Sue Larkey Blog

 Insights and Tips for Navigating Work : Yenn Purkis shares Lived Experience neurodivergent job interview preparationDiscussed in this episode Today I will be interviewing Yenn Purkis. Yenn is an autistic author, speaker and advocate. Yenn is an avid writer not only writing fabulous books but also has a wonderful blog (check it out here). Yenn has authored numerous books covering everything from Women with AS, Mental Health, Education and more which are all available on my website.        I find Yenn’s writings and weekly quotes a source of insight, understanding & inspiration. Yenn has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and atypical schizophrenia. For me, Yenn’s sharing of their mental health challenges helps me support the students I know and their families. Two years ago Yenn affirmed that they are non-binary and changed their name from Jeanette to Yenn. I am just letting you all know, as many of their books are under the name ‘Jeanette Purkis’ and I would hate for you to...

Fostering Self-Advocacy: Dean Beadle on Autistic Identity in Education Embracing Neurodivergent IdentityDiscussed in this episode Today I will be interviewing Dean Beadle! Dean has toured the UK and the world for fifteen years as an autistic speaker and trainer. Dean is also a proud promoter of the autistic voice, encouraging and empowering other autistic people to share their experiences and insights too. I am a huge fan of Dean's work and have toured with him in the past. He is a great friend and inspirational speaker and I'm sure you will all enjoy listening to Dean's personal experience and insight as much as I did! In this episode Dean meantions the Department of Autistic Research and Technology (DART) who are affiliated with Edinburgh University and have large amount of research on autism and people with autism. Dean mentions a small part of their research in this episode and I found it absolutely fascinating so have linked the group here in case any of you would also like...

Innovative Approaches to Special Education with Principal Ruth Rogers Innovative Special Education Techniques Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDRuth Rogers and Karonga School is focused on building independence in their students focusing on the future skills their students will need. In this Podcast Ruth shares some fabulous innovations and how they are using with their students. ✅ Road Crossing ✅ Mini Woolworths ✅Imersive Classroom ✅School Dog ✅Gym ✅Library 10 FABULOUS INITIATIVES1. Installed a fully functional pedestrian crossing with traffic lights, buttons, and haptic feedback to teach road safety skills in an authentic environment.2. Implemented an immersive classroom with 360-degree projection, allowing students to experience different environments, from the snow on mountain to bustling city streets.3. Introduced a mini Woolworths store within the school, complete with working registers, barcodes, and a...

Student Wellbeing Part 3 - The impact of Interoception on Neurodiverse Students' Wellbeing and what to do   Interoception in neurodiverse students Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDDiscussed in the episode: ✅ The importance of understanding and addressing interoception for student wellbeing ✅ Interoception encompasses internal bodily functions like hunger, thirst, need for the toilet, and pain ✅The impact of interoceptive challenges on behavior and learning ✅ Strategies for supporting students with interoceptive difficulties ✅ Why it is important to ensure students are hydrated, fed, and have access to toilets before addressing behavior ✅ Important to monitor caffeine and sugar intake, especially in secondary students ✅Recognizing that some students may refuse to eat or drink due to interoceptive challenges (e.g., PDA)Download This PDF For More Information About InteroceptionDid you know why you need...

Student Wellbeing Part 2: Friendship Pyramid & Quick Activities to do with the Whole Class to Build Connection Inclusive Classroom Activities  ************************************** Join me for an upcoming Workshop: Sue Larkey Workshops Can't make these Workshop dates? Join me for a self-paced on-demand course: Sue Larkey On-Demand Workshops **************************************   Discussed in this Podcast: ✅The Friendship Pyramid - Understanding Phases of Friendships✅ 20 Fun Social-Emotional Activities for Every Classroom✅ Conversation Skills: From Start to Finish✅Exploring appropriate ways to interrupt and respond to interruptions✅Importance of teaching Winning and Losing ✅ The Hidden Language of Social Cues: Nonverbal Communication✅ How & Why to Create a display of students' facial expressions for different emotions✅ Helping children know when to “dob” ie "when to tell" and "not to tell" a teacher Make sure you listen to this Podcast as we go into detail...

Student Wellbeing Part 1: Playground Plans to Create Connection for Neurodiverse Students (ASD, ADHD, ODD, PDA) Playground plans for neurodiverse students  ************************************** Join me for an upcoming Workshop: Sue Larkey Workshops Can't make these Workshop dates? Join me for a self-paced on-demand course: Sue Larkey On-Demand Workshops **************************************   Discussed in this Podcast: ✅ Importance of creating personalized playground plans with students✅ Template to Create Playground Plans (Below)✅ Template : Stop, Think, Do activities for problem-solving situations (Below)✅ Importance of understanding “Dobbing” "when to tell" and "not to tell" scenarios✅ My Daughter Eliza shares insights on how preparing for social activities can reduce anxiety✅ Brainstorming and creating posters for social knowledge✅ Implementing playground clubs, calm areas, or passive playgrounds✅ Why it important to observe students' connections and friendships...

Understanding ADHD Insights from Clinic Psychologist Joanne Steer plus Bella shares her Lived Experience of ADHD Understanding ADHD in Girls  ************************************** Join me for an upcoming Workshop: Sue Larkey Workshops Can't make these Workshop dates? Join me for a self-paced on-demand course: Sue Larkey On-Demand Workshops **************************************   Discussed in this Podcast: ✅ Fostering Open Communication and Understanding of ADHD by using picture book✅When and why to tell children about ADHD✅ Recognizing the Unique Challenges of ADHD in Girls and Women✅ Strategies for Supporting Girls with ADHD in the Classroom✅ Fostering Open Communication and Understanding of ADHD by using picture book✅ Collaborating with Girls to Develop Individualized Support Plans✅ Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being for Students with ADHD✅Plus special guest Bella. Bella shares her lived experience of ADHD. Bella is my amazing Social Media Manager. Make sure...

De-escalation Techniques for Neurodiverse Students (asd, pda, odd & adhd) Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASD************************************** Join me for an upcoming Workshop: Sue Larkey Workshops Can't make these Workshop dates? Join me for a self-paced on-demand course: Sue Larkey On-Demand Workshops ************************************** ✅ Understanding meltdowns and their different phases ✅Strategies to create calm and manage anxiety ✅ The importance of giving children silence and space: to process, self-regulate and de-escalate ✅Why “No” can cause a meltdown and what to say instead ✅Why I treat meltdowns like seizures ✅ What to do after a meltdown and how to put preventative strategies in place We hate Spam was well. You can unsubscribe at anytime.Recognising and managing meltdowns / shutdowns is vital to support people with an ASD. Every child with an ASD will experience very individual symptoms...

Creating Behaviour Plans That Work: 50% Adult + 50% Student Independence for Diverse Learners Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDDiscussed in this podcast: ✅ Starting with the end in mind  ✅ The 50/50 Learning & Behaviour Plan  ✅ Modelling behaviour and demonstrating Plan B’s ✅ Encouraging independence with timers, visuals and schedules  ✅ Using 3 Rs - rewards, repetition and routines HOW TO USE THE 50/50 PROGRAMYou will need to use a combination of strategies and while at first it may feel like YOU are doing all the work as the student learns to work with what you provide, you will do less and less and eventually move to a 50/50 approach. This is where 50% of the strategies are by the adult and 50% by the student. Children on the spectrum need to be 'taught' to use a combination of strategies. I have seen many examples over the years where people put in place a strategy and just expect the child to...

Early Childhood Strategies to Support Neurodiverse Children  - Includes Free E-Book With Over 100 Tips Learn Early Childhood Tips and Strategies Today!Over 400 Early Child Educators told me their top 2 questions they wanted answered, and I used those to create these Tips & Strategies What you will learn: ✅ Diagnosis / Identifying Signs of Autism ✅ Tips for Toileting ✅ Creating Communication Enriched Environments (non-verbal children) ✅ Different Ways of Teaching ✅ Why and How to Use Visuals ✅ Being a Supportive Communication Partner ✅ Use Rewards and Special Interests to Motivate and Engage in Learning ✅11 Common Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder or Difficulties ✅ Using Sensory Tools to Improve Learning & BehaviourFREE Early Years Ebook -  Listen to me  discuss this in the PodcastLooking for a Book to support and develop communication? Check out Practical Communication Programmes.   Top Resources for Supporting Children in the Early YearsI am always sharing stories and...