18 March 2004 - North Wales - Children Who Don't Fit In

CHILDREN WHO DON'T FIT IN
Challenges to the Concept of Inclusivity and Multi-Agency Collaboration

Many children with specific learning difficulties as well as difficulties in the areas of attention, coordination, social skills, language and communication don't fit neatly into diagnostic categories. In addition, many children who have a medical diagnosis, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have many other social, behavioural and learning difficulties which impact on their day-to-day life at home and at school, and for which they receive little help.

In this the third conference organised by the University of Glamorgan in conjunction with the charity SNAP Cymru (Special Needs Advisory Project) on the subject of Children Who Don't Fit In, we offer further insights into the diagnostic challenges these children present, as well as the challenges they present to the concept of inclusivity within the educational system. We consider practical approaches for assessing and supporting these children both at the level of the individual as well as at the level of planning appropriate local multi-agency services.

Speakers Include:

• Dr Alex Richardson, on "What does Research tell us about Comorbidity within ADHD, Dyslexia Dyspraxia and the Autistic Spectrum?"

• Dr Amanda Kirby, on "Inclusion - In or Within - The Issues"

• Dr Paul Hutchins, on "Why Are Some Children Under-Achievers"