Sue Larkey Blog

Helping Autistic Girls Thrive in School: Insights for Educators  Supporting Neurodivergent Girls in SchoolLearn about Girls on the Autism Spectrum Today!Discussed in this Episode: ✅ Use books like "I Am An Autistic Girl" to help explain autism to girls after diagnosis ✅ Create opportunities for downtime at school to help autistic girls recharge ✅ Facilitate structured social interactions, like Lego challenges, during breaks ✅ Be aware of perfectionism and fear of mistakes in autistic female students ✅ Offer discreet ways for autistic girls to ask for help in class ✅ Encourage parents to give their daughters space after school before asking questions ✅Help autistic girls explain their diagnosis to friends when they're ready ✅ Create safe spaces or quiet areas for autistic girls during lunch and recess ✅ Be observant of non-verbal cues, like facial expressions and body language ✅ Show genuine interest in autistic girls' special interests to build rapport  SUE'S RECOMMENDED...

Stretching Beyond Comfort Zones: Temple Grandin's Insights for Educators Temple Grandin teaching insights Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDTemple Grandin's experiences provide invaluable insights for educators working with students on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the importance of "stretching" – encouraging students to try new things just outside their comfort zones. This approach empowers students while gently pushing their boundaries, allowing them to feel in control. Implementing these strategies can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, helping students to stretch beyond their comfort zones and reach their full potential.  What you will learn: ✅ Temple's experience at her aunt's ranch, which led to her career in the cattle industry. ✅ The importance of having a name on a room door to provide consistency and reduce anxiety. ✅ Using a cattle chute as a calming mechanism during...

Temple Grandin Free  Ebook - Strategies & Insights to inform your teaching practice TEMAPLE GRANDIN AND TEACHING STUDENTS WITH AUTISM Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDThis FREE Ebook and Webinar are focused on Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum - Strategies & Insights to Inform your Teaching Practice with Temple Grandin and Sue Larkey. They are designed for Educators to use lived experience and evidence-based research to increase engagement and participation for their students with Autism Spectrum. The free Webinar is also the first lesson in my Temple Grandin and Sue Larkey Course - check it out if you enjoy the Webinar! Another FREE E-book with 100+ Tips & Strategies! Download the free E-book so you can read along while I explain in this week's Podcast. What you will learn: ✅ An Inspirational Story: Strategies Behind Temple Grandin’s Amazing Successful Life. ✅ The 9 Compelling Reasons To Use...

Eliza Fricker - Can't Not Won't go to school. Insights about PDA from Eliza Fricker Insights on PDA with Eliza FlickerLearn about PDA. The podcast discusses PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and its impact on individuals, particularly children. It emphasizes the importance of creating a suitable environment for individuals with PDA to thrive and highlights the positive qualities of individuals with PDA.Discussed in this episode: ✅ The diagnosis that made Eliza realise why she had to parent differently ✅ Importance of consistency instead of planning for PDA  ✅ Classroom strategies for PDA ✅ Focusing on Fun and meeting the child where they’re at  ✅ Strategies of low-demand parenting ✅ About Eliza’s best selling book: Can’t Not Won’t Recognising Individual Progress: Understanding that every child's growth trajectory is different. Building Relationships: The significance of rapport with children, especially those with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Non-traditional Learning...

 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...