Dr Kirstie Rees

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Dr Kirstie Rees

HCPC-registered child and educational psychologist (BPS), specialising in learning disabilities, neurodiversity, and children’s mental health.

Practical support for parents, teachers, and schools. Learn more: https://www.kirstiereespsychology.com/

12/02/2026

In my work as an educational psychologist, I often meet children with learning difficulties who are trying really hard to keep up in environments that don’t always fit their needs.

They may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or different from other children.

And over time, this can affect their confidence and well-being.

One thing I always remind parents is this: a child’s mental health is shaped not just by what’s happening inside them, but by how safe, understood, and accepted they feel around them.

This year’s ’sMentalHealthAwarenessWeek theme, “This is My Place,” is a powerful reminder of how important belonging is.

Many children, especially those with learning disabilities, need support to identify the people who help them feel safe, listened to, and understood.

A simple activity that can help is creating an “inner circle” together (see image).

It helps children recognise who their safe people are, and reminds them that they belong.

10/02/2026

Many young people with learning disabilities find the online world overwhelming.

And that’s not because they’re doing anything wrong.

Online self-regulation is a skill that usually needs to be taught and practiced alongside a supportive adult.

If your child struggles with social media, these small and simple exercises can make a big difference over time.

Take a look at the visual for some ideas you can try together at home.

06/02/2026

Wise words from Fraser ....

30/01/2026

Could a social media and phone ban in schools disadvantage children and young people with learning disabilities?

From my work as a child educational psychologist, I have found social media and technology can be both supportive and challenging (often at the same time) for children and young people with learning difficulties.

Understanding that balance is important.

And focusing on getting it right for your child, based on your own assessment of their needs.

Click through the images below for a summary of both sides of the argument, and let me know in the comments what you think!

22/01/2026

Transitions can be one of the hardest parts of the school day for children and young people with learning difficulties.

Even small changes, like moving classrooms or stopping an activity, can feel unpredictable and overwhelming.

Check out the image to see how visuals and objects can make transitions feel more manageable.

16/01/2026

If your child is feeling wobbly about going back to school, you’re not alone.

Lots of parents tell me this transition can feel stressful, especially for children who find change, uncertainty, or school demands overwhelming.

The good news is you don’t have to “fix” everything at once.

Even one small step can help your child feel safer and more settled.

Here are a few ideas to support the return to school, in a way that reduces pressure, not adds to it.

14/01/2026

This can be a really hard time of year.

There’s often pressure to make big changes, get back into routines, and start 'fresh'.

And at the same time, you may be supporting a child or young person through a big transition.

For many children, this can feel overwhelming and bring up big emotions, and that can make things feel heavier for you too.

If things feel harder now, remember to be kind to yourself 🌱

08/01/2026

Returning to school after Christmas can be a big adjustment for many children.

For children with SEND or learning difficulties, changes in routine can feel particularly hard.

Swipe through to learn why transitions can feel overwhelming, and explore supportive resources on my website to help children navigate through change: https://www.kirstiereespsychology.com/resources

06/01/2026

Over the past year, I’ve been adjusting to working independently after many years in a local authority role, and it’s been a steep learning curve.

I’ve learned a lot, met lots of people, and spent my time doing what I enjoy most — supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and SEND/ASN, as well as the adults who support them.

I’ve especially enjoyed working with parents, schools and services around behaviour, puberty and children’s mental health, and finding creative ways to adapt approaches so they work better for children.

Much of this work is shaped by my book 'The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People with Learning Disabilities', which focuses on practical support: https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-of-children-and-young-people-with-learning-difficulties

This year, I’m hoping to keep building on this and sharing more practical, reassuring ideas and strategies with families and schools to support children’s wellbeing and learning.

If you’d like to follow along, I’ll be sharing more reflections and resources here over the coming months.

You can also explore my website, which already has loads of resources for families and schools: https://www.kirstiereespsychology.com/resources

02/03/2025

WEBINAR: Achieving Balance & Reducing Anxiety in Pupils with SEND

🗓 Wednesday, 26th March 2025
⏰ 12:00 - 1:30 PM
📍 Online – Access available for 2 weeks

Calling all teachers and educators. Sign up got a practical and insightful webinar on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

* Discover effective strategies to reduce anxiety and promote balance in pupils of different ages and with a range of needs
* Learn how to tailor approaches to individual needs
* Gain tools from Dr Kirstie's book: The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People with Learning Difficulties: A Guide for Educators
* Access the webinar for 2 weeks
Sign up on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/achieving-balance-reducing-anxiety-in-pupils-with-send-tickets-1265545052319?aff=oddtdtcreator

14/01/2025

It can be hard to work out 'what works' when we're trying to support the wellbeing of pupils with learning difficulties. In my book, I have included lots of practical assessment tools and strategies to support the mental health of the children and young people you support. These are all tools you can use in the classroom.

Some of these tools are available to download at the link below;

Link to book:

https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-of-children-and-young-people-with-learning-difficulties

Resources to download:

https://hachette-extras.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod/44513927889146/download/Rees%209781839975486.pdf

**Webinar on understanding the mental health of children with learning difficulties available in February.**

Address

Glasgow

Website

http://kirstiereespsychology.com/

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