Lorraine Carson Independent Educational Psychologist

28/07/2026

Please read…👇💫

We need to normalise these things for our dyslexic children. This is not too much to ask. These things should be an absolute minimum for any dyslexic child going to school in September and we shouldn’t have to fight for these things as parents.

Let’s normalise:

⏰ Giving dyslexic children extra time.
🗣️ Being allowed to dictate their answers if they want to.
🤭 Ignoring their bl*ody spelling mistakes.
✏️ Having a scribe.
📖 Having a reader.
🎧 Using alternative reading methods!

What do you think? Would you add anything else to the list? Let me know in the comments.👇

Please ♥️ and share.

23/07/2026

Another great article about polyvagal theory.
https://www.theottoolbox.com/what-is-polyvagal-theory/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATOhoFwZG9mBWZkaWQWULGCuvHXdbxIaoLQjz8dww6SskE-MmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6TLfScFGCzezsi__2M9glTuAWmiJsstz7JGVQm2BAIaw40lXkqqoJeS2d-3g_aem_04iMz-z1X7LoeWTBp1aaBQ

21/07/2026

Amazing! Well done Aoife!

30/06/2026

If you have been with me for an assessment, many of you will know that I often talk about the importance of the vagus nerve for wellbeing. This article explains it well.

It's the body’s information superhighway that tells your organs how to rest

26/06/2026

22/06/2026

11/06/2026

As dyslexics, everything seems to take us longer than our neurotypical peers.
Reading, processing language and writing takes so much of our mental capabilities, that to then be punished for not completing a given task in a timeframe not suited to our thought process, rather than acknowledged for the huge effort we have put in, can be devastating to our self esteem.
So, please don’t take away a dyslexic child’s lunch, playtime, reward points, treat or any other bonus, as most dyslexic students are already putting in double the effort of their peers.

Quote: is from the awesome Tiffany James at

11/06/2026

A Guide for Swimming Instructors for

Developmental coordination difficulties are though to affect between 5-10% of school-aged children. In the UK these difficulties are often referred to as Dyspraxia although in other countries the term Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is more commonly used.
These children often struggle with physical activities and sports. They can appear awkward and clumsy, and make slow progress compared to other children. Children with dyspraxia/DCD have particular difficulty learning new movements and they aren't able to transfer learned skills easily to different situations.
If children with movement difficulties are not encouraged to participate in physical activities this will affect their fitness and general health over time. It is important to encourage people with dyspraxia/DCD to participate in and enjoy physical activities throughout their lives.
Swimming is particularly good for children with dyspraxia/DCD as it is made up of repetitive sequences of movements and it isn't as unpredictable as team and ball games. Although difficult to learn the early skills it is worth encouraging the child to persevere as he or she will often become quite proficient. Swimming style can however be rather individual!
Swimming can help with the development of balance, strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination as well as self-esteem and social skills. Children with dyspraxia/DCD will however need special encouragement and individual attention to prevent them from becoming dissatisfied and disillusioned.
Difficulties experienced by children with dyspraxia/DCD when swimming
Movements appear awkward and uncoordinated.
Children often swim better underwater or on their back rather than on their front.
They have difficulty using limbs separately from their body so the torso lifts when doing front crawl. Sometimes they may turn right over.
Children may have difficulty attending to instructions because of the noise around them and there may be a delay before they respond.
They may have difficulty organising their body to get into the swimming pool.
Some children have no fear of water while others are very afraid of their feet leaving the ground.How you can help
Reward effort.
Encourage participation and fun rather than competition.
Teach skills in smaller, more manageable parts.
Breast stroke may be easier than front crawl because both sides of the body move at the same time.
Give clear, concise instructions and repeat these for the child if necessary.
Position the child next to a wall so that he can follow the pool edge when swimming lengths.

10/06/2026

This is a wonderful explanation.

10/06/2026

All pupils scheduled to sit external public exams this afternoon are advised to travel to their examination centre as soon as possible, in case of any travel disruption. You may need to allow extra time for your journey.

Education Authority