All Posts

Every time a child learns something new, their brain creates and strengthens neural pathways. Think of these pathways like trails through a forest - the more they're used, the clearer and more established they become. However, not all practice creates strong pathways. Random, inconsistent attempts often create weak, unreliable connections. This is why children might seem to 'know' something one day but struggle with it the next.

Striking a balance between developmental milestones and individual progress timelines requires a holistic approach to growth. Instead of fixating on specific milestones, observe the child as a whole. Pay attention to their interests, strengths, and areas where they may need support. Research shows that about 90% of children start walking between 9 and 15 months. Both instances are perfectly normal, and the focus should be on supporting each child's journey without unnecessar

Understanding your readiness is crucial before beginning parent training. You need an established therapeutic relationship where your child has been in regular therapy sessions for several months, a genuine commitment to structured learning and consistent practice, and realistic expectations about the systematic effort required for lasting change.

I recently worked with a family whose 4-year-old daughter had been struggling with potty training. For seven months, the parents tried various tips and strategies with little success. After two years of working closely with their daughter in therapy, I was able to develop a comprehensive, targeted potty training program specifically designed for her learning style and family dynamics. The result? Success on the second day of implementation, and the beginning of independent in

"Here's what most people miss about teaching time: the ultimate goal isn't reading a clock face – it's developing time intelligence for real life. Children need to instantly recognize that 30 minutes looks the same whether it's 2:15 to 2:45, 5:35 to 6:05, or 11:20 to 11:50. When children have to count by fives around the clock face every time they encounter time, they're using enormous mental energy on the basic skill – leaving little cognitive capacity for the actual time ma

Does this sound familiar? Your student tries to manage their phone and wallet at the same time - holding their phone in one hand, trying to open their wallet with the other, then needing to get money out but having no free hands. In the confusion, they set their phone down 'just for a second' and then can't remember where they put it. This simple visual system creates a clear sequence: phone in pocket FIRST, then wallet from bag - no more juggling both at once.

Free downloadable School Meeting Preparation Checklist for SEN parents in Hong Kong. Get key questions, required documents, and advocacy tips for effective special educational needs meetings. Available in English and Chinese.

Reading fluency is more than speed—it's the bridge between decoding and understanding. For SEN children, measuring fluency helps us celebrate small victories, identify challenges, and create targeted interventions. Every child's reading journey is unique, and regular assessments support each step with data-driven compassion.

ke control of your SEN child's reading progress with this simple 1-minute assessment. Know exactly where your child stands compared to grade-level benchmarks and track their development over time. Perfect for parents who want concrete data to supplement school reports and celebrate real improvements at home.

Rain play offers incredible sensory input that supports neurological development, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs. Discover how Hong Kong's urban environment can become a therapeutic playground during rainy weather, with activities designed to support children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences.

Form-filling is a crucial life skill for SEN learners, opening doors to employment, healthcare, and independence. This practical worksheet breaks down the process into manageable sections, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. With both adult and primary school versions available, it provides safe practice space where success builds confidence for real-world situations.

Discover our Fine Motor Activities Calendar featuring 28 simple, engaging activities using everyday household items. Each activity targets essential hand skills—from finger isolation to pincer strength—that children need for writing, buttoning, and classroom tasks. Perfect for summer practice, these 15-minute activities transform ordinary objects into powerful developmental tools. Build confidence, independence, and school readiness through purposeful play that strengthens li

Wondering why traditional behavior strategies aren't working? The missing piece might be in how you're tracking behaviors. Our ABC Behavior Tracking Chart helps identify the true patterns behind challenging moments, revealing triggers you might be overlooking. By documenting what happens before, during, and after incidents, you'll finally see the complete picture—and develop interventions that actually work.

Discover 4 weeks of simple sensory activities designed specifically for Hong Kong families living in small spaces. This calendar features daily movement, touch, and play ideas that support your child's development while having fun together. Each activity uses minimal materials you likely already have at home. Perfect for ages 3-10, with adaptations for different developmental levels. Download your free calendar today and transform everyday moments into opportunities for conne

As my journey as a shadow teacher concludes, I reflect on a remarkable 30-day transformation. A student who once isolated himself now fully participates with peers, demonstrating what's possible when the right supports align. This "Dream Team" approach—combining a supportive school, compassionate teachers, accepting peers, engaged parents, and flexible shadow teaching—created the perfect conditions for growth. When care meets opportunity, children exceed all expectations, cha

When we label children as "lazy," we miss what's happening beneath the surface. Children are naturally curious beings who want to succeed. What looks like laziness is often sensory overwhelm, perfectionism, anxiety, or executive function challenges. Instead of asking "Why won't this child work harder?" we should ask "What barriers are they facing that I can't see?" and "How can I help them succeed?"

Beyond awareness, let's celebrate autism's remarkable gifts: authenticity, precision, justice, and unique perspectives that enrich our world

Your emotions shape your child's brain. SEN kids detect stress through biology, not just behavior. Science shows why self-care matters.

Holding your baby won't spoil them. Research shows responsive care leads to better brain development and emotional regulation in children.

Hong Kong's age-based school placement creates impossible gaps for SEN students. True inclusion requires balancing social needs with meaning