Recommended products

There are some amazing products and services which can transform your child’s experience of school and help develop their confidence. Take a look at some of these suggestions and do feel free to contact me if there are other suggestions you wish to share.

01 - Literacy

Audible free trial here - try this free trial of Audible to take the pressure off your child's working memory and reap the benefits of quality literature through listening (perhaps even following along). We found that this helped with bedtime routine and sleep too.

Reading Eggs free trial here - for children under 11 who need help with reading and spelling (phonics) skills, click here to trial this vibrant and interactive online program which I credit with my own and hundreds of other children's literacy journey.

TTRS touch typing promo here - an engaging and reliable program for ensuring your child has quick and confident typing skills for laptop use in school and for exams.

Nessy free trial here - my middle child benefited hugely from Nessy. It's a fun, interactive one-stop program which covers maths, reading spelling and typing skills.

Kindle free trial here - dyslexic children in particular benefit from being able to vary the font size of books by using a kindle. As well as overcoming this dyslexic barrier, there also seems to be something appealing to reluctant readers in using this device. You can find some discounted offers on Kindle devices here: Kindle offers

Free trail Audible for reluctant readers

Free Reading Eggs trial to support reading skills

02 - Focus & attention

Rocker/wobble chairs - these chairs and stools give your child the proprioceptive input / pressure required to help them focus, especially when completing homework tasks. These chairs are a revelation for those needing comfort and concentration while seated :
- Chair for young children here
- Chair for older children and teens here

Wobble cushions & boards - these are easy to transport and a much more affordable option to help children get the movement and pressure needed underfoot to help them concentrate while seated.
- Wobble cushion here
- Wobble board here

Chair bands - these are my favourite tool to help children fidget and move their feet without the distraction of a hand-held toy (although these can have their place - see below). They can ping and bounce their fee to their heart's content and nobody will really notice.
- Click here for chair bands

Fidget toys - if chosen carefully, these small and discreet toys help provide the sensory input required to help your child concentrate and listen, especially in the classroom setting. This particular toy does not make the distracting clicks (which can annoy teachers and other children) or the potential mess of putty-style product:
- Squashy fidget toy here

Memory training apps - an engaging and fun way to develop executive function skills:
- Awesome Memory Match for younger children here
- Brain Trainer app for older children and adults coming soon

03 - SEMH / anxiety / sleep

Chewellery & chewable pencil toppers - if your child tends to chew cuffs, ties, pencils (or even hair), try them on chewellery or chewable pencil toppers instead. As the name suggests, it's designed to look like jewellery or decorative pencil top that can be chewed safely.

Weighted blankets - these were a game changer for sleep in our house. These weighted blankets give the grounding sensation your child needs to calm their nervous system and relax, whether that's to sleep or to sooth and calm overwhelm at any time.
- Weighted blanket for children here
- Weighted blanket for teens and adults here

Anxiety rings - these come in all shapes and sizes to subtly help manage anxiety through fiddling or even incorporating tech to help better manage stress and sleep.
- Spinner rings here
- New Oura tech rings on offer here

04 - Books for parents

Reclaiming the Narrative and Thriving with SEN - for parents and carers of the newly diagnosed a supportive and motivating red in seeing neurodiversity differently, with practical guidance on seeking support and building resilience in children with SEN.

Autism in Childhood - for parents and carers of the newly diagnosed. As seen on the BBC documentary, Inside Our Autistic Minds, with Chris Packham.

8 Keys to Parents a Child with ADHD - this book has a particular focus on supporting wellbeing

Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach - here, the Nurtured Heart Approach puts a refreshing spin on both parenting and teaching and reveals new techniques and strategies that create thoroughly positive behaviours.

Conquering Chronic Disorganization - the issue of disorganisation permeates so many SEN and neurodivergent struggles. This short book uncover strategies to help.

I have a huge number of book recommendations I can share - please contact me for a full list or for suggestions on particular topics.