This can cause strain at family mealtimes or when they are expected to stay still for food at school or in restaurants... Often children have stored up energy from sitting at school for long periods, so exercise, or play...  Busy environments - School canteens can be very noisy and bustling, which can be a problem for children with sensory sensitivities. If they will not eat at school, ask if there is a quieter, calmer space for them to eat their lunch

   Positive reasons to disclose a diagnosis could include: Being able to access support in school, college or the workplace that is tailored ... \n\nSupport in Education\nSEN support is available without a diagnosis in educational settings and is organised by the school special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Following a diagnosis, it can be useful to book an appointment with the school SENCO to review the support that your child is receiving

Other reasons can include: Sensory differences - trying to regulate or manage their sensitivity to light, sounds, texture and touch Understanding their emotions - having difficulty recognising, managing and regulating their feelin... They've been asking the questions you want to hear answered, joined by the health professionals that help young people, like school nurses and mental health specialists, to provide solutions, support and understanding

  At home, you can support your child by: Using chunky cutlery to help with grip and control during mealtimes Trying scooter boards and balance boards, which can teach your child to feel and understand their body movements and help develop spatial awareness Engaging in activities with playdough like rolling, cutting, slicing and picking up pieces with cutlery, which can help to strengthen hand dexterity Talking to your child's setting or school ...

\nThe environment around them can cause issues at work or school if they can't bear the flickering or buzzing of lighting, the temperature of air conditioning or the feeling of wearing their uniform.\n\nThe combination of stimuli on their senses can cause young people to lose focus, not be able to join in with activities and withdraw, which can affect their school work, social life and friendships

Speak to your child's setting or school to request support

For example instead of saying "well done" say "well done you worked so hard to colour in the lines" or "I could see you trying really hard to sit still in school assembly"... Positive Thinking Confidence & Self-Esteem Wobbles When children and young people are facing changes and challenges, like a move to High School, even confident children can feel wobbly... Talk to your child’s school - they also may be able to offer some extra support

Depending on their needs, they may start high school, begin to do more things with friends and be influenced by other people...  Support them to get their clothes ready and bag packed for the school day...  As you learn more about your child's skills and the differences they face at school, it can be helpful to talk to your school's special educational needs and/or disabilities coordinator (SENDCo)

Worry is the word we use when we are thinking and stressing about something in particular – like starting a new school ...  People worry about all sorts of issues like: Life transitions - such as starting school or moving to a new house Distressing experiences - such as ... ‘So, I think you’re saying that you worry something bad will happen when you walk to school on your own – is that right?’ You don’t have to know the answer there and then

  You can work with your child or young person's school to discuss any concerns and support your child to regulate their senses and emotions safely