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ADHD is not a myth or social construct, it is a neurodevelopmental condition……..when you conclude on the basis of the research evidence
This article was written by Professor Sinéad Rhodes, an academic researcher and co-founder of EPIC Think Learn. As a University of Edinburgh social enterprise spin-out, we provide research-based support and resources for parents and teachers of neurodivergent children. Last Tuesday, 18th August, Channel 4 aired a programme called ‘The Great ADHD myth’ presented by psychiatrist…
Read MoreHow can parents and teachers best support neurodivergent children and teenagers to re-engage back in school?
Many parents are quietly facing a really difficult challenge right now. A child or teenager who doesn’t want to go to school. This comes about because something about school feels overwhelming, unsafe, or distressing. This experience is commonly referred to as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). What is the most supportive approach that parents and…
Read MoreHow can I support my neurodivergent child with their experiences of school?
EPIC Think Learn are currently running a programme of activities focused on supporting parents of neurodivergent children and teenagers with school. Many parents are quietly facing a really difficult challenge right now. A child or teenager who doesn’t want to go to school. Not because they’re lazy. Not because they’re defiant. But because something about school…
Read MoreUnderstanding emotional challenges in children and young people with ADHD
This blog was written by Shipei Wang, Tracy Stewart and Sinead Rhodes based on research they have recently published. When we think of ADHD, we often focus on attention and activity levels, such as the challenges of staying still, concentrating, or finishing tasks. But many children with ADHD also experience intense changes in emotions, for…
Read MoreWhat is PDA and what strategies work?
Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is seen when a child avoids everyday demands and requests to an extreme level. This can mean not or only part attending school, missing social events or complete refusal to initiate common everyday tasks in the home or at school. PDA is common in autistic and other neurodivergent children, with one…
Read MoreIs ADHD stopping my teenager from sleeping?
This post was written by Meghan Perez-Keepax as part of a placement on the Masters in Science Communication at the University of Edinburgh The image of the sleep deprived teen, struggling to get up in the morning, but active late into the night is so common it is almost a caricature. However, not everyone is…
Read More“It’s like an itch”: How your teenage girl with ADHD experiences school
This post was written by Āine Singleton on a placement as part of the MSc in Science Communication at the University of Edinburgh “How was school?” “Fine.” That all too familiar conversation takes place in homes all over the world daily. But what if we could dig a bit deeper? A recent study has explored the…
Read MoreMind Over Matter: How Mindfulness can help teens with ADHD thrive
This blog post was written by Gaia Mizzi as part of her enrollment on the MSc in Science Communication at the University of Edinburgh High school is a juggling act! Constantly shifting subjects, a myriad of planning ahead and deadlines, and all of that on top of the intense emotional rollercoaster of being a teenager!…
Read MoreHow can my neurodivergent child find friendships that work for them?: Finding your tribe
Autistic young people often have difficulties finding friendships that work for them. The same often applies to young people with other similar and commonly associated conditions such as ADHD and Dyspraxia, to name just a few neurodevelopmental conditions where peer relationships may not always be straightforward. Friendships can be difficult for many autistic people because…
Read MoreEPIC Think Learn whole class teacher resources now online
EPIC Think Learn have been working hard behind the scenes developing whole class neurodiversity materials for primary school teachers and we are delighted that these are now available! What do these resources focus on? The resources can be used to teach all children in a class about their thinking skills. These lessons will empower children…
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