Talk Tools – what is it?

Since April 2009 our speech and language therapists and occupational therapists have been undertaking training in Talk Tools.  We purchased the range of therapy equipment to support our therapists in offering this approach across... Read more

Ready to Learn kit, – Award

Alison Harris and her colleague, Nika Oberholster, Occupational Therapists and close colleagues of I.T.S  have developed the Ready to Learn kit for Spacekraft  in 2009. It is based on the concept of introducing more sensory... Read more

Start Write Stay Right

Alison Harris, Occupational Therapist anda closecolleague of I.T.Sco-wrote Start Write Stay Right with her colleague Janet Taylor. The book was published by Special Direct in 2007 and went on to win NASEN (National Association of Special... Read more

The Reading Clinic re-opens

The City University Reading Clinic will re-open at the beginning of October 2009. It provides assessment and therapy services for people with reading difficulties as a result of cognitive and language difficulties following a stroke or... Read more

1in14 children unable to speak

The Times online reported on the 30th June 2009 that 1 in 14 children were unable to speak properly, therefore secondary aged children went on to present emotional, behavioural and social difficulties, which hindered their achievements in... Read more

Urinary Testing for Autism

The Autism Research Unit is based at the Department of Pharmacy, Health & Well-being at the University of Sunderland. Theirprimary research aims include: Analysis of biological entities that could provide insight into any... Read more

Benefits of visual timetables

It is crucial when children start back at school that they are familiar with their routine and environment. Anxiety can quickly arise if a child does not know what is happening next, this is particularly true of children on the Autistic... Read more

Autism guide – Airport Travel

An information guide to help children with autism who are travelling with adults, has been produced by Manchester Airport.   Airport press offier Katy Gough created the guide after several requests by carers for pictures to help children... Read more

Pets as Therapy (PAT)

Most people love animals, but it is not always possible to have a pet due to financial, family or health issues. Older people in particular, may miss the company of a pet as failing health means they can no longer look after it.Research... Read more

Autism Gene

Recent research has found that tiny changes in a common gene have a stong impact on the likelihood of developing autism and related conditions. The changes in the genes affect the way connections between brain cells are formed and... Read more