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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.
Empowering Neurodiversity in UK Education: Inclusive Education Strategies UK
When we think about education, we often picture classrooms where children learn in similar ways. But what if learning looked different for each child? What does inclusive education look like?
Joanne Baldwin
3 days ago4 min read
Sensory Processing Awareness Month How to Support Children at Home and in the Classroom
October is Sensory Awareness Month, a helpful reminder that children take in information through their senses every minute of the day. For some children, this information feels manageable. For others, ordinary sounds, textures, lights, smells, movements, or body signals can feel too strong, too weak, or confusing.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 29 min read
SEND Reform in England: Where Are We Now?
There has been a lot of discussion about the UK Government’s plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. For families, schools and professionals.
Joanne Baldwin
Sep 295 min read
SEN:Why Do We Need to Move to Learn
“Why do we need to move around to learn?” The brain may not have evolved to learn while sitting still. The short answer is: movement helps the brain learn.
Joanne Baldwin
Aug 114 min read
SEND: Do we Need Learning Support?
Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), also called teaching assistants or classroom support assistants in some schools, play an important role in supporting pupils with additional needs. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to relying on them.
Joanne Baldwin
Jul 62 min read
SEN: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can be intense, exhausting, and interfere with daily life. It’s not just about being tidy.
Joanne Baldwin
Apr 132 min read
Dysgraphia: Best Tech to Support Learning
Here’s a practical, up-to-date list of technology and apps that are commonly used to support someone with dysgraphia — focusing on tools that reduce the physical demand
Joanne Baldwin
Feb 282 min read
What is a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT)
Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) is a healthcare profession that helps children and adults who have difficulties with communication, speech and language.
Joanne Baldwin
Feb 192 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
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
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
Hidden Meltdown: No idea how to support Autistic Burnout
Autistic burnout is when someone on the autism spectrum experiences physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion. It is often a result of prolonged exposure to stressors.
Joanne Baldwin
Oct 5, 20253 min read
What is a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
A Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is responsible for identifying and planning support for children with extra educational support in schools.
Joanne Baldwin
Aug 27, 20255 min read
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