by Sir Peter Birkett | Sep 13, 2022 | Mental Health
In the UK today, 1 in 100 children are affected by ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), a disturbing 10% increase since 1992, with males being 4 times more likely to be on the spectrum than females. Studies are being carried out as to the reasons behind the escalation of...
by Sir Peter Birkett | Aug 10, 2022 | Education
Every second of every day, a child is born, often as a visibly perfect package of fully functioning limbs and cherubic features. So, at what point can we tell if our perfect child has special educational needs which are non-visible? Problems can often be detected very...
by Sir Peter Birkett | Jul 14, 2022 | Mental Health
There has been an unprecedented rise in special needs diagnoses since the pandemic, resulting in more EHC plans being awarded to children with Autism and Severe Learning Difficulties than ever before. The reasons behind these increases are varied: Better recognition...
by Sir Peter Birkett | Jan 18, 2022 | Mental Health
What is PDA? Pathological Demand Avoidance is a term that was first used in the 1980s by Professor Elizabeth Newson, however it didn’t appear in a journal article until 2003. The very existence of PDA is a widely debated topic, including how and where it sits within...
by Sir Peter Birkett | Dec 14, 2021 | Education
For a child with Autism or Extreme Sensitivity, there should be no surprises! Preparation is key to a calm Christmas. Sensory issues such as flashing fairy lights, loud music and Christmas candle smells can create a great deal of stress, including the sudden arrival...
