While I like to think of myself as something of an expert on one or two special needs areas, and competent on a number of others, there are (perhaps inevitably) a number of areas where I feel the need for extra information before I jump in.
For example, if I am presented with a child who might be dyscalculic, I’ve got a detailed knowledge of what that means, what tests are available, the value of the tests, and the most effective ways of helping the child get up to speed with maths.
On the other hand, if I am presented with a young person with Tourette’s Syndrome I would immediately want further information before I could be ready to speak to parents or work with the child. I know what the Syndrome is, but I am not sure where to start.
The same can be true for everything from Asperger’s Syndrome to dysgraphia or obsessive compulsive disorder. The issue is not just to know what the condition is, but how the condition can best be handled in school, and what one should be saying to parents in order that they can most effectively help in the education of their child.
To help all teachers who feel like me that they are not fully conversant with every special need that can come their way, Behaviour Solutions has published “A Guide to Syndromes and Conditions” which contains details of the 17 most common but equally most often misunderstood special needs.
In each case the condition is defined in terms of the characteristics and symptoms, and then details of strategies and treatments, followed by details of useful books and websites.
The book is available from…www.behaviourmatters.com/syndromes.htm
Cost £25 plus £2 p&p for this photocopiable resource.
