The Sunbeam Journal
Guides for families navigating special educational needs
Practical advice on ADHD, dyslexia, autism, EHCPs and exams — written by SEN tutors and coaches.
Latest articles
36 articles-
Autism · SEN
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)? A Guide for Concerned Parents
All families will have some struggles when raising children, but does your child's behaviour leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted? You might be searching for answers because traditional parenting and discipline methods do not work, and may even make things worse. You may have come across the term Pathological Demand Avoidance, or PDA. This guide is a foundational explanation of PDD, how it relates to autism, and how you can help your child.
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SEN
EHE vs. EOTAS: The Crucial Difference Every Parent of a Child with an EHCP Should Understand
Anyone who has had to deal with local government understands the challenges with this bureaucracy. Parents of a child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have to deal with this confusing part of the education system regularly. When a school placement is failing, educating your child at home can be a viable solution.
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ADHD · Autism
What is Executive Function and How Can I Train It?
I’m sure that every parent has been frustrated that their child doesn’t follow instructions, but have you ever wondered if your bright child struggles even more than most to follow simple instructions or start their homework? It rarely has anything to do with their intelligence or drive. The answer is executive function.
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Dyslexia · Research
The Most Surprising Dyslexic Strengths
Dyslexia is more than a reading difficulty, it's a neurobiological condition with its own unique brain wiring. Dyslexia is a complicated condition, as observed by dyslexia experts Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide: “...symptoms vary a lot. We’ll see dyslexic kids with a verbal IQ of 140 or 145 who will read with good comprehension, and as a consequence won’t be recognised as dyslexic.” Those with dyslexia often think in a different way, which can result in better pattern-spotting and imagination. University of Cambridge research shows that dyslexic people excel at “exploring the unknown”. Dyslexia used to be viewed solely as a disability, but its positive traits for experimentation and innovation are now beginning to be understood and celebrated.
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ADHD · Research
An Exploration of ADHD Strengths
ADHD is not a flaw but a different way of thinking. Find your strength and focus on that. It’s important to build on your strengths. I always recommend that students develop the skills that are needed and avoid the stress associated with perfectionism.
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Autism · Research
Celebrating Autism Strengths in Students
Autism is more than a diagnostic label; it is a different way of working with the world. There are positive and negative sides to every trait, e.g confidence on the positive side of the coin, and arrogance on the negative. Autism can be viewed through this lens too.
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Anxiety · SEN
Exam Anxiety Explained: 6 Proven Ways to Beat GCSE Stress
In the UK, 85 % of students say they experience exam anxiety, and for roughly one in seven GCSE pupils, that anxiety is classified as 'high-level' test fear that can significantly affect exam results. It's clear that GCSEs are a tough experience for UK teens, yet evidence shows that calming routines, healthy habits and support can help reduce stress hormones and make the process a little easier. Here at Sunbeam Education, our tutors have a wealth of experience supporting students through this demanding part of their academic lives. In this blog post, we explain what exam anxiety is, how to identify it early, and how families can use the most up-to-date strategies to keep nerves settled.
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SEN
8 Ways Parents Can Overcome The EHCP Bottleneck – The Complete Guide
We at Sunbeam Education know that England’s SEND system is struggling to keep up with demand: 576,474 children had an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) as of 2024. And getting one isn't easy. Barely half (50.3%) of EHCPs were issued within the 20-week limit in 2023. The Government Ombudsman has logged delays of up to 90 weeks.
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ADHD · ADHD Coaching
A Day in My Life: School with Autism
The following account is generously shared through an interview with a 16-year-old autistic student in the UK, offering a window into their typical school day.
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