Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Play, Tech & Therapeutic Insight
Hello everyone,
I hope you are enjoying some sunshine as we move towards summer.
June has been a particularly busy month, with work spanning school support, charity visits, podcast recording, book publishing, sensory research and even discussions about the possibility of one of my books reaching the screen.
As always, thank you for continuing to follow my work and for your support.
Early Years Neurodiversity Toolkit Nearing Publication
One of the biggest developments this month has been the final preparation of my latest book:
Early Years Neurodiversity Toolkit: Practical Strategies and Ready-to-Use Resources for Supporting Neurodivergent Cognition in Early Years
The manuscript is currently being professionally formatted and prepared for publication.
This book has been several years in the making and draws together practical guidance, observation tools, sensory profiling approaches, communication supports, play-based learning strategies, transition resources and ready-to-use photocopiable materials for practitioners and parents.
My aim has always been to create a resource that is genuinely useful for busy staff working with neurodivergent children in nurseries, schools and early years settings.
I look forward to sharing publication details very soon.
SENDCAST Podcast – 23rd June
I was delighted to be invited onto the SENDCAST podcast.
The episode will be released on 23rd June, where I will be discussing one of my favourite topics: Play Schemas.
Schemas provide such a powerful way of understanding children’s behaviour and learning. Rather than viewing behaviours as challenging or repetitive, schemas help us understand the underlying learning processes that children are exploring.
During the podcast I will also be discussing my new book and some of the practical ways that practitioners can support neurodivergent cognition through play.
If you work in education, early years or SEND, I hope you will tune in.
Supporting TOGS Centre
This month I had the pleasure of visiting the TOGS Centre in Pontypool.
TOGS provides support, opportunities and activities for children and young people with additional needs and their families. During my visit I was able to offer advice, discuss practical strategies and share resources that may support their ongoing work.
I was hugely impressed by the commitment of the staff and the positive impact the centre has within the local community. Organisations such as TOGS play an incredibly important role in ensuring that families feel supported, connected and valued.
I would like to thank everyone at the centre for their warm welcome.
The Cosmic Caretaker – Conversations About the Screen
Readers of my award-winning science fantasy novel, The Cosmic Caretaker, may be interested to hear that I recently met with a well-known screenwriter to discuss the book.
The conversation focused on whether the story could potentially be adapted for film or television and how its themes might translate to the screen.
While these discussions are at an early stage and there are no guarantees in the world of film and television, it was encouraging to hear interest in the story and its central message:
That this life we live may not be all there is.
I will keep readers updated if there are any further developments.
Continuing Work on The Hive of Senses
With the Early Years Toolkit nearing publication, my attention is increasingly turning back to another project that many of you have heard me mention before:
The Hive of Senses
This work explores sensory experiences through six broad areas:
- Physical
- Chemical
- Emotional
- Social
- Environmental
- Spiritual
My aim is to create a practical framework that helps parents, practitioners and individuals better understand how sensory experiences influence behaviour, wellbeing, learning and relationships.
Pilot projects and feedback have continued to shape the development of this work, and I am excited about where it is heading.
Speaking, Training and School Support
Alongside writing, I continue to provide:
- School and nursery training
- SEND consultancy
- Support for charities and community organisations
- Presentations on play, schemas, therapeutic interventions and neurodiversity
- Advice regarding sensory profiling and environmental adaptations
I am particularly encouraged by the growing interest in play-based approaches and the recognition that meaningful play remains vital throughout the lives of many neurodivergent learners.
Nine Years On – Are We Finally Listening?
This month I also revisited an article I wrote nine years ago regarding home-to-school transport for children with SEND.
After reading a recent House of Commons debate on the same issue, I was struck by how many of the concerns raised by MPs today mirrored concerns I was raising as a special school headteacher almost a decade ago.
The article reminded me that while progress has undoubtedly been made, there is still much work to do in ensuring that children with SEND can access education safely, consistently and with dignity.
I will be sharing more about this topic on LinkedIn shortly.
Thank You
Whether you are a parent, practitioner, student, researcher or simply someone interested in supporting neurodivergent children and adults, thank you for being part of this journey.
Every message, comment, review, share and conversation helps spread awareness and improve support for those who need it most.
Best wishes,
Ange Anderson
Author | Former Special School Headteacher | SEND Advisor | Speaker
Supporting Neurodivergent Children Through Play, Tech & Therapeutic Insight
