Sue Larkey Blog

Practical strategies for student engagement and connection Top 7 Ideas from the Podcast Simple Phrases for Classroom Management A set of simple phrases to manage classroom dynamics effectively. Restorative Teaching Emphasizing self-management and relationship restoration in teaching using practical strategies for student engagement. Promoting Student Self-Regulation Strategies to develop self-regulation in students. Developing a Strong Teacher-Student Connection: Building trust and connection as a foundation for effective teaching. Incorporating Love Languages in the Classroom: Using love languages to create a sense of connection and understanding. Understanding and Utilizing the Safety Stool Concept: A tool to assess and address student needs based on neuroscience principles. Preparation for Transition and Change: Strategies to help students cope with changes and transitions.   5 Highlights with Practical Strategies for Student Engagement "Positive behaviour management...

Teacher and Parent/Carer Guide to NDIS Interview with Nicki Powell Link to Nicki's Website for - https://www.nickipowell.com.au/ Introduction: Teacher’s and Parents/Carers Guide to Navigating the NDIS for Your Child and how to support families This post aims to provide parents and educators with a comprehensive guide to understanding and accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for children with special needs. Understanding the NDIS The NDIS is an Australian scheme designed to support persons with disabilities, including children with conditions like Autism, ADHD, and ODD. It offers financial support for therapies, educational aids, and other resources crucial for a child’s development. The six key functional domains that the NDIS considers when assessing the functional capacity of a child, as mentioned in the podcast transcript, are: Learning Socialization Communication Self-management Self-care Mobility​​. The Journey to NDIS: A Parent's Perspective Hear from...

Dr Norrine Russell's Insights into ADHD & AS Introduction: In our latest podcast episode, Dr. Norrine Russell, an esteemed psychologist and educator, shares her profound insights into the world of neurodiverse children, particularly those with Autism, ADHD, and related conditions. As a mother and a professional, Dr. Russell offers unique perspectives that resonate with educators and parents alike. Key Highlights and Timestamps 1. Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders as Symptoms (00:04:06): Dr. Russell stresses the importance of viewing behaviors in neurodiverse children as symptoms of their condition, fostering a more empathetic approach. 2.  Complexities of ADHD Treatment (00:06:04): Treatment for ADHD extends beyond diagnosis, emphasizing the need for a multimodal approach including medication, therapy, and supportive strategies. 3. Autism's Individual Manifestations (00:07:12): Recognizing autism's unique presentation in each child is crucial for effective support and...

Empowering Neurodiversity: Yenn Purkis' Journey and Insights Introduction: In today's blog, we delve into the inspiring journey of Yenn Purkis, an autism advocate and author. There story is not just one of personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for individuals on the autism spectrum. This post is a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and resources for educators and parents, aiming to enrich the learning experience of neurodiverse children. Autism Advocacy Success Stories Yenn Purkis’ story is a testament to the power of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Their experiences shed light on the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with autism. By exploring Their journey, we uncover valuable lessons and success stories that can inspire and guide educators and parents alike. Top 7 Strategies for Teachers in the Classroom 1. Leverage Intense Interests for Career Planning Understanding and channeling the intense interests of autistic students into potential...

Why Toilet Training Neurodiverse children  can be so hard & my Top Tips to Try. Learn about Toilet Training and Autism Today!  Toilet Training Neurodiverse children Discussed in this Episode: ✅ What made the biggest difference (link to my book) ✅ What advice she would give other parents ✅ Why it was so important to get her twins out of nappies ✅ How different the twins were in what worked ✅ Importance of preschool and friends in helping with toileting Stay informed about Toilet Training and Autism Today!10 TOp TIps For Toileting 1. Avoid potties! Start out with the end in mind. Children with autism have trouble generalising and the last thing you want is to have to carry their pottie around with you everywhere you go!   2. Visuals are very important. Make up some visuals to help the child understand the toileting process and to provide a prompt.   3. Prepare lots of FUN activities to do with the child. Making going to the toilet fun takes the pressure off and...

how to share diagnosis With family & Friends Learn about Sharing Diagnosis with Family and Friends Today!  Discussed in this Episode: ✅ What worked and didn’t work ✅ Who needs to know about the diagnosis ✅ Why people need to know ✅ How much should I share? ✅ Top Tips for Disclosing Diagnosis ✅ Why you shouldn’t hide your child’s diagnosis from them ✅ FREE Book by Anna Tullemans, ‘Disclosing Diagnosis’ with first 30 orders of books she has Authored (Value $25) Share Diagnosis with Family and Friends Today!  Talking to family and friends about a diagnosis can be a bit daunting, I am hoping this podcast with Anna Tullemans will prepare you with information and understanding to make the task easier. Begin Sharing Diagnosis with Family and Friends Today!Top Tips from The Interview with Anna 1. Before passing on information, cross out anything that is not relevant to your child and explain the points that are relevant to them and how people can adjust, accommodate and...

************************************** 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 ************************************** Strategies for Teaching PDA StudentsKey takeaways from this podcast for educators and parents/ carers of a child with PDA: ✅ Understand Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): It’s a unique autism type that requires a different approach. ✅ The differences between PDA and ODD. ✅ PDA is often misunderstood - these children want to do well but struggle with demands.  ✅ Build relationships through sharing experiences and following their interests. No hierarchies. ✅ Re-evaluate teaching strategies: Traditional autism strategies may not work for PDA students ✅  Avoid power struggles by giving choices and focusing on natural consequences.  ✅ Help manage meltdowns  ✅ Always offer a fresh start after difficulties. ✅  Make requests carefully - share demands...

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON NEWSLETTER OUT NOW Celebrate Diversity this Holiday Season Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDThis is all about celebrating diversity this holiday season, with a focus on providing plenty of tips for end of year activities, such as concerts and big gatherings. In addition, the podcast will cover gifts for autistic children (and other neurodiversity), offering advice on how to choose sensory-friendly toys, books, and puzzles that will bring joy to children with autism during the holiday season. The goal is to help make the holiday season a special and inclusive time for everyone, regardless of abilities or differences.Why the Holidays are a Great Time to Discuss Difference Holidays Season is a great time to talk about differences. There are so many different celebrations, traditions, religions, languages, countries, cultures & more. We should always be celebrating...

top tips to reduce behaviour during change to support neurodiverse children Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDMany children with ASD have difficulties accepting change and transition from one activity to another. In fact, most behaviour happens during change/transition. In my experience this is because it requires problem-solving, choices and adults tend to use more verbal information instead of visual information. It can also be a time of movement and high noise level, which can cause sensory processing difficulties. Below, I have listed some key times you may need to put in place strategies to support children during change. Discover why change equals behaviour today!************************************** 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 **************************************...

WEBINAR REPLAY -  Top tips for transition for every & stage Subscribe to this podcast via your favourite app Join my newsletter for more awesome information about ASDEverything you need to know for successful transitions in 2024! Including Top Tips for Preparing for 2024 Did you make it to my free webinar on Wednesday?? If you missed out, it's not too late - you can still sign up to watch the replay below Sign up now to watch it HERESign up includes these FREE timesavers and tip sheets: 👉 Social Script - what to do when your teacher is away👉 Handout with all slides👉 Transition Ebook - including tips for separation anxiety, starting school and secondary school👉 Key document to share with staff - Transition Programme👉 10 Things to Know about MeWhat this Webinar Covers: ✅ Transition Tips including - Preschool - Primary School, Primary to Secondary & more✅ What to do if you can’t do on-site visits✅ The KEY strategies for Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Families & More✅...

Cheat sheets for transition - Step by Step How to Use Sue Larkey’s Cheat Sheets & Why  Transitioning children with neurodiversity successfully is an important part of a child's education. Transitioning children with neurodiversity successfully is an important part of a child's education. With the right strategies and support, children can transition from one school to another, or from preschool to school, with ease. Parents, teachers, and aides can work together to create a successful transition plan, using transition cheat sheets, self advocacy, and calming strategies. Knowing 10 things about the child, as well as any sensory issues, can help teachers create a supportive environment for the child. Here are five tips for teachers to help children transition successfully: 1. Create a transition plan with the help of parents, teachers, and aides.2. Use transition cheat sheets to provide key information about the child.3. Encourage self advocacy by having the child share...

getting ready for 2024 how to use your FREE e-book Sign up to join me for my free live webinar  ************************************** 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 ************************************** It's starting to get to the end of 2023, and you might already be starting to think about how you will ease the transition for the children you know. Or if you are just coming out of learning from home and moving to in-person teaching, these transition tips will help reduce anxiety and stress! Transition can be big or small changes: it includes change in teacher, change in room, change in students in the class not just starting preschool, school, high school and beyond. The nature of autism is such that transition can be extremely stressful, no matter what age or how BIG or SMALL the change maybe.   Changing Teacher is like…. Moving to a Foreign...