Tooled Up Education

Supporting Autistic Students as They Transition to University: A Video

University dropout is more common for autistic young people than for non-autistic young people and the change from school to university can pose many challenges. In this video, youth development researcher, Dr Kathryn Bates, and writer and researcher, Kerrie Portman, herself a young autistic person who has gone through this experience, discuss key recommendations on how we can best support autistic young people as they transition to university.

Dr Weston Talks with Laura Barrett about Cystic Fibrosis: A Parent’s Journey Through Their Child’s Diagnosis and Hospital Stays

In this podcast, Dr Weston is joined by Laura Barrett, author of a powerful and moving new book which chronicles her experiences when, shortly after birth, her third son was diagnosed with the life-limiting genetic condition, cystic fibrosis. It is a powerful and inspiring read, imparting a strong message of hope for any parent going through a similar situation. In this interview, published to coincide with Cystic Fibrosis Week (13th-19th June), Laura describes her coping mechanisms, gives us some insight into raising a child who has cystic fibrosis (her baby has grown into a fun-loving, sport mad young boy, raring to start school in September) and provides some general advice on coping with diagnoses and long hospital stays, regardless of the specific condition.

Dr Weston Talks with Fiona Spargo-Mabbs: Advice for Parents about Teens and Drugs

In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, founder of the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, a drug and alcohol education charity that aims to support young people to make safe choices about drugs and alcohol and reduce harm. Fiona and her husband Tim set up the charity in response to the death of their son Daniel, having taken ecstasy. Fiona gives factual information about drugs that are commonly used among teens, focuses on social media as a new and developing drugs marketplace and provides numerous actionable tips which focus on good communication with young people about this challenging issue. We also find out about Fiona’s books and website, which are packed full of useful, evidence-based resources.

Dr Weston Talks with Eva Musby: A Parent’s Story of Supporting a Child with an Eating Disorder

In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with Eva Musby, author of ‘Anorexia and Other Eating Disorders: How to Help Your Child Eat Well and Be Well’, about her experiences and the role that parents need to play in the treatment and recovery of young people with eating disorders. Eva brings an important message of hope to all parents going through this challenging experience.