Wildling adventures

24/08/2026

After a busy summer we are now enjoying some down time with our own wildlings. 😍

Refilling our cups and having some quality time together.

See you all in September.

19/08/2026

I never have the same day within my roles at Wildlings, from therapist, to SEND support, EOTAS, EHCPs and lecturing.

I work hard ensuring the support I offer is bespoke and tailored to the individuals and families needs.

Yesterday I was given a gift of appreciation, I never expected it. This card genuinely brought a lump to my throat.

Thank you to everyone who decided to choose Wildlings, I am now taking a break and will be back at work in September. Good luck to everyone in their next steps ❤️

12/08/2026

The Eclipse doing its thing this evening. 🌙 🌞

10/08/2026

“PDA isn’t recognised in this area.”

If a parent is told this by a Local Authority, my first question would be:

Recognised by whom, and what exactly are you refusing to recognise?

Because a Local Authority does not get to create its own geographical version of SEND law.

PDA is not currently a standalone diagnosis within the ICD or DSM, but it is recognised as a profile of autism.

But that is very different from saying that the profile of need does not exist, that professional evidence describing it can simply be disregarded, or that a child does not require support because an individual Local Authority has decided that it “doesn’t recognise PDA”.

And this distinction matters.

The Department for Education explicitly referred to children and young people with “profiles of need such as pathological demand avoidance” when discussing the development of the new National Inclusion Standards.

The Government have also previously stated:

“Access to support should not be dependent on a child or young person having a diagnosis.”

NICE guidance already identifies demand avoidant behaviour amongst features that can suggest autism.

So how can a Local Authority reasonably respond to evidence of those needs with:

“We don’t recognise PDA here”?

SEND provision is supposed to be needs-led, not postcode-led and not diagnosis-led.

If a child experiences extreme distress around demands, loss of autonomy or uncertainty, if conventional behaviour approaches escalate rather than reduce distress, if professional evidence says adults need to understand that child’s demand avoidant presentation, or if particular communication and environmental approaches are necessary for that child to access education, those are needs that require consideration regardless of what terminology an LA prefers.

For children with EHCP’s, this becomes particularly important.

Section B should describe the child’s identified special educational needs.

Section F should specify the special educational provision required to meet those needs.

The question shouldn’t be:

“Does this Local Authority recognise PDA?”

It should be:

“What does this individual child need to access education, and what does the evidence say is required to meet those needs?”

A Local Authority cannot make a child’s needs disappear by refusing to use a particular word.

And perhaps this is exactly why national consistency matters.

Because a child’s ability to have their needs understood should never depend upon whether the professionals or Local Authority in their postcode happen to “recognise” their particular presentation.

Different postcode. Same child. Same needs. Same right to an education that they can actually access.

09/08/2026

It has been a busy busy summer so far!!

Supporting the young people we work with within their homes and out and about!!

Navigating summer holidays for the young people we work with can be difficult. Changes in routine, siblings at home more, the heat, places they visit busier than usual. It's alot to handle.

So we have carefully created bespoke plans for each individual child and young person, ensuring their needs are met, their voices heard and they can still access experiences. Whether that be at home or out.

Here are some photos that our young people have taken over the last few weeks on days out.

06/08/2026

Hi Rob is running the Great North Run in under 6 weeks time in aid of Action For Kids who help family's with SEND children this is a charity close to our hearts.
Could we ask you to donate as much as you can afford by following this link below.
We will update everyone once Robs run is done to let you know how he gets along.
Thank you in advance.

Help Robert Haigh raise money to support Action for Children

28/07/2026

Is there anything cuter than a baby bunny 😍

26/07/2026

Coming over the next few weeks…

Every guide I create is designed to help adults look beyond behaviour and better understand what children may be experiencing beneath the surface.

📖 27th July – Demand Avoidance
Understanding why everyday demands can feel overwhelming, how anxiety influences behaviour, and practical ways to reduce pressure while building trust.

📖 3rd August – ADHD and Girls
Exploring why ADHD often looks different in girls, why it is so frequently missed, and the signs that deserve a closer look.

📖 10th August – Starting School
Starting school isn’t about whether a child can tick a checklist. It’s about helping them feel emotionally safe, confident and ready to separate, belong and learn.

📖 17th August – School Anxiety
Understanding the difference between ordinary worries and anxiety that begins to affect attendance, wellbeing and daily life.

📖 24th August – Back to School
Supporting children through the emotional transition back to school with practical strategies before difficulties begin to escalate.

📖 31st August – Separation Anxiety
Looking beyond “clinginess” to understand why separation can feel so overwhelming and how we can help children feel secure.

September will then continue with guides exploring After School Restraint Collapse, School Avoidance (EBSA/EBSNA), Executive Function and Understanding Behaviour, alongside many more topics requested by our community.

Follow The Contented Child to make sure you don’t miss any of these free guides and resources.

13/07/2026

Just a quick reminder, my last working day this week is Wednesday. Returning to work on the 27th of July.

Robs last working day is Friday, returning on the 27th of July also.

09/07/2026

Just a quick thank you from us 😊

This last year has been incredible, the opportunities we have had have blown us away.

We put our hearts and souls into Wildlings, ensuring that every single person who accesses our services feels seen and heard.

A big thank you to everyone who has used, and uses our services. Who put their trust in us to support your loved ones.