Energy accounting

The single most important technique my family and I implemented following various neurodiversity diagnoses (including autism, ADHD and dyslexia) was Energy Accounting. This simple concept proved a game changer for each of us as individuals and for the family as a whole.

The idea is to keep one's energy levels as high as possible, while recognising there will be multiple drains every day which we need to counteract. By understanding our energy gains and drains, we can better manage our daily experiences.

The more tired we are, the shorter our tempers, the easier it is to make mistakes and the more quickly emotions can run out of control. This is true for everyone, neurodiverse or not. Our younger children could understand this too when they saw mummy and daddy also struggling.

Energy accounting uses a scale to keep track of where each person's energy level is at any moment in time and uses this to help predict how things might alter as our environment and interactions change. We can then choose which, if any, accommodations or strategies, we want to put in place to help manage this.

The scale must be personal and relevant to the individual. When we began thinking about this in our family, the common metaphor of a petrol gauge was not at all useful for our young children. Instead, we tried thermometers, a metaphor we had used when they were preschoolers, for other reasons. They quickly understood the higher the temperature marker, the better they felt, but marbles in a jar would have worked equally well. Bank accounts, slices of pie, a stash of spoons are other metaphors which people use.

The key activity when setting up this system is identifying specific activities, events, and people who move us in one direction or the other. This has proved different for each of us and has changed over time too. As we became more familiar with the system, it became easier and faster to make appropriate accommodations.

This idea of difference is important. In our house, for example, two of us are drained by social interaction, and the other two are generally invigorated by it. My sound sensitivity means I find many environments draining, no matter how much fun I

About the author

Leigh East is an Autistic parent of two teenagers and a neurodiversity advocate through Autilistic.com. autilistic.com @autilistic might be having, but the other three are not affected by this at all. Two of us struggle with crowds, two do not. All four of us re-energise by spending time with our pets. My husband finds cooking relaxing. I can’t focus long enough to complete a meal without stress. So he’s the cook in our house. I am reenergised by a walk, even in the rain, but one of our teenagers always needs wheels—she can't bear walking anywhere, but she does find the gym energising. Nothing could induce me to go to a gym.

Monitoring in this way did feel a little artificial at first, and it does take time to get used to. Eventually we stopped needing to think quite so literally, and now they are teenagers we rarely need to refer to the scales. We talk in broad terms of drains and gains in the moment. We all have quite a good grasp of what each other's challenges are, and we can point out when someone is showing signs of becoming energy poor. The fact we have agreed to do this for each other reduces irritation and resentment when something is pointed out. In truth, these days we are all far more willing and able to signpost that our own levels are dropping before it is even pointed out. Our ADHD teenager still struggles with this as additional interoception difficulties have made this trickier to recognise the signs, but she too is getting there.

As a family initiative, Energy Accounting has proved a game changer. Don't get me wrong, with three neurodiverse people in the house, it’s never going to be straightforward, but at least we all know and understand each other's specific drains and gains. We all ask for accommodations when we need them, and everyone understands that it’s in everyone's interest to support those accommodations. Long may it last.

Ann Arbor Publishers: supplier of clinical and educational assessment and teaching materials

Established in 1972, Ann Arbor Publishers is a long-standing supplier of tests and resources to psychologists, teachers, allied health and education professionals and parents. The company is a main UK distributor for several US based assessment publishers.

They provide a free, 365-day a year online consultancy service and a variety of free, downloadable SEND articles and checklists.

Ann Arbor offers a ‘Price Match Promise’, guaranteeing the lowest UK price when comparing VAT inclusive prices and delivery. Delivery is free for orders over GBP100. annarbor.co.uk

Take your first steps to becoming a Play Therapist with APAC!

APAC is one of the largest, most experienced, and dedicated Play and Creative Arts Therapy training organisations worldwide. APAC offers the Integrative Holistic Model of Play Therapy which is uniquely validated through excellent clinical outcomes. We believe this provides a solid foundation, preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to work therapeutically with children, young people and adults, using play and creative arts. APAC courses are accredited by Play Therapy UK (PTUK), which is one of the largest professional play therapy organisations outside of the US.

apac.org.uk

Put creativity and wellbeing at the heart of your curriculum

Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England.

Artsmark provides a flexible framework to help educational settings champion arts, culture and creativity in their learning and teaching environments, and SEND settings are no exception. We have additional guidance for alternative and specialist education settings, to help you understand how Artsmark’s flexible framework is relevant and adaptable to your setting. It also outlines the practical steps we’ll take to ensure that we’re sensitive to the unique context and challenges of your setting.

Discover more at: artsmark.org.uk/send

The Autism Show 2023 ticket office is now open!

The national event for autism, in partnership with the National Autistic Society and Brain in Hand, is returning to London, Birmingham and Manchester this June and July. It’s packed with informative talks, one to one clinics and hundreds of specialist products and services.

Highlights include Brain in Hand’s new Sensory Room, Legobased therapy sessions and the Autism Reality Experience.

If you’re looking for information and direction pre or post diagnosis, are facing daily challenges, or approaching significant transition points, then The Autism Show can help you.

Book your tickets now and save 20 per cent at autismshow.co.uk

Get ready for World Autism Acceptance

Week with this new book

BEAR: A Story of Autism and Difference - by Val Jones bearautism.com Instagram: @bear.autism

Join Bear, a captivating, slightly quirky and gentle young bear on a heartwarming journey of selfdiscovery and understanding of autism. Delightful illustrations by Leanne Coelho help share Bear’s sensory sensitivities and unique ways of experiencing the world. This inclusive story promotes understanding and acceptance of individuals ‘just as they are’. It’s also pronoun-free so that everyone can relate to Bear. Available from bearautism.com, Waterstones, Amazon or your local bookstore.

Specialist residential courses for individuals and families

Bendrigg Trust is a leading specialist providing access and adaptation for people of all abilities wanting to access the outdoors. Our ‘open’ courses for families and individuals with a disability are expanding – offering a chance to have fun and make lasting memories. We offer courses for any family with a disabled member, adult courses for those with learning or physical disabilities, focused breaks for specific conditions such as rare diseases, Angelman syndrome or Autism.

Get in touch with our team now to find out more. Call 01539 723766, email bookings@bendrigg.org.uk, or visit bendrigg.org.uk

An Introduction to Specific Learning Difficulties

Designed for learners without a psychological background, this twohour CPD course from the British Psychological Society focuses on the impacts of Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia and will boost your confidence, develop your skills and enhance your ability to understand and support pupils with specific learning difficulties.

Are you ready to make a difference? Find out more at learn.bps.org.uk

Caledonia Play

Caledonia Play believes in making outdoor play accessible and fun for everyone. The addition of the TERMA range to their portfolio of Inclusive Play products for schools does just that.

The TERMA Swing offers wheelchair users the chance to swing, rock or glide without assistance providing valuable agency in both play and therapy. Or the swing can be used in conjunction with a friend or helper. For non-wheelchair users it provides an opportunity to exercise the upper body, improve sensory integration, and build balance strategies.

Above all, it’s fun!

www.caledoniaplay.com/inclusive-play-for-all info@caledoniaplay.com

01577 840570

Specialists in outdoor spaces

dbdplay specialises in the design and installation of exceptional outdoor spaces.

“It was really important to us to find a partner that listened and truly understood the outcomes we were looking for when planning our outdoor learning centre and dbdplay did exactly that.

They understood the need for a variety of different learning areas to match the diverse needs of our students, the need for unrestricted and ease of movement around the garden with areas of high stimulation through colour, texture, sound and smell.

dbdplay have designed and created an accessible, inclusive and inspiring learning environment for our cohort of inspirational students.” Treloar School and College. dbdplay.com edgeservices.co.uk

Do you need high quality moving and handling training to ensure your compliance with UK legislation?

With more than 24 years’ experience in delivering training EDGE Services are one of the leading providers of moving and handling training in the UK today.

All their People and Children handling courses are Quality Assured and Regulated by RoSPA Qualifications as a Customised Level 4 Award, endorsed by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, certified by the CPD certification service, and run on a public and in-house basis across the UK.

Create a behaviour culture that benefits everyone

Behaviour Hubs is a DfEfunded programme that provides senior leadership teams with the tailored support, training and advice needed to improve behaviour culture and generate lasting change.

The programme matches schools with a Lead School that has an exemplary track record in behaviour culture, and schools have access to open days, expert training modules and networking events.

Behaviour Hubs is available to schools and MATs in England across all provisions including special and alternative provision. Apply now to join the programme for an April or September start. behaviourhubs.co.uk

Electronic Phonics from Hope

Electronic Phonics develops early reading and spelling skills through fun games and practice – ideal for interventions and SEND support. The product was Highly Commended at Bett Awards in 2022.

Electronic Phonics is an innovative, screen-free device which combines technology with tactile learning. It comes complete with a sturdy, electronic board as well as Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 5 grapheme tiles. In ‘segment mode’ or ‘blend mode’, children can select the correct tiles to spell out 842 different words!

For more information, phonics inspiration and support materials plus latest prices and promotions visit: hope-education.co.uk/phonics.

NEW Marmax SEN Playground Castle

Marmax’s inclusive Playground Castle is made with 100% recycled plastic, and features a wheelchair-friendly ramp to an enclosed hideout with lookout windows. The castle can be kept outside all year round, does not rot, corrode or splinter, and requires little maintenance. It comes with a 25-year guarantee and is Made in Britain.

The products made by Marmax have a positive impact on communities as an excellent and cost-effective alternative to less sustainable equipment.

marmaxproducts.co.uk

SNAP Maths

SNAP Maths is a brandnew digital diagnostic tool for assessing pupils with suspected maths learning difficulties/ dyscalculia and maths anxiety. Ten short, onscreen activities assess a range of cognitive and numerical skills that are key to maths learning, and three questionnaires (pupil, teacher and parent/carer) can be used alongside the activities to explore the cognitive and emotional barriers facing pupils with maths learning difficulties. Schools who pre-order SNAP Maths between the 20th February 2023 and the launch date in May 2023 will receive 15 months of subscription for the price of 12.

Register your interest today

Risingstars-uk.com/sen-mag-snapmaths.

New interactive theatre experiences for ALL

Head2Head Sensory Theatre has launched online, interactive money workshops for young people with learning disabilities. Sessions use drama and games to explore real life money experiences in a fun and relaxed way.

Touring this summer, Chicken Circus is a high energy and interactive sensory show. Expect bright sets, puppetry, music, props and more.

The charity's YouTube channel offers fun and educational Makaton signed content for children with ASD, LD and other disabilities. Shows include: Odie’s Odd Odyssey - a multi-sensory film with songs, dancing, and interactive moments and Sensory Squad - created to help children prepare for real world experiences.

Books and resources for mental health and wellbeing

Hinton House is an independent publisher of books and resources supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing. They are for professionals working in education, therapy and social care, and parents/carers.

Our award-winning authors include Dr Tina Rae, Professor Richard Rose, Marilyn Tucknott and Katie O’Donoghue. You will also recognise the much-loved Blob characters from Ian Long and Pip Wilson’s Bumper Blob Education Collection.

Many other exciting new authors have recently joined us –so watch this space!

To browse our full range, including new titles, best sellers and Best Buy Packs, visit our website: hintonpublishers.com

FREE Institute of Imagination Schools’ Programme and Imagination Boxes for children with SEND.

The iOi Schools Programme is free of charge for schools in areas of the highest deprivation, and inclusive for all children including those with SEND.

The Institute of Imagination (iOi) is a leading children’s education charity, and its vision is for every child to have the skills and opportunity to imagine and achieve their fullest potential. Through our iOi Schools Programme and products such as the iOi Imagination Box for children with SEND, our vital work provides children aged 5 to 11 years old to build essential skills for the future such as creative thinking, collaboration, problem solving and building aspiration. Click here to find out more and register: ioi.london/schools

Do you struggle to make a social connection with your child?

Do you imagine you and your child creating happy memories together? Do you need innovative approaches and effective resources to enrich your child’s life? A practical and indispensable resource is available for you. You’ll be chuffed to bits when you conduct over 30 enriching theatre arts and improvisational activities included in The Creative Outlet Method: At-Home Activities for Children with Special Needs. The included exercises will allow your child to demonstrate their creativity, increase their self-confidence, and build their social skills in a warm and welcoming environment.

You can learn more about the book and his services at: joshuaconsults.com h2hsensorytheatre.com

Beechwood College launches new social clubs

Students at Beechwood College were asked what activities they would like to try outside of their classes this year; as a result the education team launched new clubs for them including Sports, Tabletop Gaming, Lego Building and Photography.

The clubs are already proving popular; students are making friends, trying new activities , and learning new skills.

In Photography Club, students capture their experiences at Beechwood College through their eyes – you can view their photos on their new Instagram account: @beechwood_camera_club. beechwoodcollege.co.uk

NEW from Medpage: the MMFA66 tracker watch with fall sensor

The MMFA66 is a highdefinition large screen Smartwatch. A carer/ guardian can monitor the user’s location, blood pressure, heart rate, and daily physical activity via the secure smartphone app (Android & iOS). The fall sensor is particularly useful for people with epilepsy while away from home. A detected fall is reported to a guardian via the Smartphone app, along with precise mapping location.

For SEN Magazine readers: 10% off with offer code: MMFA66 10% off easylinkuk.co.uk/health-conditions/health-conditionsautism?product_id=1782

World Autism Acceptance Week is back from 27 March – 2 April

There are over 220,000 autistic pupils in the UK. Most of them are in mainstream schools. Take part in World Autism Acceptance Week and help increase understanding of autism in your school.

We have free learning resources for all age groups and a fundraising guide full of ideas on how you can join us in this colourful week to raise money and help create a society that works for autistic people. autism.org.uk/waaw/schools

The Autism Inclusion Award

An award aimed at mainstream providers in education and services

Once your organisation has the award, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

• use of the Autism Inclusion Award logo on promotional materials once the status is granted, and licence agreement signed

• press pack containing guidance on how to publicise your accreditation achievement

• invitations to free accreditation and Raising the Standards days

• 10% discount to National Autistic Society conferences and training events

• opportunity for staff to continue professional development

• access to the wider Autism Accreditation Community autism.org.uk/what-we-do/best-practice/accreditation/ autism-inclusion-award

Plan, deliver and inspire learning with Ayoa

Ayoa is the nextgeneration mind mapping and task management app.

It is an AI powered neuro-inclusive collaborative digital workspace embracing the true nature of neurodiversity. Allowing students and teachers to view the same content in their own unique way, Ayoa enables neurodivergent and neurotypical brains to excel and work together in real time.

Powered by the flexibility and vibrancy of mind maps, make learning creative, productive and fun with four mind mapping views, visual task management, intuitive digital whiteboards, and a whole host of digital reasonable adjustments to support neurodiversity!

ayoa.com/sen

Have you tried the Oralieve 360° Toothbrush and Oralieve Ultra Mild Toothpaste?

The perfect combination for a good brushing routine for your child. Using the Oralieve 360° Child Toothbrush allows super soft bristles to clean multiple surfaces of the mouth simultaneously, providing a gentle clean for sensitive mouths. An easy-to-grip, long handle enables parents and carers to help with oral care.

Use alongside the Oralieve Ultra Mild Toothpaste, specially developed to protect teeth and gums without the strong, minty flavour of many other toothpastes.

Visit oralieve.co.uk and receive 10% off your first order using code SEN10 at checkout.

OrCam Learn

OrCam Learn is a completely new, innovative solution developed for students with reading and learning differences (including dyslexia), helping them improve their reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. It also supports teachers, schools, and parents, as they navigate the student’s academic journey. Addressing the needs of these key stakeholders, OrCam Learn couples a compact, interactive handheld device with insightful data analytics and reporting.

learn.orcam.com/gb

100% recycled plastic furniture with 25-year guarantee

NBB Recycled Furniture believes that outdoor learning has many benefits for students’ overall development. It has been proven to improve health, increase engagement and motivation, and offers a greater connection to nature, making learning more exciting and varied. Their range of 100% recycled plastic furniture is perfect for creating inclusive and inspiring outdoor learning areas. The non-porous material is extremely hard-wearing and lasts up to 5 times longer than timber. Guaranteed to last maintenance-free for up to 25 years, it is rot, chip, crack and splinter proof and built to withstand the harshest of weather. recycledfurniture.co.uk

Prior's Court

Prior’s Court, a Berkshirebased residential care and education charity for young people with complex autism, has launched a minibus to work service for its staff as part of an innovative drive to help challenge staffing shortages in the care sector.

The service, operating across parts of Berkshire and Wiltshire, has opened up the charity’s challenging but rewarding roles to those who may not have been able to access its rural site which is not served by public transport.

Other changes to attract staff include introducing a “levels” system for support workers featuring salary increases associated with experience and qualifications. priorscourt.org.uk

Playing in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre 22 April - 27 May 2023

Visit the Royal Shakespeare Company for their new production of Cymbeline.

Cymbeline is the king of ancient Britain. His daughter Imogen marries Posthumus against her father’s will. In exile, Posthumus places a bet on the chastity of his wife, a wager he will come to regret.

The story tumbles from Rome to the hills of Wales, and teems with extraordinary fairytale characters: a wicked stepmother, a girl in disguise, a faithful servant, lost brothers and even a headless corpse.

The RSC is offering audio described, captioned and chilled performances throughout the run of Cymbeline. Find out more: RSC.ORG.UK

Freeman College – Sheffield

As a provision of Ruskin Mill Trust, Freeman College offers exciting workshop and outdoor learning environments, utilising practical craft and land activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autism and other learning difficulties. Alongside the urban environment of the college, there is a nine-acre biodynamic market garden at High Riggs. Students grow the produce used in the residential homes, in the Fusion Café and the canteen at Freeman College. Placements are offered on either a day or residential basis, for young people aged 16 to 25.

rmt.org

Scanning Pens reading aids

Scanning Pens award-winning electronic reading aids empower students to read independently, building confidence and unlocking the entire curriculum. With text-to-speech functionality and multiple dictionaries, Scanning Pens are proven to increase both reading accuracy and comprehension by 13 and 10 months respectively, over just an eight-week period. The C-Pen Reader 2 won the BEST SEN Resource at the Teach Awards 2022 and 91% of schools said that students using the C-Pen Exam Reader 2 achieved their expected grade or better.

Accelerate your students’ reading age, build their confidence and enable them to read for enjoyment.

scanningpens.com

SEND Group has a variety of online courses

Their SENCO Innovation Course plus Level 3 and 5 Dyscalculia courses tutored by Professor Steve Chinn and Judy Hornigold. Each course includes: understanding dyscalculia, maths difficulties and maths anxiety and how to identify them. Understanding typical maths development and barriers to learning as well as practical solutions to support all learners at their core. The range of courses on offer is expanding to include a variety of short maths courses and further SEND eg, Executive Functioning and associated issues. Other courses will also be made available soon.

Contact: hello@sendgroup.co.uk sendgroup.co.uk

Sovereign Play

Your play equipment is an investment and needs to be maintained to the highest standard to prolong its life, value and most importantly, safety. For your peace of mind, our Sovereign Compliance Packages offer a complete service for the inspection, reporting and essential maintenance of outdoor play equipment. This gives you complete visibility on the status of your equipment, notifying you early on of any concerns before they become larger issues.

“Sovereign Compliance has helped us extend the life of our playground, saving us thousands that would have otherwise gone towards refurbishments. Above all, the regimented reports put me at ease for our children's safety.” –Head Teacher soveriegnplayequipment.co.uk

St John’s Catholic Specialist School

St John’s Catholic Specialist School in West Yorkshire is holding an open afternoon for prospective families, parents and children on March 9th between 1pm and 3pm.

The school offers boarding (graded outstanding by Ofsted) and day places for young people up to 19 years, who have hearing impairment or complex communication, physical or sensory difficulties, including autism. It offers in-house speech and language and audiology as well as Teachers of the Deaf and specialist nursing and care staff.

Visitors can learn more about the school and tour its facilities including its in-house Sixth Form. Contact 01937 842144 or info@stjohns.org.uk to book.

Sunken Trampolines

Sunken Trampolines are launching a new, automated lid system for schools and care institutions and residences. At the press of a button the floor lifts and reveals a Sunken Trampoline

With a patent-pending on this innovative product Sunken Trampolines are now in a position to offer it with installation or supply only.

Sunken Trampolines have extensive experience in providing in-ground trampolines across the UK. Should you be interested in discussing your needs with Sunken Trampolines please visit our website or contact either Joel or Angus. sunkentrampolines.co.uk

Syon Nursery

Syon Nursery is a specialist early years provision serving the West London area, for children with special educational needs. They offer care and education for children with a diagnosis, or emerging traits, of ASC or ADHD and also children with sensory, communication or social needs.

They also have a team of on-site therapists and clinicians who weave and embed therapeutic strategies into the daily routine. They offer a wide range of support services for the family, including workshops, training, social events and guidance on SEN related topics. Please book a tour now to view their facilities and packages.

syonnursery.co.uk

More than an online tutoring service

TCES Home Learning understands emotionally based school avoidance and works with families and schools so that no child misses out on their education. They offer a full curriculum and therapeutic support online, drawing on the expertise of their tutors and working with education and therapeutic colleagues in TCES schools, both of which are rated Good, with Outstanding features. For children in exam years we support every step of the way, including arranging for exams to be sat at home if needed.

Ready to start a conversation?

Visit: TCEShomelearning.co.uk

Email: Homelearning@TCES.org.uk Call: 020 8543 7878

The Sand Project

The Sand Project is an independent college based in West Sussex. They support young adults aged between 16-25 with an ECHP, helping to prepare them for the workplace and future independence.

Find out more about The Sand Project and how you can get involved by following them on instagram @sandprojectltd

As well as the brilliant work the team do at the college, they have now launched a Business Enterprise in Schools Program. This includes a comprehensive package which supports primary and secondary teachers to deliver enterprise in a fun, accessible and engaging way. To find out more contact them through info@thesandproject.co.uk

Timotay Sensory Light Cube Tunnel

Let the light create colourful reflections in this hideaway for children. A tunnel, a hiding place or create a sensory area with these high quality and safe sensory cubes which are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The cube creates a light show that provides stunning effects and helps to create stimulating environments for all needs. Learning aims also include:

• Light and colour provides sensory visual stimulation

• Physical development – gross motor skills

• Sensory/ tactile development

• Colour recognition timotayplayscapes.co.uk/product/sensory-light-cubetunnel-play-feature

Modular Building specialist Wernick deliver new SEN building in just 12 weeks

The new facility at Pathfield School in Barnstable includes two classrooms, a hygiene room, and a shared area where pupils can meet to have their lunch and develop their social skills. The shared area also provides additional space to host a variety of activities for the pupils including art lessons.

Avril Burrows, Premises Manager at Pathfield School, commented: “It’s an amazing building, I am so impressed with it. Having extra space for the pupils makes a huge difference. Wernick were very responsive and helpful, it felt like nothing was too much trouble.” wernick.co.uk

Could you provide a child with disabilities overnight care in your own home for a minimum of 2 nights a month?

Open your heart and home for 2 nights a month and help a child with disabilities to experience different activities, make friends and develop their independence. West Sussex County Council needs more caring individuals to support full-time foster carers and children’s birth families – giving children a chance to broaden their horizons and have fun. In return, you will receive competitive pay of up to £6,850 a year (for 24 nights), plus ongoing training and a wealth of specialist support.

Contact 0330 222 7775 or visit https://bit.ly/3jUdhx1

Derwen College

In 2022, the College was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognising the education and vocational training it provides for young people from across the UK. Derwen College delivers exceptional programmes, including vocational and independence training, for 16 to 25-yearolds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Join us at one of our Open Days

• Gobowen – Thursday 16 March

• Walford – Tuesday 20 June

• Telford – Monday 13 February

Get a taste of some of the amazing work that our students do and the facilities they enjoy. Meet staff and students, and chat about your next steps.

Students learn work skills in the public-facing garden centre and shop, café, restaurant, charity shop and training hotel, increasing their chances for employment and independent living post-college. derwen.ac.uk

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