PADDS - Parent Awareness of Developing Differently

PADDS – Parent Awareness of Developing Differently

What is it?

PADDs is a group for parents and carers of children developing differently aged 6 years or younger. It is run by a Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist. It consists of 6 weekly sessions, each 2.5 hours in length. The group is for parents who would like a greater understanding of what it means for their child to be developing differently and how to continue supporting their child.

The group provides the opportunity to meet other parents who also have a child developing differently.

The group covers things that may help to improve your child’s everyday life including supporting your child’s development, communication and behaviour. Support strategies are discussed to help your child and to ensure you take care of yourself too.

What does each session involve?

Each session will be 2.5 hours in length with a 15 minute break.
Each session provides a mix of the NHS Professionals sharing ideas to support families and an opportunity for individuals to talk and share personal experiences.
These groups will be run both online and face to face.
The slides presented will be sent out by email after each session

How will this help me?

Support to increase your understanding of your child’s developmental differences
Social supports – peer learning opportunities, reassurance and empathy
Gives you the opportunity to share experiences and problem solve with other parents
You can attend with another parent or carer (grandparent/friend) to consider your child’s needs together

Course Content

Session 1

What does it mean to develop differently?

This session looks at what it means to develop differently. We also consider the impact of your child’s developmental differences on the family and how to look after yourself and your child.

Session 2

How children develop and how to support them

This session looks at typical and development differences and identifying your child’s strengths. The session also covers ideas to develop your child’s skills and routines at home.

Session 3

Communication

This session looks at how your child develops language and communication. We also consider how to support communication using different strategies including reducing our language and using visual supports.

Session 4

Sensory Sensitivities and Anxiety

This session considers how your child experiences the sensory world and considers how to understand and respond to anxiety

Session 5

Understanding Behaviour and Positive Parenting

This session explores the underlying meaning of behaviour and focuses on positive interactions with your child using attention, play and praise.

Session 6

Sleep, Siblings and Summary

This session considers how to support a good sleep routine and the impact on siblings and how to support them as they grow alongside their sibling developing differently.