University of Exeter
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ND condition:

Acquired brain injury
ADHD
ASC
Dyscalculia
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Intellectual disability
Movement disorders
Speech, language + communication difficulties
Tic disorders

Resource type:

Communication Aid
Directory
Education/information for staff
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Multi-session curriculum
One-off session plans
Practical strategies
Practical training for staff
Screening tools
Worksheets/printables

Educator score:
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Educator
score
6.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
TACPAC - Communication through touch and music
TACPAC is a sensory communication resource using touch and music. TACPAC helps people with sensory impairment, developmental delay, complex learning difficulties, tactile defensiveness, and limited or pre-verbal levels of communication to communicate effectively with a trusted person. Downloadable resources offer guidance on getting set-up, how to organise your space and sensory objects, and how to use the objects and strategies to enable communication. An app is also available to make this process easier, and there are different levels of training courses available.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
3.7
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Whole School SEND
Whole school SEND (WSS) is a group of charities hosted by Nasen dedicated to helping educate children and young people with special educational needs, disabilities or learning differences. It is in partnership with the Autism Education Trust (AET) and the Education and Training Foundation (ETF). They are funded by the department of education. Whole School SEND provides free training and development for teachers including specific resources for teachers early in their careers and information resources for parents and carers.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
2.0
Evidence
rating
star
Developmental Language Disorder Bubble
DLD bubble is a a free online handbook centred around a bubble chart explaining different aspects and difficulties of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Free training is also accessible alongside other sources of information about DLD
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Speech, language + communication difficulties
Educator
score
8.0
Evidence
rating
star
Developmental Language Disorder and Me
DLD and Me is a book that consists of a 12 week programme aimed at children and young people aiming to develop skills to support their own communication skills as well become more confident.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Speech, language + communication difficulties
Educator
score
7.0
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Speech and Language Link
Speech and Language Link helps schools to support children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). They provide interventions, standardised screening assessments and training in the use of these tools. The program includes 26 intervention plans, online training for staff, interactive listening games for early literacy, and progress tracking tools. Everything offered is designed by their speech and language therapy team and backed up by a specialist help desk. Speech and Language Link work with individual schools, MATs, Local Authorities and NHS Speech and Language Therapy teams.
Target age: 4 - 8
Condition(s) supported: Speech, language + communication difficulties
Educator
score
7.3
Evidence
rating
star
Language for Thinking
Language for Thinking is a structured approach to develop children’s language from the ‘here and now’ to the ‘how and why’ and help improve their understanding of social situations as well as reading comprehension. Colour drawings, written scenarios and question sheets are provided so adults can carefully promote children’s verbal reasoning and thinking skills. The resource can be used flexibly with whole classes as the basis of a literacy lesson. With small groups or individual children it can be used as an oracy or literacy task. It is most applicable for use by Class Teachers working with 4-7 year old children as well as Special Educational Needs Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants and Speech and Language Therapists / Pathologists working with children from 4 up to 11 years and more.
Target age: 4 - 11
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Speech, language + communication difficulties
Educator
score
6.0
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstar
Lego-Based Therapy
Lego-Based Therapy is a book detailing both theoretical and practical information as to why and how to run a lego club for children with ASC.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC
Educator
score
7.0
Evidence
rating
question mark
Language for behaviour and emotions
This practical, interactive resource is designed to be used by professionals who work with children and young people who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and Speech,Language and Communication needs. Gaps in language and emotional skills can have a negative impact on behaviour as well as mental health and self- esteem. Language for Behaviour and Emotions provides a systematic approach to developing these skills so that young people can understand and work through social interaction difficulties.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, Speech, language + communication difficulties
Educator
score
8.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication app designed to assist non-verbal individuals in communicating. It includes over 27,000 symbols for pupils to use to express their thoughts, supports multiple languages, and is customizable for individual needs. The app fosters language development using a research-based vocabulary system and offers various accessibility features.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
6.7
Evidence
rating
star
CONCUSSION RETURN-TO-SCHOOL GUIDANCE
CONCUSSION RETURN-TO-SCHOOL GUIDANCE is a digital booklet which provides information about concussions and their symptoms as well as a timeline for reintroducing students into the school following a concussion.
Target age: 4 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
7.3
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
5-point scale
The Incredible 5-Point Scale was created to help individuals understand and manage their emotions and behaviors. It uses a simple five-point scale to categorize feelings and responses, aiding in self-regulation and communication. This tool is particularly useful in educational and therapeutic settings for children and adults needing extra support with social and emotional concepts.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
4.2
Evidence
rating
star
SENDcast Training Sessions
The SENDcast is a platform that hosts a podcast which provides information about SEND subjects for students, staff, parents and carers as well as purchasable SEND training sessions for teachers
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
6.3
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstarstar
Mindfulness in Schools
Mindfulness in Schools is a charity aiming to improve mental health and wellbeing in schools. It provides free online resources as well as multiple paid training courses, with each training course being geared towards a different age group
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
3.6
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstarstar
Social Stories
Social Stories are a social learning tool that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with autism of all ages. The people who develop Social Stories are referred to as Authors, and they work on behalf of a child, adolescent, or adult with autism, the Audience. Authors follow a defined process that begins with gathering information, discovering a topic that ‘fits’ the Audience, and the development of personalized text and illustration.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC
Educator
score
5.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society (NSA) is a charity to help support autistic people and their families. This charity is not specifically designed with education in mind, but it offers some training and resources for professionals, including educators, to enhance their awareness and understanding and improve autism practices]
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC
Educator
score
5.7
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Zones of Regulation
Zones of Regulation is a set of resources to help teach emotional regulation based around a system of categorising emotions into groups and then providing regulation tools for each group. Provides training for how to teach the curriculum it provides. Also contains free printable worksheets.
Target age: 4 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Intellectual disability
Educator
score
4.3
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Comic Strip Conversations
Comic Strip Conversations is a book which combines stick-figure illustrations with "conversation symbols" to illustrate what people say and think during conversations.This reinforces the concept that others have independent thought and can help children to recognise that while some people say one thing, they may mean another. This book is designed to help autistic children to communicate their emotions and develop conversation skills.
Target age: 1 - 14
Condition(s) supported: ASC
Educator
score
8.3
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Widgit
Widget create resources for symbols-based communication. They enable individuals to express themselves through symbols, improving comprehension and understanding. Widgit Online lets users create print and interactive online resources, while InPrint 3 is used to create print-resources only. Widgit tools are for SEN professionals, teachers, health practitioners, parents and carers to create an extensive variety of symbol-supported resources. The software features over 20,000 symbols and offers customizable templates for creating online and print-resources like books, flashcards, and posters.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
6.0
Evidence
rating
star
Belonging in schools
Belonging in Schools is a set of two guidance documents and an overview to guide policy making decisions when considering inclusivity, with an emphasis on neurodiversity. Guidance is more focused on the process of making policy decisions than specific policies.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
6.3
Evidence
rating
starstar
SoundLINCS
SoundLINCS is a not-for-profit organisation that provides resources for teaching and encouraging music for people with special educational needs and disabilities such as apps, research as well as toolkits for teachers.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
5.0
Evidence
rating
question mark
Fun Fit & High Five
Fun Fit and High Five are both paid training programmes aiming to allow teachers to deliver the respective programmes. Fun Fit focuses on coordination, underlying postural stability and balance. High Five focuses on developing fine motor skills and developing a positive mindset.
Target age: 3 - 11
Condition(s) supported: Movement disorders
Educator
score
6.7
Evidence
rating
star
Tourettes Action
Tourettes Action is a charity that aims to provide education about Tourettes syndrome (TS) as well as practical support and social acceptance. It has multiple resources repositories for teachers, parents and people living with TS, as well as providing training and funding research.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Tic disorders
Educator
score
3.4
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstarstar
TEACCH
A University of North Carolina based system of community centres which also provides paid training, clinical services and research as well as free online resources
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC
Educator
score
5.4
Evidence
rating
star
Stride Ahead
Stride Ahead is designed to be used as the step after Toe by Toe and is focused on fluency and pronunciation.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Dyslexia
Educator
score
8.0
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstarstar
International Dyslexia Learning (IDL)
IDL is a paid software platform which provides software to aid literacy, numeracy and wellbeing, primarily for students with dyslexia and/or dyscalculia. The software consists of interactive learning software for students and
Target age: 6 - 11
Condition(s) supported: Dyscalculia, Dyslexia
Educator
score
7.7
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
So Safe
So Safe is a program which provides tools and training to teach social and social-sexual skills to people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Intellectual disability
Educator
score
6.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
Word Aware
Word Aware is a structured whole school approach to promote the vocabulary development of all children. Focussed on whole class learning, the resource is of particular value for those who start at a disadvantage – including children with Developmental Language Disorder, Special Educational Needs and those who speak English as an additional language, but it will extend the word learning of all students. This approach is full of practical and inspiring ideas that can be easily applied by busy classroom practitioners to develop both spoken and written vocabulary.
Target age: 3 - 11
Condition(s) supported: Speech, language + communication difficulties, Dyslexia
Educator
score
5.3
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Nessy
The Nessy platform includes structured programs for reading, spelling, mathematics, writing and typing. The Nessy online training, provides information about dyslexia and the most effective teaching methods, to both parents and educators. Nessy collaborates with academics, and follows the Science of Reading.
Target age: 4 - 14
Condition(s) supported: Dyslexia
Educator
score
8.7
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstarstar
Toe by Toe
Toe by Toe is a literacy manual intended to be used for 20 minutes of coaching a day, with an emphasis on identification of written text
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Dyslexia, Acquired brain injury, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability
Educator
score
9.3
Evidence
rating
star
Wordshark
Wordshark is an educational tool aimed at enhancing reading and spelling skills through interactive, game-based learning. It includes over 10,000 words organized into structured courses and is especially beneficial for students with dyslexia and other special educational needs. The program is highly customizable to individual learning requirements and is widely used in more than 11,000 schools globally.
Target age: 4 - 15
Condition(s) supported: Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyslexia
Educator
score
5.0
Evidence
rating
star
simPODD
simPODD is an iPad app that integrates PODD communication books and electronic page sets for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users. The app simplifies personalizing, editing, and managing PODD books and pages, and includes a printing interface to create physical books. It features a range of page sets, the SymbolStix library, and various Text to Speech voices. Subscription options include monthly, yearly, and licenses for schools. The app aims to make communication easier for children, teens, and adults.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability
Educator
score
9.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS)
A free multi-session curriculum for teachers in mainstream primary schools to introduce pupils aged 8-11 years to the concept of neurodiversity, and how it impacts experiences at school. The LEANS curriculum introduces neurodiversity concepts, and explores how they impact primary school experiences. Importantly, LEANS shows how we can hold a positive attitude towards neurodiversity, while also recognising the challenges faced by many children in school.
Target age: 8 - 11
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
5.0
Evidence
rating
star
ABI Return
ABI Return consists of a digital booklet and poster detailing a set of measures and subjects of consideration for when a student with ABI returns to school
Target age: 4 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
9.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
PDA Society
PDA Society provide resources including editable tools, case studies, good practice guidance, webinars, videos and printable resources to support professionals dealing with children who display pathological demand avoidance traits. These resources include PDA PANDA, a simple pneumonic with easy strategies to follow, including self-care tips.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC, Intellectual disability
Educator
score
5.0
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstarstar
Boxall Profiling tool
The Boxall Profile is a tool used to assess the social, emotional, and mental health development of children and young people to positiviely impact learning, behaviour, attendance and wellbeing. It helps educators identify emerging student needs which might otherwise be difficult to identify, set achievable targets, and track student progress over time. The tool helps school staff to ensure that all pupils receive the necessary support to engage fully with their learning.
Target age: 4 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
5.0
Evidence
rating
star
UpRising Resource Balloon
UpRising Resource Balloon is a project that provides resources such as session plans and strategy descriptions for teaching young people with learning disabilities music.
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
4.3
Evidence
rating
star
Awareness of Developmental Dyscalculia and Mathematical Difficulties toolkit (ADD UP)
ADD UP is a tool kit designed to help teachers and parents to identify dyscalculia, as well as how to support students and children with dyscalculia and to raise awareness and spread information about the condition
Target age: 5 - 16
Condition(s) supported: Dyscalculia
Educator
score
8.3
Evidence
rating
starstarstarstar
GL Assessments
GL assessments is a set of assessments which aim to identify potential learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. There are 13 different assessments available, one of which, Dyslexia Portfolio, can be used to help justify exam access arrangements. The assessments are a useful tool for collecting evidence about a child to justify accommodations.
Target age: 7 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Dyslexia, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Dyscalculia
Educator
score
9.4
Evidence
rating
starstarstar
Protective Behaviours
Protective behaviours is a set of resources to teach the protective behaviours framework for personal strategy, consisting of a forum, a repository of videos articles and activities, and trainers
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
5.7
Evidence
rating
star
SENDcast podcasts
The SENDcast is a platform that hosts a podcast which provides information about SEND subjects for students, staff, parents and carers as well as purchasable SEND training sessions for teachers
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: ASC, ADHD, Tic disorders, Speech, language + communication difficulties, Intellectual disability, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Movement disorders, Acquired brain injury
Educator
score
9.0
Evidence
rating
starstar
Autism Education Trust
The AET is a partnership which aims to help improve the quality of education for autistic children and young people in England. It is a not-for-profit formed by National Autistic Society and Ambitious about Autism, and is supported by the Department for Education. AET provides training, development and guidance for teachers and schools which teach good autism practice.
Target age: 1 -
Condition(s) supported: ASC
Educator
score
7.3
Evidence
rating
star
Stareway to Spelling
Stareway to Spelling teaches the 300 most commonly used words in English, with the aim of readers being able to easily recall each of them at will
Target age: 3 - 18
Condition(s) supported: Dyslexia