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Autism (ASC)
A different way the brain processes the world — communication, social interaction, sensory input, and routines.
What often helps
- Visual schedules
- Sensory circuits
- Clear, literal language
- Predictable routines
- Quiet spaces
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SEND & SEMH
Plain-English guide for grown-ups supporting a child.
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What SEND means
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It describes children who need extra support to learn, communicate, move, or manage their feelings.
The four broad areas are: communication & interaction, cognition & learning, social/emotional/mental health (SEMH), and sensory/physical.
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What SEMH means
SEMH stands for Social, Emotional and Mental Health. It's one of the four SEND areas — it covers how a child manages feelings, friendships, and behaviour.
A child with SEMH needs may show big emotions, anxiety, low mood, withdrawal, or behaviour that's hard for adults to read.
Core principles
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Regulation before learning
A child can't think clearly when their body is in stress mode. Help the body settle first.
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Connection before correction
Calm relationships are the bridge to better behaviour. Repair after hard moments.
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Small, predictable steps
Break tasks into tiny chunks. Use now/next, visual schedules, and clear endings.
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Adjust the environment
Lights, noise, seating, and pace are part of the support — not extras.
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All behaviour is communication
Look for the unmet need. Ask 'what is this telling me?' before 'how do I stop it?'
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Strength-based
Notice and name what's going well. Build on interests and skills.
Common profiles
Every child is different. These are starting points, not labels.
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ADHD
Differences in attention, impulse control, and energy regulation.
What often helps
- Movement & brain breaks
- Short, chunked tasks
- Body-doubling
- Fidgets
- Visual timers
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Dyslexia
A specific learning difference affecting reading, writing, and spelling.
What often helps
- Coloured overlays
- Audio + visual together
- Extra time
- Multi-sensory phonics
- Text-to-speech
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Sensory Processing
The brain receives sensory input but has trouble organising the response.
What often helps
- Alerting / organising / calming circuits
- Ear defenders
- Weighted blankets
- Movement breaks
- Heavy work
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Anxiety
The body's alarm system fires often, even when safe.
What often helps
- Box breathing
- Grounding (5-4-3-2-1)
- Worry boxes
- Safe-place visualisation
- Predictability
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Attachment / Trauma
Big or repeated stress that changes how a child feels safe and connects.
What often helps
- Co-regulation with a trusted adult
- Predictable adults & routines
- Calm-down corners
- Naming feelings
- Repair after rupture
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Speech & Language
Differences in understanding and using language.
What often helps
- Visuals & symbols
- Short, simple sentences
- Now/Next boards
- Wait time
- Choices instead of open questions
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Demand-Avoidant (PDA profile)
Everyday demands feel overwhelming; avoidance is an anxiety response.
What often helps
- Offer choices, not commands
- Indirect language
- Reduce demands
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Low arousal approach
How to use this app
Start with feelings →
Name it to tame it — open the Feelings Library together.
Daily check-in →
Track mood and energy to spot patterns over time.
Sensory circuit →
Pick alerting, organising, or calming to match the body.
Brain breaks →
Quick resets between tasks.
Social stories →
Pre-teach tricky moments. Upload your own too.
Worksheets →
Print reflection and calm-plan sheets.
When to seek extra help
This app supports day-to-day wellbeing. It's not a substitute for professional help. Speak to a GP, SENCO, or mental health team if you notice:
- 🚩Talk of self-harm or wanting to disappear
- 🚩Sudden, big changes in mood, sleep, or eating
- 🚩Withdrawing from people they used to enjoy
- 🚩Self-injury or hurting others
- 🚩Refusing school for weeks at a time