ADHD, or, Attention Deficit Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults

Autism, or, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex spectrum of neurodevelopment that affects children, adolescents, and adults. It is identified by a set of behaviours and symptoms that include difficulties with social interaction and communication, repetitive behaviours, narrow, obsessive interests, and sensory processing differences.

An EHCP, or, Education, Health and Care Plan, is a legally binding document outlining a child or teenager's special educational, health, and social care needs. Schools in England must provide support to children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) as part of their standard offer to children, this is called SEN support.

Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. If someone experiences mental health issues, this can affect the way they think, their mood and the choices they make. It can also influence the way they handle stress and make choices.

Speech disorders occur when a person is impaired in their ability to form correct speech sounds resulting in challenges in communicating successfully. There are many forms of speech disorders, including stuttering, apraxia, ataxia, dysarthria. Symptoms vary but can include repeating or prolonging sounds, distorting sounds, adding sounds to words and challenges with pronunciation to name a few.

The foundations of speech development are built through looking, hearing and listening, concentration and playing. A child naturally acquires language from a very early age and goes through a recognised pattern of learning vocabulary, sentences and concepts to be able to communicate verbally. Add to this speech sound processes and attention and social development, and you realise how complex communication is.

When this natural process diverges from the normal pattern, for example, when a child has difficulty with grammar or speech sounds, poor listening or stammering.

Emotional Behavioural Disorder (EBD) refers to a range of emotional and behavioural challenges that significantly impact an individual's ability to function effectively, particularly in educational settings. It encompasses issues such as severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviours like aggression or defiance, which can interfere with social interactions, academic performance, and overall daily life. EBD requires tailored interventions that address the specific emotional and behavioural needs of the individual to support their development and well-being.

Learning difficulties refer to a range of challenges that affect an individual's ability to acquire, process, and use information effectively, which can impact their academic performance and everyday functioning. These difficulties can manifest in various ways, such as problems with reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia), or attention and organization. Unlike intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties typically involve specific areas of struggle while overall cognitive abilities remain intact. Effective support and interventions are tailored to address these specific challenges, helping individuals develop strategies to improve their learning and performance.

Therapeutic support refers to a range of professional services designed to help individuals manage and overcome psychological, emotional, or behavioural challenges. This support can include various forms of therapy, such as counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and occupational therapy, among others. It aims to address underlying issues, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being by providing a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop effective strategies for managing difficulties, and achieve personal growth and healing.