Latest News for Parents & Carers

An autistic actress starring in a new musical says she is proud to represent the autism community and educate others on the disability. Katie Cailean was diagnosed with autism as a teenager and says she is drawing on her own lived experience to bring authenticity to the role. Katie is making her professional theatre debut in the musical Indigo at the Curve Theatre in Leicester.

A childhood spent working for a florist and as a magician’s assistant helped Jo Malone to overcome the odds, and launch a multi-million pound business.

Hundreds of thousands of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a national programme to improve access to PE and school sports. Backed by an initial £300,000 for the first year, the Inclusion 2028 programme will work with a network of 50 Youth Sport Trust lead schools to provide expert training to teachers to help them create and deliver lessons that meet the diverse needs of all pupils – including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication or social and emotional needs.

Children struggling with their speech and language are at greater risk of developing mental health problems like anxiety and depression, the charity Speech and Language UK has warned in a report seen exclusively by the BBC. The charity says almost half (45%) of all young people referred to mental health services are also dealing with serious speech and language challenges.

A mother with two sons with autism has said the government’s planned welfare changes would devastate her family’s future. Lorraine Griffin, from Dudley, relies on the Disability Living Allowance for her boys, Sam and Ben, aged 12 and 13. Lorraine faces constant costs – medicine, nappies for Ben, who has more severe autism, and replacing TVs he has broken.