being understanding, attentive, having the ability to build a rapport, the ability to speak calmly and\u00a0 quietly and being knowledgeable on SEND.<\/em><\/p>\nJoining for the first time<\/h4>\n The group were asked what they would find helpful if they joined a session for the first time. They identified some changes that a group leader could make to make joining a group easier for them. The young people said that knowing the content and the structure of the session beforehand will help them know what to expect.\u00a0 Also, having the opportunity to speak to the session leader before to build a relationship. They agreed that this may also reduce the anxieties of parents\/carers. In addition to this, they said that being invited to a session slightly earlier than the rest of the group would help them ease into it rather than walking into a room full of people. It was also emphasised that being given an opt-out option and having a quiet space to go to when feeling overwhelmed or the need to self-regulate will be very helpful.<\/p>\n
What does sensory overload feel like?<\/h4>\n As part of the session the young people wrote down what overstimulation\/ sensory overload feels like to them. The responses read \u201cpartial confusion and frustration, stressful, twitchy, annoyed, want to leave a situation quickly\u201d. Another response explained. \u201cIt feels similar to drowning, I am unable to breathe normally, or take in sights normally. A pressure rises in my chest and ears and I cannot think clearly. I also become very itchy all over my arms and legs\u201d. The purpose of this is to help other people understand their experiences and reduce the likelihood of making people feel discomfort because understanding is the first step.<\/p>\n
We would like to thank the young people for their brilliant contributions to the discussion and their willingness to make changes across Slough to help educate other people about having special educational needs and disabilities. We look forward to a more inclusive Slough.<\/p>\n
To get involved with our next SEND youth participation project please contact Jovi 07709525687 or jovi@togetherasone.org.uk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jovi, our SEND Participation and Engagement Officer, shares the learning from our second SEND Youth Focus Group.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":877,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[51,33,32,26],"tags":[34,37],"yoast_head":"\n
Learning from the second SEND Youth Focus Group - Together As One<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n