Children with special educational needs all have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn or access education than most children of the same age. These children may need extra or different help from that given to other children of the same age. Children with SEN may need extra help because of a range of needs, such as in thinking and understanding, physical or sensory difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, or difficulties with speech and language or how they relate to and behave with other people' - www.teachernet.gov.uk. Here are some support groups and organisations working with children who have a range of special needs.
Autism & Asperger syndrome
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to people. Autistic children's and adults' ability to develop friendships is impaired, as is their capacity to understand other people's feelings. People with autism can often have accompanying learning disabilities, but everyone with the condition shares a difficulty in making sense of the world. There is also Asperger syndrome, a form of autism used to describe people at the higher functioning end of the autistic spectrum. Reality to an autistic person is a confusing mass of events, people, places, sounds and sights. There seems to be no clear boundaries, order or meaning to anything.
British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD)
* Campion House, Green Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1JL * 01562 723010 * www.bild.org.uk
The British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD) seeks to improve the quality of life of all people with a learning disability by providing information, publications and training and consultancy services for organisations and individuals. It has courses on:
* Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Kidderminster on 22 June and in London on 6 July and 7 December. This course considers the causes and effects of autism and looks at ways of working effectively with people who have ASD.
* Extending good practice in autism in Sheffield on 22 September and in Kidderminster on 5 November. This is a one-day workshop for experienced practitioners who would like the opportunity to explore current research and practice.
* Understanding challenging behaviour in Sheffield on 14 September, Cardiff on 15 October, Kidderminster on 9 November and London on 9 December. This introductory course explores positive ways of working with people who exhibit such behaviour.
* Moving on with challenging behaviour, in Warrington on 14 July and London on 10 December. This one-day event is for staff working with people who have a learning disability and whose behaviour challenges.
Care Training
* PO Box 49, Hastings TN35 5NQ * 01424 439691 * admin@care-training.comwww.care-training.com
Care Training is running seminars on:
* Autism: communication and understanding in Grantham on 29 June, Peterborough on 14 July and Harrogate on 22 July. This course assesses the learning style of people with ASD and matches communication to it.
* Asperger syndrome:positive life planning in Brighton on 1 July, Tamworth on 14 July, and Bristol on 29 July. This one-day seminar examines the difficulties of assessment for Asperger syndrome and provides pointers for designing successful support.
* Asperger syndrome: social skills training in Brighton on 30 June, Tamworth on 13 July and Bristol on 28 July. This one-day seminar examines 'normal' social activity and how people with Asperger syndrome can be supported in their own social development.
National Autistic Society
* Training Services Department, Castle Heights, 72 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham NG1 6BJ * 0115 911 3363 * training@nas.org.ukwww.nas.org.uk
The National Autistic Society runs courses for mainstream teachers, learning support assistants and ancillary staff, and parents on:
* Introduction to TEACCH in London on 30 June, Cambridge on 4 November, Bristol on 2 November, and Edinburgh in January 2005. This one-day seminar will cover the basic principles of the TEACCH approach. A general awareness of autism is required, as this is not covered on the day.
* Understanding Asperger syndrome: what's it like to be me? in Manchester on 8 July. This one-day conference will hear from individuals with Asperger syndrome who will explain their personal perspective and the challenges and issues for those living, supporting and educating children and young people with the syndrome.
* First time with ASD in Cambridge on 16 September, Bristol on 29 September and Edinburgh on 24 November. This seminar will cover ASD, strategies for classroom management, supporting a child with ASD and social support in and out of school.
* Extreme behaviours within ASD in London on 20 October. Conference speakers will examine the identification of a possible new sub-group within autism and the implications for provision.
Scottish Society for Autism
* Hilton House, Alloa Business Park, Whins Road, Alloa FK10 3SA * 01259 720044 * ceta@autism-in-scotland.org.ukwww.autism-in-scotland.org.uk
The Scottish Society for Autism runs a number of courses on autism and related issues at its Centre for Education and Training in Autism. Courses and workshops include:
* An introduction to ASD on 30 June, 16 September and 25 November. This one-day workshop is for practitioners new to the field of autism, and it will introduce them to basic concepts and theories relating to ASD.
* Asperger syndrome: the facts on 1 September. This course will provide a good grounding in understanding Asperger syndrome.
* AS:SIST - Asperger syndrome: social integration skills training on 3 September. This course's aims are to understand how normal social development occurs, the key deficits present in Asperger social functioning, bridging the gap between differing social perceptions of those with Asperger syndrome and socially 'typical' people and assessment and planning issues.
* Challenging behaviour in ASD on 9 September. This course aims to support practitioners who deal with challenging behaviour in individuals with ASD.
* Food and autism on 28 September. This course explores the main theories relating to diet and autism, and their practical implications.
* Autism in the early years: a practical guide on 7 October. This course will outline the characteristics of autism as they present themselves in the early years, consider the nature of autism and issues surrounding assessment and diagnosis and offer practical strategies for enhancing access to the early years curriculum.
* Behavioural difficulties in Asperger syndrome on 8 October. This course considers the core difficulties in Asperger syndrome and implications for behaviour, proactive approaches to prevention and effective approaches to frequent behavioural difficulties.
* Practical guidance for teaching assistants in supporting children with ASD in schools on 17 November. This course considers the role of the teaching assistant in supporting pupils with ASD.
Parents and Professionals Against Autism (PAPA)
* PAPA Resource Centre, Donard House, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 8BH * 028 9040 1729 * info@autismni.orgwww.autismni.org
PAPA seeks to ensure that children and adults within the autistic spectrum and their carers have access to appropriate services. Forthcoming events include:
* Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) training from 25 to 28 October. This course covers what is the most commonly used therapy for autism in the US and Scandinavia.
Cerebral palsy Conductive Education Centre
* The Hornsey Trust, 54 Muswell Hill, London N10 3ST * 020 8444 7242 * info@hornseytrust.org.ukwww.hcec.org.uk
The Conductive Education Centre is the only specialist centre and school for children with cerebral palsy in London to be approved by the Department for Education and Skills. Conductive education is an active process of guided learning developed specifically for children with cerebral palsy.
The centre runs courses that introduce participants to the theory and practice of conductive education as applied to young children with cerebral palsy, including:
* Boxing clever: this is for teaching assistants and SENCOs working in key stages 1 and 2. It aims to give participants the competencies and confidence to move their school forward within the wider context of inclusion and to show them a range of practical ideas and resources to support a wide range of children with special needs.
* A child with cerebral palsy in the classroom:. this is a course for teachers, learning support assistants and SENCOs working with a child who has cerebral palsy within mainstream education.
Deafblindness Sense
* 11-13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3SR * 020 7272 7774, text 020 7272 9648 * enquiries@sense.org.ukwww.sense.org.uk
Scotland
* Sense Scotland, Fifth Floor, 45 Finnieston Street, Glasgow G3 8JU * 0141 564 2444, text 0141 564 2442 * info@sensescotland.org.ukwww.sensescotland.org.uk
Northern Ireland
* Sense Northern Ireland, Sense Family Centre, The Manor House, 51 Mallusk Road, Mallusk Co Antrim BT36 4RU * 028 9083 3430, text 028 9083 3430 * senseni@sensewest.org.uk
Wales* Sense Cymru, 5 Raleigh Walk, Brigantine Place, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4LN * 029 2045 7641, text 029 2046 4125 * enquiries@sensecymru.org.uk
Deafblindness, a combination of sight and hearing loss, is one of the most challenging disabilities. Sense offers a wide range of specialist services across the UK to help sensory-impaired people of all ages to reach their full potential. It produces a wide range of specialist publications and fact sheets on topics including deafblindness, Usher syndrome, sharing information with deafblind children and their families, and toys and equipment catalogues. Sense also has a family network.
Disability British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD) (For contact details, see page 30) BILD is running courses on:
* Learning disabilities and mental health issues in Kidderminster on 24 June. This course is for managers or anyone working in services with people who have learning disabilities.
* Meeting the needs of people with profound learning difficulties in Warrington on 9 July, London on 20 September, Kidderminster on 18 October, Sheffield on 22 November and Swindon on 6 December. This one-day workshop focuses on identifying and meeting communication needs.
* Moving on with Learning Disability Awards Framework (LDAF) in Kidderminster on 8 July, London on 14 September and Warrington on 9 November. These events are for training managers, NVQ assessors and any staff with a responsibility for staff training. It will include moving on from induction and foundation in care training, bridging the gap between the LDAF and NVQ qualifications, using LDAF for experienced staff, and the new LDAF at Level 4 qualification.
Down syndrome Down Syndrome Educational Trust
* The Sarah Duffen Centre, Belmont Street, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 1NA * 023 9285 5330 * workshops@downsed.orgwww.downsed.org
The Down Syndrome Educational Trust runs workshops and courses for parents, teachers, health visitors and early years professionals on the early development and education of children who have Down's syndrome, including:
* The development and education of children with Down syndrome in infancy and preschool years on 28 September. This one-day workshop will provide participants with an overview of all aspects of the development and specific needs of infants and pre-school children with Down syndrome, based on current research findings. Guidance will be provided on activities to promote all aspects of children's development.
* The development and education of children with Down syndrome: this workshop covers cognitive and social development in more detail than is possible on the overview days. It is recommended for parents and teachers wishing to develop their knowledge further.
* Meeting the educational needs of children with Down syndrome in mainstream schools on 11 October. This workshop provides initial training and practical advice to teachers and support staff in mainstream schools.
It covers speech and language, reading and writing, memory, number and maths, accessing the curriculum, social development, motor and self-help skills, friendships and behaviour.
* Supporting the development and education of children with Down syndrome on 8 and 9 November. This two-day workshop will provide participants with an up-to-date overview of the research in to the specific cognitive and behavioural profile associated with Down syndrome and the implications of this profile for effective educational provision.
Riverside Early Years Training Centre
* Minton Lane, North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE29 6DQ * 0191 200 5501 * maureen.scott@northtyneside.gov.uk
The Riverside Early Years Training Centre runs a course on:
* Pre-school children with Down syndrome: this half-day course aims to enable those working in a pre-school setting to gain an understanding of how best to maximise the potential of a child with Down syndrome.
Dyslexiaand dyspraxia British Dyslexia Association
* 98 London Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5AU * 0118 966 2677helpline 0118 966 8271 * info@dyslexiahelp-bda.demon.co.ukwww.bda-dyslexia.org.uk
Scotland
* Dyslexia Scotland, Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen, Stirling FK8 2DZ * 01786 446650 * info@dyslexia-in-scotland.orgwww.dyslexia-in-scotland.org
The British Dyslexia Association offers advice, information and help to families, professionals and dyslexic individuals and works to raise awareness and understanding of dyslexia to effect change. It promotes early identification and support in schools to ensure dyslexic children have an opportunity to learn and seeks to raise awareness of the evidence and effects of dyslexia.
Forthcoming events include:
* Dyslexia, dyspraxia: detection and remediation of neuro-developmental delay in children with SpLD part 2 in Somerset on 6 July.
* Maths and dyslexia in Croydon on 15 September.
* The Jean Auger memorial conference in London on 9 October. A one-day conference and exhibition on the government's strategy for SEN.
* BDA national forum, AGM and autumn council meeting in London on 13 November.
* Dyslexia, learning and vision in Guildford on 22 November.
Conductive Education Centre (For contact details, see CerebralPalsy)
* This is dyspraxia on 2 July. This is a course for parents and professionals.
Emotionaland behavioural difficulties Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Association (SEBDA)
* Dr Ted Cole, Executive director, SEBDAHead Office, Church House, 1 St Andrew's View, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7YF * 01768 210510 * admin@sebda.orgwww.awcebd.co.uk
SEBDA, formerly the Association of Workers for Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (AWCEBD), promotes excellence in services for children and young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties, and supports those who work with them.
Fragile X Fragile X Society
* 53 Winchelsea Lane, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4LG * 01424 813147 * info@fragilex.org.ukwww.fragilex.org.uk
Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of inherited learning disability. It affects boys and girls and shows itself in a wide range of learning and behaviour difficulties, varying from subtle educational delays to severe mental handicap. The Fragile X Society provides support and information for families.
Hearingimpairment National Deaf Children's Society
* 15 Dufferin Street, London EC1Y 8PD * 020 7490 8656Freephone helpline 0808 800 8880 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm) * ndcs@ndcs.org.ukwww.ndcs.org.uk
Scotland* NDCS Scotland, 187-189 Central Chambers, 93 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 6LD * 0141 248 4457 * ndcs.scotland@ndcs.org.uk
Northern Ireland
* NDCS Northern Ireland, Wilton House, 5 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AR * 028 9027 8177 Wales
* NDCS Wales, Room 2, First Floor,43 Charles Street, Cardiff CF1 4EB * 029 2038 4277 * ndcswales@ndcs.org.uk
The NDCS is the only UK charity exclusively dedicated to supporting all deaf children and their families in overcoming the challenges of childhood deafness.
Learningdisabilities The British Institute for Learning Disabilities (BILD) (For contact details, see page 30) BILD runs courses including:
* Communication through music in Kidderminster on 29 June, and Sheffield on 28 September. This course is for anyone working with people who have learning difficulties who would like to explore the benefits and practical use of music. It explores how to work alongside people with learning disabilities in creative ways to encourage self-expression.
* Communication through drama in Kidderminster on 6 July, and Warrington on 16 November. This course is for anyone working with people who have learning difficulties and who would like to explore the benefits and practical use of drama for the people they work with.
* Positive approaches to communication in London on 24 September, Kidderminster on 15 October and Warrington on 12 November.
ENABLE
* Sixth Floor, 7 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 3HL * 0141 226 4541 * enable@enable.org.ukwww.enable.org.uk
Enable is the largest membership organisation in Scotland for people with learning disabilities and family carers. It has more than 60 local branches or groups across Scotland, and many of its members are people with learning disabilities. Enable provides a wide range of services including information, legal advice and support for local groups focused on the needs of children. In many parts of Scotland it provides direct care services for children and adults with learning disabilities. Its services include housing with support, day services and after-school care.
Enable Ireland
* Sandymount Avenue, Dublin 4 * 00353 01 269 5355 * info@enableireland.iewww.enableireland.ie
Enable Ireland has 11 regional centres providing services for about 2,200 children and 200 adults. Its children's services cover all aspects of a child's physical, educational and social development from early infancy through adolescence.
Mencap
* 123 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0RT * 020 7454 0454Learning disability helpline freephone 0808 808 1111 * information@mencap.org.ukwww.mencap.org.uk
Northern Ireland
* Mencap Northern Ireland, Segal House, 4 Annadale Avenue, Belfast BT7 3JH * 028 9069 1351 * mencapni@mencap.org.uk
Wales
* Mencap Cymru, 31 Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GF * 029 2074 7588 * information.wales@mencap.org.uk
Mencap is the UK's leading disability charity working with children and adults with a learning difficulty and their families and carers to improve their lives and opportunities. It provides a variety of support services including accessibility, community support, education, employment and housing and support services.
Portage National Portage Association * info@portage.org.ukwww.portage.org.uk
Portage is a home-visiting service for pre-school children who have special needs. It is based on the principle that parents are the key figures in the care and development of their child. Portage is based on four main activities - weekly home visits by a trained home visitor, weekly written teaching activities designed for each individual child and parent, teaching and recording carried out by the parent, and weekly supervision by the home visitor. The National Portage Association runs:
* Training workshops throughout the country: these cover portage history, theories and basic practice and are suitable for parents and professionals working with pre-school children who have special needs.
Special educational needs National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN)
* NASEN House, 4-5 Amber Business Village, Amber Close, Amington, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 4RP * 01827 311500 * welcome@nasen.org.ukwww.nasen.org.uk
NASEN promotes the education, training, advancement and development of all people with special educational needs. It has produced policies on the early years, professional development, partnership with parents, curriculum access and learning support assistants, among others.
NASEN, in conjunction with the Times Educational Supplement, will be staging a two-day exhibition:
* The NASEN/Times Educational Supplement Special Educational Needs exhibition in London on 22 and 23 October.
All Together Training and Consultancy * Mary Dickins 020 7482 1165 * marydickins@btinternet.com
All Together training and Consultancy offers in-house training on the inclusion of young children who have special educational needs on topics including:
* Good practice in making a policy on SEN/inclusion.
* Working with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.
Kidsactive
* Pryors Bank, Bishop's Park, London SW6 3LA * 020 7736 4443 * ktis@kidsactive.org.ukwww.kidsactive.org.uk
Kidsactive promotes play for disabled children and young people. It works in close partnership with the full range of professionals who provide services for disabled children, with parents and carers, and voluntary and statutory bodies.
NIPPA: The Early Years Organisation
* 6c Wildflower Way, Apollo Road, Belfast BT12 6TA * 028 9066 2825 * info.nippa@cinni.orgwww.nippa.org
NIPPA runs courses for early years staff and parents, including:
* Managing challenging behaviour in children: this course is designed to give practitioners skills to support parents and carers faced with children who exhibit challenging behaviour.
* Promoting children's learning through adult/child interaction: in this workshop participants learn about the importance of supporting children's play and strategies for interacting effectively with children.
* The pre-school child with autism - developing a visually-structured approach.
* Working with children who have special needs: this 20-hour course will enable practitioners to develop the skills needed to plan structured programmes to help children who have SEN.
Northern Ireland Childminding Association
* 16-18 Mill Street, Newtownards BT23 4LU * 028 9181 1015 * barbara.quinn@nicma.orgwww.nicma.org
The Northern Ireland Childminding Association runs a 20-hour course on:
* Extra special - working with children with additional needs: this course covers causes of conditions, observing, planning and evaluating learning for special needs children, communication systems for special needs, behaviour management and child protection.
Speech and language difficulties Around five per cent of children will stammer at some time. Most overcome it with or without help, but about one per cent may continue to stammer into adulthood. It usually begins between the ages of two and five when children are rapidly developing their speech and language skills. Boys are more vulnerable to speech and language problems generally, and some research has suggested that more girls grow out of the problem than boys.
Worried parents should seek help as soon as possible from speech and language therapy services through the NHS. The earlier help is provided, the more likely the child is to either overcome the problem or learn to manage it successfully.
Afasic
* Second Floor, 50-52 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DJ * 020 7490 9410helpline 0845 355 5577(Monday to Friday 11am to 2pm) * info@afasic.org.ukwww.afasic.org.uk
Scotland
* Afasic Scotland, 1 Prospect 3, Gemini Crescent, Dundee Technology Park, Dundee DD2 1TY * 01382 561891 * afasicscotland@btopenworld.com
Wales
* Afasic Cymru, First Floor, The Exchange Building, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5EB * 029 2046 5854 * ClareAfasic@aol.com
Afasic seeks to raise awareness and to create better services and provision for children and young people with speech and language impairments. It works in partnership with local and national government, professional and statutory bodies and voluntary organisations. Afasic runs courses and conferences around the UK for parents and professionals, including:
* Afasic parents' conference, in Manchester on 6 November.
British Stammering Association
* 15 Old Ford Road, London E2 9PJ * 020 8983 1003helpline 0845 603 2001(10am to 1pm then 2 to 4pm Monday to Friday and 7 to 9pm Monday and Tuesday evenings) * mail@stammering.orgwww.stammering.org
Scotland * bsascotland@stammering.org
The British Stammering Association aims to help eliminate stammering in young children by improving information for professionals working with under-fives and to help teachers to be more responsive to the needs of stammering pupils. The association also provides information for parents of children under five, primary and secondary school children, teenagers and young adults, adults who stammer, as well as speech and language therapists.
* Freedom to speak in Stirling on 3 to 5 September. This, the tenth BSA national conference, is for children and adults who stammer, parents, spouses and partners, speech and language therapists and other interested parties. It is open to everyone - you do not need to be a BSA member to attend.
I CAN
* 4 Dyer's Buildings, Holborn, London EC1N 2QP * 0845 225 4073 * training@ican.org.uk www.ican.org.uk
I CAN helps children with speech and language difficulties across the UK.
It provides a combination of specialist therapy and education for children, information for parents and training and advice for teachers, therapists and other professionals. Its courses include:
* Identifying and supporting children's communication from three to seven years: a practical approach in London on 25 June. This introductory workshop is for teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants working in nursery, reception and year one.
* National numeracy strategy for pupils with speech and language needs and/or special educational needs in London on 11 October. This course is for teachers, teaching assistants and speech and language therapists working with pupils aged between five and 14..
* Effective teaching and speech and language therapy for pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in London on 4 October and 5 November. This two-day course will provide a view of the theoretical underpinnings of different educational approaches.
* Developing speech, language and communication - the educational context (Core Level B) in Bristol on 1 and 26 November. This two-day course is for anyone working with children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in an educational context.
* Get talking: encouraging interaction to develop children's learning and communication - a classroom approach in London on 29 November. This is a course for teaching assistants, teachers, and speech and language therapists working with pupils in key stages 1 to 4.
* Supporting learning for children with speech and language needs in London on 3 December. This course is for non-teaching assistants in special and mainstream schools working with pupils across key stages 1 to 4.
* Helping children with semantic and pragmatic difficulties to learn and communicate in the classroom in London on 18 June and Edinburgh on 19 November. This course will explore the typical features of pupils described as having a 'semantic and pragmatic' language disorder or with a high-functioning ASD.
* An introduction to autism and Asperger's syndrome in London on 13 October. This half-day course will provide information and discussion opportunities.
* Practical ideas for the management of children with autistic spectrum difficulties in a school setting in London on 5 July. This course will provide insights into how to meet their needs in a variety of educational settings.
* A musical approach to developing communication in Nottingham on 7 and 8 September. This two-day course will provide ideas for using simple musical activities for children with autism.
* Intensive interaction in Northern Ireland on 3 December. This workshop will provide an understanding of intensive interaction, an approach to working with people with severe learning difficulties.
* Upward spirals in maths: A complete practice course to develop good number skills in early years and Key Stage 1 settings in London on 19 November. This course provides a range of practical activities that relate to the Foundation Stage curriculum.
* I CAN talk!: Helping children develop language in the early years in Wales on 11 October. The focus of this course is on normal speech and language development.
* Learning together: working together - teachers and speech and language therapists working together in the early years in London on 2 July, Northern Ireland on 4 October, and Edinburgh on 2 December. This one-day course will provide participants with a training package to deliver to other professionals working with children in the Foundation Stage who experience difficulties with speech and language.
Visual impairment Royal National Institute for the Blind
* 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE * 020 7388 1266 * helpline@rnib.org.ukwww.rnib.org.uk
Scotland
* Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 3TP * 0131 311 8500 * rnibscotland@rnib.org.uk
Northern Ireland
* 40 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BA * 028 9032 9373 or 028 9027 8119 * rnibni@rnib.org.uk
Wales
* RNIB Cymru, Trident Court, East Moors Road, Cardiff CF24 5TD * 029 2045 0440 * gwenda.fitzpatrick@rnib.org.uk
The RNIB offers information, support and advice to more than two million people with sight problems. It provides a range of publications and videos for parents and professionals.
