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Neurodiversity at Home Blog
Welcome to Neurodiversity at Home, a space created to support parents, carers, and educators of neurodiverse children. Here you’ll find lived experiences, practical advice, and resources on SEN support in the UK, reflections on neurodiversity in education, and questions like how to support an autistic child at school.
You can also explore my book, Neurodiversity in Education a neurodiversity book for parents and educators, where I share my personal journey, echoing the experiences of many families raising and teaching neurodiverse children.
Supporting a Child With Sensory Overload During the Christmas Holidays
Support your child with sensory overload this Christmas with practical tips for calmer routines, reduced overwhelm, and a more enjoyable festive season.
Joanne Baldwin
Dec 6, 20253 min read
Inclusive Education: Insights from Finland, Canada, and New Zealand
When I began to see the cracks in our own education system, I naturally started to wonder—what are other countries doing differently?
Joanne Baldwin
Dec 1, 20253 min read
Excluded in Primary School for those with Special Educational Needs
Why are children in the UK's Primary Schools being excluded? What is driving the recent rise? Some organisations and experts call for a rethink of exclusion practices
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 28, 20254 min read
Autistic Employment: Challenges, Opportunities and Rights in the UK
Employment discrimination against individuals with autism in the UK is a significant issue. Only twenty per cent of Autistic people get work compared to fifty per cent of disabled people as a whole.
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 21, 20253 min read
How Therapy Animals Improve the Lives of Neurodiverse People: Emotional, Social, and Therapeutic Benefits
Discover the benefits of pets for mental health. Pets support neurodiverse individuals by reducing anxiety, improving communication, and enhancing emotional well-being.
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 16, 20253 min read
USA IEP: How to Make a Request for IEP Assessment.
The USA IEPs for special education needs services are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is equivalent to the UK's EHCNA.
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 16, 20253 min read
UK EHCP: How to Make a Request for Needs Assessment.
Here's how to apply for the UK's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You can act on your behalf (such as a parent, carer, or teacher) and request an assessment
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 16, 20252 min read
Why Inclusion for Special Educational Needs Isn’t Working
Inclusion is the concept that children with special educational needs (SEN) can thrive in a mainstream school setting. The UK offers an inclusive philosophy but not a structural framework.
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 15, 20254 min read
Why is Poor Behaviour a big issue for schools
Why is poor behaviour a big issue for schools? We must ask why this is happening because understanding the root causes is the first step towards positive change.
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 13, 20253 min read
The Hidden Harm: How Left and Right Racism Divide Us and Damage Young Minds
Explore how left- and right-wing racism deepen divisions, harm young people’s mental health, and block unity in the fight against discrimination.
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 10, 20253 min read
Mental Health: How Childhood Trauma Has a Big Effect
Explore how childhood trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape mental health, relationships, and future wellbeing. How can education systems do more to support?
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 7, 20253 min read
The Other Side of Special Needs: The Sibling Experience
Challenges of being a sibling to a Special Needs Child. Family dynamics play a significant role in how we experience growing up. A disabled child's presence will offer different experiences and insights than his peers. The impacts can affect the social and emotional development of the typically developing sibling. (TDS)
Joanne Baldwin
Nov 3, 20253 min read
Understanding Social Stories: A Complete Guide to Teaching Social Skills and Positive Behaviours
"Learn what Social Stories are and how they help children—especially those with autism—understand social situations, manage behaviour, and build confidence.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 30, 20256 min read
Beyond the Classroom: Valuing Parent's Lived Experience in Education
When schools value qualifications over lived experience, they miss what parents know best — their children. This post explores why education must respect parental insight and real-life understanding.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 25, 20253 min read
How Easily Can a Child be Radicalised: Understanding the hidden risks
"Learn how easily children can be radicalised through online content, peer pressure, and social isolation. Discover the warning signs, risk factors, and how to protect young people from
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 23, 20253 min read
Helping Children Manage Their Anxiety: Practical Strategies to Build Calm and Resilience
Learn proven ways to support your child’s anxiety, encourage calm thinking, and nurture emotional resilience for a brighter future.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 20, 20253 min read
A Neurodiverse journey in Education
This is a neurodiverse journey in education. I started writing while I was a teaching assistant in a school, but even before this time, I witnessed children falling through the attainment gap.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 19, 20252 min read
How Emotional, Psychological, and Social are important for Good Mental Health
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with life's stresses, realise their abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 15, 20252 min read
Informative Books about Neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs
Here's a list of books about Neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs. I have found them informative and helpful. This is my choice; it may lead you to other books.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 13, 20255 min read
Are these 10 Executive Functioning Skills important?
Are executive functioning skills essential? The brain acts as a control centre, orchestrating various mental processes to help individuals navigate the complexities of daily life.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 11, 202510 min read
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