SEN Stories

We don’t need to erase the concept of support needs. We just need to stop “keeping score”. Stop assuming visible behaviour tells the whole story.

When employers focus on strengths rather than assumptions, everything changes. Strength‑based recruitment helps employers see what a young person can do, rather than what they imagine they can’t.

What struck us most, after speaking with Adam and Emily, is how deeply this approach honours the way neurodivergent young people naturally communicate. So many of the children we work with have rich inner worlds, vivid imaginations and a huge amount to say, but only when they feel safe enough to say it.

With three major events across Essex, plus more venues currently in discussion, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for SEND‑centred celebration. Let’s take a look at what’s in store this summer.

Many high‑ability children move through the world with a depth or intensity that sets them apart from their peers. They may prefer older children or adults, struggle with small talk, or find playground dynamics confusing or uninteresting.

When we broaden our understanding of communication, we stop looking for “missing speech” and start noticing the communication that’s already happening.

These needs often sit beneath the surface, shaping how they feel in the classroom, how they respond to challenges, and how safe they feel to engage in learning.

Many neurodivergent people grow up feeling out of sync with traditional schooling or social expectations. But that difference, that sense of seeing the world from a slightly different angle, is exactly what fuels innovation.

When we understand the diversity within cerebral palsy, we create more inclusive classrooms, communities, and opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered what a social enterprise really is, here’s the simplest way to think about it: It’s a business that exists to do good, not just make money.

Mattel collaborated closely with autistic advocates, clinicians, and people with lived experience to ensure the autistic Barbie reflects real autistic identities rather than stereotypes.

“I will always see myself as a storyteller first and an advocate second, but if it leads to meaningful impact, I cannot complain.”