn about in order to give your child appropriate support.

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Charity web page for The National Autistic Society - this is a good springboard for your own research.

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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Chris Packham - Inside our Autistic Minds 

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Chris Packham - Inside our Autistic Minds 

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This documentary series was aired recently and was a great insight into the autistic mind. Discretion is advised, given the nature for the show and its airing time - it may include strong language.
I would love to know your thoughts on this... add them in the your voice section

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Chris Packham helps autistic people connect with their friends and family in a new way.

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Chris Packham is autistic and is a great advocate for spreading understanding and sharing autistic voices. This is a cute little infographic which could be nice to share with your child.

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A helpful and well researched article explaining what neurodiversity is for those of you who like to take in their information by reading.

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Parents of children with severe autism argue that portraying the autism spectrum as just "different" minimizes the challenges that many autistic individuals and their caretakers face. They point out that those with extreme neurological differences are simply not capable of caring for themselves. The opposing argument says that neurodiversity can help the severely autistic, not hurt them. They propose that seeing severely affected individuals from a traditional medical perspective hurts everyone.

High-functioning Asperger's syndrome and low-functioning autism disorder have been removed from the DSM, which now lists only one category, autism spectrum disorder. However, the gap between high-functioning and low-functioning can be wide. Some experts, including researcher Simon Baron-Cohen, argue that a middle ground could be reached between the two views, with better explanations of what constitutes different and disabled, and what it means to have a "normal" brain.

The term Rain Man is a derogatory term that identifies a mentally and, or, socially impaired individual; it's also a term that often refers to autistic individuals. The term was highlighted in the 1988 film of the same name. The story was based on the life of Kim Peek, who was considered a megasavant but was not known to be autistic. He had a prodigious memory even at the early age of 16 months. In later years, he was able to read an entire book in an hour and retain the information in it. He could also read the left page of a book with his left eye, as well as the right page with his right eye. Peek was thought to have FG syndrome, whereby one or more recessive genes are located on the X chromosome.

To increase the diversity of its workforce, Microsoft developed a hiring program geared solely toward those on the spectrum-people who would never make it through a standard phone interview. Some of the roles filled at Microsoft include software engineer, lab engineer, data analyst, and data scientist. The company has hired more than 100 people on the spectrum. In Germany, the technology company SAP moved on an initiative to hire hundreds of individuals on the spectrum as software engineers and product-testers. Other companies that hire the neurodiverse include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Dell, among others. With big corporations taking this lead, perhaps smaller organizations will follow.

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Neurodiversity refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as those seen in autism or ADHD, reflect normal variations in brain development. Neurodiversity is often contrasted with the "medical model," which views conditions like autism or ADHD as disorders to prevent, treat, or cure.

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Helpful short video explaining the term in more detail.

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Here is the information about services available in North Yorkshire.

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Here you can find information about the services offered in the Middlesborough area.

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What is the Local Offer? These pages provide information and advice about the services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families living in Middlesbrough. This is described as the Local Offer. You will see that we have divided the different...

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Here you can find all of the information for services available in the Durham area

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Here you can find all of the information for services available to those in the Stockton area.

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Welcome to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Local Offer where you will find a wide range of information for families of children and young people with SEND.
The Family Support Service from the Family Support Team based at Stockton's Daisy Chain including "What we do" please click the following link here For Family Fund Information including; Grant Application please click the following link here NEW - Click to download the following NASEN information leaflets, funded by the Department for Education: Transition Planning Y11 Returning to school following a period of absence Primary and Secondary Transfers
A Guidance document for parents and professionals regarding primary and secondary transfers for children with Education, Health and Care plans' is now available. This guide includes when to apply, what happens to your application and the legal responsibilities of the Local Authority' to access the guidance document click here.
Neuro-developmental Pathway
The jointly commissioned Neuro-developmental Pathway is developing services to support children, young people and their families. Please visit the North East and North Cumbria ICB for further information on the Hartlepool and Stockton's needs led neurodevelopmental pathway process.

Find services by age range

If you see this logo within our pages and directory - this item is part of our local offer

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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 0-25

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Welcome to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Local Offer where you will find a wide range of information for families of children and young people with SEND.

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Here you can find all of the information for services available to those in the Darlington area.

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Don't suffer in silence - reach out

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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A really informative and inspiring video about Neurodiversity and its application in life.

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Neurodiversity:  The New Normal | Cynthia Coupé | TEDxOcala

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Purple Ella is a great Autistic advocate - she was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD as an adult and uses her platforms to spread information about how to help, support and understand autistic and ADHD people. She speaks very well about the interaction between these two diagnosis and their contrasting effects. She can be found on most social media platforms. Discretion is advised as there may be some strong language!

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Five Ways To Support Autistic People| Purple Ella

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A very basic indication of some of the symptoms associated with ADHD