Listen to conversations in which I explore neurodiversity, play, sensory processing, SEND and practical approaches drawn from my experience in special education.
The Power of Play Schemas — The SENDcast
Why do children repeat particular patterns in their play? In this SENDcast conversation, I explore play schemas, what they can tell us about children’s development, and how recognising them can help us provide more meaningful opportunities for play and learning.
Want to explore play schemas further? Play schemas and practical observation tools are included in my Early Years Neurodiversity Toolkit.
Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety and Develop Social Skills — School Behaviour Secrets
In this conversation with Simon Currigan, I explore how virtual reality and augmented reality can be used to support neurodivergent pupils in practical, meaningful ways. Drawing on our experiences in my specialist school, we discuss using VR to reduce anxiety, prepare pupils for unfamiliar situations and transitions, develop social understanding and practise real-world skills safely before encountering them in everyday life.
Explore further: VR,AR and AI in Education
Therapeutics and Attunement with Ange Anderson — Neurodiverging Podcast
In this conversation with Danielle Sullivan, I explore the importance of understanding why a neurodivergent child may behave, play or learn in a particular way. We discuss play schemas, attunement and a range of therapeutic approaches, drawing on my experience of introducing more than 25 therapeutic and technological interventions in a specialist school. Above all, we explore how adapting the environment and the way we teach can enable children to learn, regulate and thrive
Explore further: Play schemas and many of the approaches discussed in this conversation are explored in my book Learning Through Play for Children with PMLD and Complex Needs.
Assistive Technology and Special Education — Assistive Technology Update
In this two-part conversation with Josh Anderson for Assistive Technology Update, I discuss how technology can open up new possibilities for children and young people with additional needs. Drawing on my experience in specialist education, we explore the importance of starting with the individual rather than the technology, recognising each learner’s potential, and finding creative ways to make learning, communication and participation more accessible.
Learning Through Play for Children with Complex Needs — The Naked Parent Podcast
In this conversation for The Naked Parent Podcast, I discuss why we cannot assume that every child instinctively knows how to play independently. Drawing on my work with children with PMLD and complex needs, I explore how physical, sensory and communication differences can affect access to play, and why some children benefit from structured or scaffolded support to help them participate, explore and develop their own play skills.
Explore further: These ideas are explored in much greater depth in my book Learning Through Play for Children with PMLD and Complex Needs.
LEGO, Magic Tricks and Auditory Training — A New Spin on Autism: Answers!
In this early podcast appearance with Lynette Louise, I discuss some of the therapeutic approaches we were using in my specialist school, including LEGO® Based Therapy, magic, auditory training and other child-centred interventions. The conversation began after Lynette came across an article I had written on Linkedin about LEGO® Based Therapy and autism, and invited me onto her American show to talk about the creative approaches we were using to support children with additional needs.
Sound Therapies for Learning and Regulation — Non Linear Learning
In this conversation with Dr Vaish Sarathy for Non Linear Learning, I explore how sound, music and vibration can be used to support learning, regulation and wellbeing. Drawing on my experience in specialist education, we discuss practical approaches to sound-based therapies and the importance of considering how individual children experience and respond to sound.
Explore further: These approaches are explored in much greater depth in my book Music, Sound and Vibration in Special Education.