9th February 2024

• We are running an information day for Sheffield parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with additional needs.

  Date: 8 March 2024, 10am-2.30pm

  Venue: Niagara Conference Centre, Niagara Road, Sheffield S6 1LU

  Book your place now!

  Find out about strategies and services that can help children who struggle with sensory processing difficulties, anxiety and/or behaviour that challenges.

  • Browse information stalls and talk to representatives from over 25 local organisations (see list below)
  • Attend up to three workshops to learn practical strategies that you can use at home (see descriptions below)
  • Chat to other parents and carers
  • Enjoy a free lunch!

  Please note: This event is not suitable for children. Booking essential.

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  Workshops

  Low-arousal approaches to manage stressed behaviours
  Delivered by Laura Chambers and Colette Taylor, Autism and Social Communication Service
  This workshop will explain how a low-arousal approach can be used as an alternative way of managing stressed behaviours both at school and at home. This approach considers the child’s perspective and their sensory needs and builds on their strengths to ensure they feel safe, respected and supported. Parents will find out how school staff are being trained in the use of this approach, and strategies for replicating it within the home environment.

  Supporting children with sensory processing difficulties
  Delivered by the Sensory Service at Ryegate
  Part 1 – Introduction to Sensory Processing
  For parents/carers with little or no previous sensory knowledge. This workshop will explain the basic principles of sensory processing and how the sensory system works. The workshop will help parents to understand their child’s sensory system better.
  Part 2 – How to use sensory strategies with your child at home
  This workshop will include lots of practical ideas and activities to try out at home without needing to buy expensive resources/equipment.

  Using a declarative language style to reduce anxiety and invite participation
  Delivered by Anna Westaway, Speech and Language Therapy Service
  This workshop is based on the work of Linda Murphy, an American Speech and Language Therapist. It will help us think about what we say, and how we say it, to help reduce anxiety. We will learn about using a thoughtful language style that reduces demands, offers invitations, develops curiosity and supports problem solving.

  Strategies for demand-avoidant behaviour
  Delivered by Amanda Flounders and Sharon Blagden, SPCF Peer Support Service
  This workshop has been co-developed with the nurses at Ryegate. Find out what demand-avoidant behaviour is, how it differs from Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and what it feels like for a child to experience it. We will look at strategies that parents can use to support their child, reduce demands and reduce stress for themselves.

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  List of stallholders

  0-5 SEND Team / Portage
  Adult Autism Hub
  Autism and Social Communication Team
  Children with Disabilities Team
  Community Learning Disability Team
  Community Youth Service
  Continence Service
  Deaf/Hearing Impaired and Vision Support Services
  Door 43
  Educational Psychology Service
  Family Fund
  Inclusion and Attendance Service
  Local Offer
  Mencap
  NHS Navigators – Autism & Learning Disability
  Preparing for Adulthood Team
  SAANS
  SEN Transport / Independent Travel Training
  SENDSARS
  Sheffield Parent Carer Forum / Peer Support
  Sheffield Talking Therapies
  SNIPS
  Speech and Language Therapy Service
  SSENDIAS
  SY CANN