How to Help Students Recover from Sensory Overload Calmly and Compassionately

Recovering from Sensory Overload: A Compassionate Approach Recovering from sensory overload is a crucial aspect of supporting students with special needs. After a meltdown, it’s essential to prioritize the student’s emotional and physical well-being, rather than rushing back into academic tasks. The brain needs time to recover from the stress and anxiety caused by sensory […]

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Top Mental Health Issues in Kids with Learning Difficulties: A Clinical Psychologist’s Insights

Understanding the Connection Between Mental Health and Learning Difficulties As a parent or educator, it’s essential to recognize the intricate relationship between mental health and learning difficulties. Children with learning difficulties often face unique challenges that can impact their mental well-being, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation. In this context, it’s crucial […]

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The Power of Presuming Competence: Unlocking Student Potential in Special Education

Understanding the Least Dangerous Assumption The least dangerous assumption, also known as the presumption of competence, is a powerful mindset that can transform how we teach, plan, and interact with our students. This philosophy, coined in 1984, suggests that when we’re unsure about a student’s abilities, we should assume competence rather than limitations. By doing […]

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How Interleaved Learning Can Improve Focus, Attention, and Skill Development in Children

Understanding Interleaved Learning and Its Impact on Metacognitive Unawareness Professor David Shanks’ work on interleaved learning and its effects on metacognitive unawareness is a fascinating topic that sheds light on how we learn and remember. Interleaved learning involves presenting materials in an intermixed fashion, rather than in a blocked or sequential manner. This approach can […]

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Mobile Eye Tracking Reveals Inequity in Children’s Language Development Opportunities

Understanding the Impact of Socioeconomic Background on Language Development Research has consistently shown that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are exposed to fewer words and less language stimulation than their peers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. This disparity can have a profound impact on language development and can lead to a significant gap in language skills […]

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The Truth About Reinforcement in Special Education: Motivation vs Manipulation

Understanding Reinforcement and Motivation in Special Education Reinforcement is a crucial aspect of special education, helping students stay motivated and build positive habits. However, it can be tricky to navigate, as it can sometimes feel like bribery or manipulation. The key is to understand that reinforcement is not about control, but about teaching cause and […]

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Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Children with ADHD and Autism

Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a neurodivergent condition that affects individuals in unique ways. It was first identified in the 1980s as a subgroup of Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD), which included autism. Over time, the definition of PDA has evolved, and it is now recognized as a distinct profile within […]

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Mastering Sensory Regulation for Autistic Students

Discover how occupational therapy empowers autistic children to feel calm and focused. Learn strategies to advocate for your child’s sensory needs at school. Unlock their potential with expert insights from certified therapists.

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