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Navigating Neurodiversity

navigating neurodiversity

London

The European Agency on the Development of Special Needs Education (EADSNE) (2006) highlighted individual differences as one of the largest challenges faced by teachers in mainstream schools not only in the UK but across Europe. Teacher training and preparation to support neurodiverse pupils within a mainstream setting has failed to keep up with the changes within the field of inclusion leaving teachers ill equipped to achieve true inclusivity within their classroom. The most recent study of mainstream teachers within the West Midlands highlighted that less than 29% of teachers felt confident to support the neurodiverse pupils within their class with 17% unsure of the meaning of Neurodiversity. Navigating Neurodiversity provides hands-on training and support for mainstream schools to improve teacher confidence when supporting the neurodiverse pupils within their classroom. To provide advice and guidance of ensuring barriers to learning within the classroom/school are permanently removed and providing ongoing intervention and support strategies, including de-escalation techniques to provide and happy, safe and inclusive environment which best supports learning for all pupils. We also work with leadership team, including SENCo, providing support, advice, planning and assessment documentation throughout the EHCP application process to ensure a successful outcome is achieved with maximum support gained for learners with SEN. Book Now What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is the term to show the diverse way of the way the brain functions, specifically the range of ways in which we learn, think and relate to others (Honeybourne 2018). The neurodiversity paradigm argues that there is not one ‘normal’ way in which the brain functions. Originating within the study of autism to show that there was no ‘norm’ with regard to learning and social interaction and that autism was not a disorder, neurodiversity is now the term used to include all perceived neurological differences including dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and Tourette syndrome and supports the theory that no set way of neurocognitive functioning is more important/normal than the other and that differences in learning should be supported and embraced.

Blossom Aba

blossom aba

CarmarthenWales

Applied Behaviour Analysis is the science of behaviour and learning of socially significant behaviours. They need to be meaningful to the people we serve and support them in achieving a better quality of life. Examples of socially significant behaviours are as below: Requesting for wants and needs Learning to use the toilet Learning play, social and leisure skills Being able to perform independent living skills and self-help tasks Learning academic skills Increasing the variety of foods Improving levels of tolerance to medical procedures and routine appointment such as the dentist and the hairdresser We can also use the science of ABA to teach individuals readiness for learning skills and decrease behaviours of concern which include skills such as: Cooperation Expanding preference for items and activities Flexibility Reducing excessive and inappropriate behaviours Attending skills Reducing behavioural supports in line with learner readiness and the acquisition of independence Behaviours of concern include: Feeding, Sleep and inappropriate and excessive behaviours such as teaching a child to stop when out and about and reducing throwing behaviour. Other examples are challenging behaviours which include self-injury and aggression towards others. Applied Behaviour Analysis has been used with a variety of populations including those with autism and developmental disabilities (Van Houten et al, 1988; Roane et al, 2016). Studies show the effectiveness of ABA in the teaching of children with developmental disabilities when compared with eclectic approaches (Howard et. al, 2005). However, ABA is not just used with autism and developmental disabilities. ABA can also also be used: In organisations as part of staff training (Parsons, Hollinson & Reid, 2010) With individuals that require self-management strategies to deal with areas they are struggling with such as addiction (Petry, N. M. et al, 2000) To help with anxiety and depression (Hayes, S & Smith, S., 2005). ABA is also used successfully in animal training (Pryor, K., 1999). ABA literature has studies published and evidence based research in each of the above areas. This list is not exhaustive.

The Island Project

the island project

Meriden

The Island Project School was set up to provide a school for children and young people with autism. It was founded by parents whose children had previously been taught at home using Applied Behaviour Analysis ("ABA"). Without functional communication, adults with autism can be isolated from their family, community and even carers. Without clear and early intervention, children and young people may grow into adults with no communication or independence skills meaning that they become the most dependent, and sadly most vulnerable group whilst needing the largest amount of support. If, as a school, we can give young people a means of communication plus independence skills, we can give them a better quality of life, whilst reducing their long term dependence upon their community. Unfortunately, whilst Local Authorities have a legal obligation to provide appropriate education for all children, they do not have the space, funding, or expertise to provide appropriate education for all pupils, particularly those with complex communication needs and associated difficulties, or for those who have ABA on their EHC Plans In the West Midlands, there were no ABA schools when the Island Project was founded, and this remains largely the case. The School was founded using the principles of ABA, and the Pyramid Approach to Education which gives pupils an effective means of communication using the Picture Exchange System. The School recognises that having an effective means of communication, putting in place strategies around managing sensory difficulties, and the development of independence skills are key to enabling children and young people to successfully access education and a better quality of life in the future. In recognition of this, all pupils at the School have input from a Multi Disciplinary Team which includes Behaviour Analysts, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists specialising in Sensory Integration. The School originated with three pupils in a small unit in Balsall Common. The Schoo was founded as a charity, and within a few years, had outgrown its original building and moved to new premises at Diddington Hall in Meriden.