Boardgames and card games are perfect for supporting social and emotional development. Especially in this time of COVID, where people are worried about the social development of children, boardgames can really help encourage learning of crucial social skills, including winning & losing, turn-taking, sharing, and much more. Plus this week on the blog I dive into microgames, a genre of super fast, easy-to-learn games, thanks to teacher Richard Black. What this podcast contains ✅ “Emotional Literac...
Jan 10, 2022•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Why is it some days everything seems to flow with ease and grace, while other days it seems like chaos? In this episode, I interview my husband Andrew to discuss the concepts made popular by researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his book “FLOW”. ✅ How to utilise Motivation to make a difference to you and the kids you know ✅ Challenge Skills Matrix. Don’t be afraid of extending and challenging. This is covered in depth within the Temple Grandin Course Lesson 1 – Stretching. See below for more inf...
Jan 03, 2022•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Toilet training kids is a big task even for neuro-typical children. Parents often procrastinate over when to start and we keep delaying it for whatever reason we can think of! My biggest concern for children with ASD is if they are not out of nappies by five years of age then they often start to lose muscle control and can end up with long term bowel and bladder issues. Toileting is not something that the child will grow into or get better with age. We all need to action ASAP – and this includes...
Dec 12, 2021•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are on a roll with role models at the moment!! Did you listen to last week’s podcast on why it’s so important to have role models with lived experience – check it out here . One of my biggest role models is Dean Beadle , an autistic speaker and trainer. Dean is a proud promoter of the autistic voice , encouraging and empowering other autistic people to share their experiences and insights too. I am a huge fan of Dean’s work and have toured with him in the past. He is so inspiring and I’m sure...
Dec 06, 2021•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Role models are so important for promoting understanding, especially for children. I have found that hearing from someone with lived experience, and seeing what they have achieved can be so empowering for the kids I know. Do you think it can help you too? For more on lived experience, check out Podcast Episode 115. Looking to do some holiday reading? Why not read books by authors with lived experience – click here for more information . What this Podcast Contains: Page numbers refer to the Holid...
Nov 29, 2021•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast This podcast is all about celebrating diversity this holiday season, as well as providing heaps of tips for end of year activities (including concerts, big gatherings, etc.). End of Year Celebrations can be stressful for Neurodiverse Children. This can be due to Sensory, Change in Routines, large gatherings, Concerts etc. I have a new Holiday Newsletter full of Tips & Strategies to support students with Neurodiversity in the Holiday Season. Use this newsletter to give the gift of understanding t...
Nov 22, 2021•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast This free E-Book is full of tip sheets and ideas to assist support workers in looking after adults on the autism spectrum. This E-Book also compliments perfectly a brand-new book by Anna Tullemans and Sue Larkey: A Manual to Provide Support and Care for Adults with Autism Spectrum . ✅ Why we have written this new book for Support Workers, Participants, and their Families/Carers ❤️ The changes we have seen in Disabilities Services and Autism Spectrum. From Institutions to Individualised Programme...
Nov 15, 2021•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode In this podcast, I cover some important aspects to remember with kids with ODD and PDA. I also discuss a range of books I like, for example: Can I tell you about Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome? In the blog post for this episode, I have also made a video to explain this book as a special bonus for you. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below https://suelarkey.com.au/understanding-challenging-behaviour/ Join the facebook group speci...
Nov 07, 2021•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Did you make it to my free webinar on Wednesday?? If you missed out, it’s not too late – you can still sign up to watch the replay (available until Wednesday 3rd November 2021)! Don’t forget, there are STILL prizes to be won by watching the replay!!! Sign up now to watch it HERE and win FREE courses and resources! Sign up includes these FREE timesavers and tipsheets: 👉 NEW Social Script – what to do when your teacher is away 👉 Handout with all slides 👉 Transition Ebo...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode It’s starting to get to the end of 2021, and you might already be starting to think about how you will ease the transition for the children you know. Or if you are just coming out of learning from home and moving to in-person teaching, these transition tips will help reduce anxiety and stress! Transition can be big or small changes: it includes change in teacher, change in room, change in students in the class not just starting preschool, school, high school and beyond....
Oct 25, 2021•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Note this is a replay of Episode 85 with some new comments from me at the beginning of the podcast. ✅ How to Address your Biggest Challenge & What to do ✅ 3 Steps to Success ✅ Step 1: Ask Yourself “What is the worst thing that could happen if I try this strategy” ✅ Step 2: Write down what you are going to try or talk to someone about what you are planning to do. ✅ Step 3: Just do it! Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below https://suelark...
Oct 12, 2021•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trigger Warning: This Podcast and Blog covers content on depression and may be sensitive to some listeners/readers Disclaimer: I am not a Psychologist and highly recommend you do seek help from a Psychologist for students or your children if this podcast brings up any concerns. Discussed in this episode Depression and Autism One in three autistic adolescents has the signs of clinical depression. Understanding the signs of depression in autistic teens is the first step to improving their quality ...
Oct 04, 2021•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Part 2 of Using Games to Teach – check out Part 1 here . Games are great for teaching kids social skills, including winning & losing, turn-taking, sharing, and much more. What this podcast contains: ✅ “Emotional Literacy” explained ✅ Why talking about your own emotions is important ✅ Sue reads an excerpt from the book, The Red Beast (check out my podcast where I interview the author here) ✅ How to use the Socially Speaking Boardgame at home & school ✅ How to make your o...
Sep 20, 2021•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode What can Boardgames and Card Games do for the children you know? Have a look at the grid in the PDF linked below, you can see how many skills can be taught through each game. Of course, you can add many more skills, this is just a starting point to help you think about which games would be best suited for your students/children. Check out my Favourite Boardgame and recommended resources to support social skills & emotional regulation below. Boardgames grid PDF NEXT week...
Sep 13, 2021•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode This podcast is aimed at providing you with strategies and solutions to help to support the children you know & make learning from home a success. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast & For Recommended for anyone who supporting students lean from home Pencil Grips : https://suelarkey.com.au/product/pencil-grip/ Fidgipods: https://suelarkey.com.au/product/fidgipod/ Sensory Tools: https://suelarkey.com.au/general-sensory-resources/ Time Timers: Invaluable to help schedulin...
Sep 06, 2021•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode ✅ Swearing - What you can do? ✅ Motivating & Stretching students ✅ Building Rapport with students & what to do if they don’t want help ✅ How to frame things in positive ✅ How to reduce overwhelm ✅ How to engage students in lockdown / learning from home ✅ How to build confidence and accept making mistakes This podcast includes the answers to these questions asked by you! Don't forget to sign up to the Sue Larkey Podcast Community to ask your questions! Read more about th...
Aug 31, 2021•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Cooking is a daily activity for everyone. It is a wonderful activity to teach ALL ages and stages. Cooking is an activity families, schools, community groups – indeed anyone can do it – and it provides long term recreation and independent living skills. Through cooking you can teach all curriculum areas (see below). By providing a structured programme with goals/learning outcomes you can develop a cooking programme that addresses the learning style and needs of the indi...
Aug 23, 2021•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Many children with ASD have difficulties accepting change and transition from one activity to another. In fact, most behaviour happens during change/transition. In my experience this is because it requires problem-solving, choices and adults tend to use more verbal information instead of visual information. It can also be a time of movement and high noise level, which can cause sensory processing difficulties. In the show notes, I have listed some key times you may need...
Aug 16, 2021•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Have you been watching Season 2 of Love on the Spectrum? I love the show, and it’s such a good insight into the difficulties people with autism can face in the dating world. To take a closer look, this week on the podcast I’m joined by Counsellor and Sexologist from the show, Jodi Rodgers. What we discuss in this episode: ✅ What needs to be changed in the current sex education programmes in schools ✅ Step by step ways we can support kids on the Spectrum with having rela...
Aug 09, 2021•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode This FREE Ebook and Webinar are focused on Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum – Strategies & Insights to Inform your Teaching Practice with Temple Grandin and Sue Larkey. They are designed for Educators to use lived experience and evidence-based research to increase engagement and participation for their students with Autism Spectrum. The free Webinar is also the first lesson in my BRAND NEW Temple Grandin and Sue Larkey Course – check it out if you enjoy the Webina...
Aug 02, 2021•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode My Live Virtual Webinar last week was a success! But it’s not too late if you missed it – sign up HERE to watch the Replay of the hour of power! Available for a limited time FREE sign up includes: E-book Webinar Replay Handout What will you learn in the Webinar? 🌟 What Role do Sensory Solutions have in De-escalating Behaviour & Increasing Participation? 🌟 Benefits of a Simple Sensory Programme in your Classroom 🌟 What is SPD? 🌟 How to Identify Students who could hav...
Jul 26, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Teaching in a busy and complex classroom can be very difficult, but this term I have collated my top Proven Sensory Strategies to increase engagement and participation. A sensory focus is crucial to maximse class engagement, as well as to understand the often overlooked causes of behaviour. So I am hoping to help you with a New E-Book, Webinar & Podcast – ALL FREE – filled with quick tips and strategies to make sure your kids are getting the most out of the amazing work...
Jul 12, 2021•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode When working with any child with ASD it is critically important that the programme implemented is realistic, both for the child and for the family. By realistic I mean setting everyone up for (achievable) success and that everyone across all environments has the time to implement it. I believe the best way to create a realistic programme is to only address one or two ideas at any one time. I recommend in the early years you always have visuals of the goals you are worki...
Jun 28, 2021•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode In this podcast, I take inspiration from my exclusive interview from Temple Grandin – one of Times Magazine’s most influential people in the world – and share her insights on sensory processing, social skills and behaviour. I discuss the amgdala and it’s impacts on behaviour and sensory processing. Many people with autism – including Temple Grandin – have an enlarged amygdala, causing an increased emotional response to stimuli. Sensory tools can be a huge help – jump he...
Jun 14, 2021•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode When I first started working in Special Education 30 years ago I always sought out Personal Accounts of people with autism, as I found it so insightful and helped me understand the children I worked with. Lived experiences allow a valuable and genuine perspective that I find very eye-opening. There are lots of great ways to access information on lived experiences. Here are some of my suggestions. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below ht...
Jun 07, 2021•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode One of the biggest myths about children with ASD is they all like being on their own. Children with ASD often desperately want friends, and in fact worrying about friends can cause them anxiety. Many children show this stress by becoming more withdrawn, which of course makes the situation worse. This episode talks about ideas for teaching at school and home. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below https://suelarkey.com.au/making-friends-a...
May 24, 2021•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Many children on the specturm suffer from dysgraphia (see Podcast Episode 86 for more information). The Kids’ Guide to Getting Your Words on Paper by Lauren Brukner is an excellent resource that acts as a self-help guide to writing for kids. I would absolutely use this book with my whole class as it has great reminders of how to help students with their writing. Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below https://suelarkey.com.au/kids-who-str...
May 17, 2021•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode Recognising and managing meltdowns / shutdowns is vital to support people with an ASD. Every child with an ASD will experience very individual symptoms that are unique to them. Not all individuals with an ASD will experience a “meltdown” and instead may “shut down”. It is very important you are familiar with each child’s triggers and responses. Use the student profile on page 31 of The Ultimate Guide to School and Home to record the information so everyone is aware of t...
May 10, 2021•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode My Live Virtual Webinar last week was a success! But it’s not too late if you missed it – sign up HERE to watch the Replay of the hour of power! FREE sign up includes: E-book Webinar Replay Handout What will you learn in the Webinar? ✔️ Key Limitations in Inclusive Classrooms & How to Address ✔️ Theory of Mind & Impact in your classroom ✔️ 3 Essential Requirements for Success in Busy Classrooms ✔️ Tips to Promoting Understanding in your class ✔️ What is Neurodiversity &...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discussed in this episode This week I am joined by guest, Emily Hanlon, a Psychologist who completed her Clinic Masters Research on the well-being of siblings of children with ASD. She is the daughter of Randa Habelrih, a guest on the podcast in Episode 107 . Diagnostic labels Labels are difficult, but they do have benefits for proper diagnosis and support. There are three levels of ASD diagnosis: Level 1: ‘high functioning’ Level 2: ‘moderately functioning’ Level 3: ‘severe’, often severe diffi...
Apr 26, 2021•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
