Guiding SEND Families

30/07/2026

Sensory Overload

29/07/2026

Meltdown or Shutdown.

28/07/2026

What is PDA?

23/07/2026

18/07/2026

Learning to unmask can mean gradually allowing more of your natural traits, needs and ways of communicating to be seen.

It might begin with noticing when you mask, exploring what feels natural, using sensory supports or sharing your needs with someone you trust.

Unmasking should happen safely and at your own pace. Masking may sometimes feel helpful for safety, privacy or unfamiliar situations, and that choice is valid too.

There is no right way to unmask. Your safety, comfort and choice matter.

18/07/2026

Masking is when a neurodivergent person hides or suppresses their natural traits, needs or behaviours to fit in, feel accepted or stay safe.

It may include copying other people, rehearsing conversations, forcing eye contact or hiding stimming and sensory discomfort. Someone may appear to be coping but feel completely exhausted afterwards.

Creating understanding and accepting environments can help people feel safer being themselves.

15/07/2026

Behaviour is communication. 💙

What we see on the outside is often only a small part of the story.

A child or young person may appear to be refusing, shutting down, lashing out, or struggling to follow instructions.
But beneath those behaviours there can be overwhelm, anxiety, communication difficulties, sensory needs, exhaustion, or a need to feel safe and understood.

Instead of asking: ❌ "What's wrong with them?"

Let's ask: 💙 "What are they trying to tell us?" 💙 "What need isn't being met?" 💙 "How can we support them?"

When we look beyond the behaviour, we create opportunities for connection, trust, and positive change.

Remember: Behind every behaviour is a need.

14/07/2026

Have you heard of body doubling? 🤝🧠

If you have ADHD (or struggle to stay focused), body doubling might be a game changer.

Body doubling is simply having another person present while you work on a task. They don't need to help or even talk, they're just there while you get things done.

Whether it's:
✨ Folding laundry
✨ Replying to emails
✨ Studying
✨ Cleaning the house
✨ Tackling that task you've been avoiding

Having someone nearby, either in person or on a video call, can make it much easier to get started, stay focused, and actually finish.

Many people with ADHD find that the presence of another person provides gentle accountability and helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

It's not about someone doing the work for you, it's about not having to do it alone.

Have you ever tried body doubling? Did it help? Share your experience below! 👇💙

14/07/2026

Sometimes life can feel like a lot, and our emotions or bodies can become overwhelmed.

When we’re feeling unregulated, it can be hard to think clearly, communicate, or feel like ourselves. Having a few simple tools we can turn to can help us feel more grounded, safe, and supported.

I’ve put together this poster with some gentle ideas that may help, from breathing techniques and movement to sensory supports and self-soothing strategies.

One of my own go-to tools is listening to music or playing brown noise. 🎶 It can help create a calming space, block out distractions, and give my mind a chance to slow down and reset.

There’s no “right” way to regulate, and what works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is finding what helps you feel calmer, more connected, and more able to cope.

Be kind to yourself, small steps count. 💛

What’s one thing that helps you feel grounded when things feel overwhelming?

08/07/2026

Have your say on the future of SEND in Oxfordshire

TONIGHT and on Thursday, we’re hosting interactive webinars with the Oxfordshire County Council Local Area Partnership. We’d love you to join us.

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from senior leaders about:
🔹 The draft Oxfordshire SEND Strategy
🔹 The emerging local SEND Reform Plan
🔹 What these changes could mean for children, young people and families in Oxfordshire

Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to ask your questions directly to the people leading this work, share your views through live polls, and help shape the future of SEND services in Oxfordshire.

📅 Choose one session:
Tuesday 7 July | 7.00–9.00pm - https://tinyurl.com/SEND-7july
Thursday 9 July | 12.00–2.00pm - https://tinyurl.com/SEND-9july

Both webinars cover the same content, so you only need to attend one. If you can’t join us live, both sessions will be recorded and shared on the OxPCF website afterwards.

Find out more:
🔗https://www.oxpcf.org.uk/send-strategy

Your voice matters, and we hope you’ll join us.