While more autistic young people are going to university, the drop-out rates are high. Developmental researcher Kathryn Bates and writer Kerrie Portman have reviewed the current research and devised key recommendations on how we can best support autistic young people transition to university.
Dr Weston is joined by Dr Sophia Mooncey and Adele Devine, authors of the excellent book, ‘A Parent’s Guide to Autism Diagnosis: What to Expect and How to Support Your Child’. They provide invaluable insights into what it means to be diagnosed with autism and how to help children see the positives. A must-watch for any parent of a child with autism, it’s packed with tips on managing anxiety and helping autistic children to thrive.
In this webinar, Dr Jo Van Herwegen debunks many neuromyths around autism and ADHD which might impact on teachers’ practices in the classroom and the way in which we think about children who are neurodiverse. She also provides numerous actionable tips which parents and educators can use to help children with autism or ADHD to reach their potential, socially and academically.
In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with Dr Karri Gillespie-Smith about the experiences of children with intellectual disabilities and their families in the post-Covid period. They discuss Dr Gillespie-Smith’s Road to Recovery project, which aims to build a clear picture of the challenges faced by families with children with intellectual disabilities and how best to support them in the recovery phase of Covid.
In this webinar, Samantha Friedman discusses the benefits of spending time in nature for autistic children’s wellbeing, including lower stress levels, fewer emotional and behavioural problems, and increased empathy for the natural world. She further highlights the importance of access, engagement, and connection with nature and provides information on nature-based learning and the theories underpinning it.
In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with Dr Kathryn Bates about neurodiversity – the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within the human species. Listen now to learn about helpful resources for parents and educators, useful classroom practices, the benefits of diagnosis and other key things that all parents should know.
‘Diffabilities’ are important parts of many young people’s identity. The books in this list all feature strong characters with either disabilities or neurodevelopmental differences. They can help children to feel seen and represented, build empathy and understanding and celebrate the wonderful diversity of experience that is all around them.
Our researcher of the month, Dr Jo Van Herwegen, talks to Dr Weston about her recent paper, which examines the prevalence of neuromyths surrounding common neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly among educators. They discuss the detrimental impact that neuromyths can have on young people and why it’s important for parents and school staff to understand more about neuromyths and for teachers to receive more training in this area.
When a pupil leaves a lesson unexpectedly, it’s important to understand why. This short activity, designed with older teens in mind, can encourage them to consider what made them leave and help staff and pupils work together to establish some strategies that could help in the future.
In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with psychologist and neurodiversity consultant, Dr Seonaid Anderson, about the development of tics in childhood. They discuss the features of tics and optimal ways for parents to respond if their child develops one. They talk about pathways for clinical care and focus on a dramatic increase in new tics presenting in teenage girls during the pandemic.
