Steph Curtis
@stephstwogirls.bsky.social
Mum of two girls. Author of PDA in the Family, blog at stephstwogirls.co.uk about profile of autism called PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Also on Substack!
Reposted by Steph Curtis
NEW POST: After the excitement of hitting 100K signatures, today we examine Spending Review education cash. It was revealed SEND plans will now come in a wider Schools White Paper this autumn. @tanialt.bsky.social and @captaink77.bsky.social share some thoughts www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
June 12, 2025 at 5:02 AM
NEW POST: After the excitement of hitting 100K signatures, today we examine Spending Review education cash. It was revealed SEND plans will now come in a wider Schools White Paper this autumn. @tanialt.bsky.social and @captaink77.bsky.social share some thoughts www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
NEW POST: What are powerful council lobbying voices telling the Education Committee they really really want? @captaink77.bsky.social has been combing through the SEND Inquiry evidence and finds some eye-rolling submissions www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
March 21, 2025 at 6:00 AM
NEW POST: What are powerful council lobbying voices telling the Education Committee they really really want? @captaink77.bsky.social has been combing through the SEND Inquiry evidence and finds some eye-rolling submissions www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
If you think about potential warning signs that a system isn't meeting needs, an increase in exclusions and a decrease in attendance would be two obvious ones to look for. The DfE is not going to be able to increase #inclusion simply by Ofsted-ing it. They have to look at the wider system. #EduSky
February 11, 2025 at 8:49 AM
If you think about potential warning signs that a system isn't meeting needs, an increase in exclusions and a decrease in attendance would be two obvious ones to look for. The DfE is not going to be able to increase #inclusion simply by Ofsted-ing it. They have to look at the wider system. #EduSky
Yep, feeling this right now…
“When people get to 18, it’s like being sent in a tiny little boat, out to sea. It’s just terrifying.” A lot of nodding reading this from @johnharris1969.bsky.social
#SEND
#SEND
Shut away and ignored: thousands of disabled adults are at the frontier of the human rights struggle | John Harris
When you attend your local choir or yoga class, just stop and think – where are the disabled adults, asks Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Yep, feeling this right now…
Reposted by Steph Curtis
I wrote about my absurdly grumpy little dog’s goofy but powerful role in helping me manage my pathological demand avoidance for my Substack.
Grounding with Mabel: Lessons from a Grumpy Little Dog
Grounding is one of those concepts that sounds straightforward—until you try to actually do it.
open.substack.com
January 20, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I wrote about my absurdly grumpy little dog’s goofy but powerful role in helping me manage my pathological demand avoidance for my Substack.
Reposted by Steph Curtis
How might we promote our projects, events, campaigns, art, values, etc *beyond* social media?
There's no one magic key, but some friends and I did some brainstorming and skill-sharing. Hope it can useful to artists, musicians, organizers, small business owners, and beyond:
There's no one magic key, but some friends and I did some brainstorming and skill-sharing. Hope it can useful to artists, musicians, organizers, small business owners, and beyond:
Promoting Our Projects, Events, and Values BEYOND Social Media
A guiding question for artists, activists, and community-builders: If social media did not exist, how would you share your art, promote your work, and/or communicate your values?
guante.info
January 28, 2025 at 2:32 AM
How might we promote our projects, events, campaigns, art, values, etc *beyond* social media?
There's no one magic key, but some friends and I did some brainstorming and skill-sharing. Hope it can useful to artists, musicians, organizers, small business owners, and beyond:
There's no one magic key, but some friends and I did some brainstorming and skill-sharing. Hope it can useful to artists, musicians, organizers, small business owners, and beyond:
Reposted by Steph Curtis
hmd.org.uk
We like to say, "Never forget". But too many people forgot, or never knew, or have been lied to.
For the millions who died because they were born different to those in power.
So important to never, ever do this again, to anyone, ever.
We like to say, "Never forget". But too many people forgot, or never knew, or have been lied to.
For the millions who died because they were born different to those in power.
So important to never, ever do this again, to anyone, ever.
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on 27 January is the day to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur....
hmd.org.uk
January 27, 2025 at 11:02 AM
hmd.org.uk
We like to say, "Never forget". But too many people forgot, or never knew, or have been lied to.
For the millions who died because they were born different to those in power.
So important to never, ever do this again, to anyone, ever.
We like to say, "Never forget". But too many people forgot, or never knew, or have been lied to.
For the millions who died because they were born different to those in power.
So important to never, ever do this again, to anyone, ever.
Reposted by Steph Curtis
ARFID is Not ‘Fussy Eating’: The Truth About Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
www.authenticallyemily.uk/blog/arfid-i...
www.authenticallyemily.uk/blog/arfid-i...
ARFID is Not ‘Fussy Eating’: The Truth About Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder — Authentically Emily
Sky News published an article yesterday titled ‘ARFID: The little-known eating disorder that is on the rise’ and the responses on social media highlight the extent of stigma and misunderstanding sur...
www.authenticallyemily.uk
January 27, 2025 at 1:28 PM
ARFID is Not ‘Fussy Eating’: The Truth About Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
www.authenticallyemily.uk/blog/arfid-i...
www.authenticallyemily.uk/blog/arfid-i...
I loved this article, I also learnt something from it!
Day 1 of a new semester with new students.
Time to introduce them to more effective learning strategies (RP and SP) while also learning their names. 2 birds. 1 stone.
theeffortfuleducator.com/2024/01/11/l...
Time to introduce them to more effective learning strategies (RP and SP) while also learning their names. 2 birds. 1 stone.
theeffortfuleducator.com/2024/01/11/l...
Learning Names and Modeling Spaced Retrieval Practice - The Effortful Educator
When and how do I introduce my students to learning strategies?
theeffortfuleducator.com
January 22, 2025 at 6:27 PM
I loved this article, I also learnt something from it!
Reposted by Steph Curtis
For a long long time I had it drilled into me that I was lazy and unmotivated. I used to put so many expectations on myself that it just made me panic. Now I have recognised that being Autistic can come with PDA, I’m not so hard on myself for not doing something. As long as it gets done we’re golden
January 16, 2025 at 1:42 AM
For a long long time I had it drilled into me that I was lazy and unmotivated. I used to put so many expectations on myself that it just made me panic. Now I have recognised that being Autistic can come with PDA, I’m not so hard on myself for not doing something. As long as it gets done we’re golden
Fifteen years ago I started a blog, on the day our younger daughter was diagnosed with autism. That means I’ve been sharing our story and talking about PDA on social media for over 14 years. Is it time to stop? 🤔 Read more here www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2025/01/fift...
Fifteen Years of Blogging. What next?
An anniversary post, thoughts on blogging for a long time and being an author
www.stephstwogirls.co.uk
January 17, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Fifteen years ago I started a blog, on the day our younger daughter was diagnosed with autism. That means I’ve been sharing our story and talking about PDA on social media for over 14 years. Is it time to stop? 🤔 Read more here www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2025/01/fift...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
What does the man who led the Children & Families Act into law think about what went right and wrong? Check out our recent video podcast with former SEND Minister Edward Timpson CBE KC. It's one the DfE should watch now to avoid making the same mistakes
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
SNJ in Conversation with Edward Timpson CBE KC “You’ve got to really care about families and their lives …” - Special Needs Jungle
Former SEND Minister, Edward Timpson discusses the challenges of passing the Children & Families Act 2014 and why coproduction really matters
www.specialneedsjungle.com
January 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM
What does the man who led the Children & Families Act into law think about what went right and wrong? Check out our recent video podcast with former SEND Minister Edward Timpson CBE KC. It's one the DfE should watch now to avoid making the same mistakes
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
www.specialneedsjungle.com/s...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
Morning #BlueSky. Ella and I would be really grateful if you might take a moment to watch and share our #TEDx talk.
'It does not matter what package you arrived in. Everyone needs a seat at the table'
Please help us #FlipTheNarrative for all of our fellow humans 💜🙏
www.ted.com/talks/elly_c...
'It does not matter what package you arrived in. Everyone needs a seat at the table'
Please help us #FlipTheNarrative for all of our fellow humans 💜🙏
www.ted.com/talks/elly_c...
Diversity is the key to our survival: The Shoeness of a Shoe
When her daughter Ella was seven years old, she lost her eyes, and it meant Elly had to look again at everything. Ella taught her to #flipthenarrative around how we 'see' people like Ella. That every ...
www.ted.com
December 7, 2024 at 11:54 AM
Morning #BlueSky. Ella and I would be really grateful if you might take a moment to watch and share our #TEDx talk.
'It does not matter what package you arrived in. Everyone needs a seat at the table'
Please help us #FlipTheNarrative for all of our fellow humans 💜🙏
www.ted.com/talks/elly_c...
'It does not matter what package you arrived in. Everyone needs a seat at the table'
Please help us #FlipTheNarrative for all of our fellow humans 💜🙏
www.ted.com/talks/elly_c...
Love it when I learn something new first thing in the morning…. Have you heard about the Door to Hell?!
NEW POST: The Commons Public Accounts Committee #SEND report warns of a "lost generation" of children. But SNJ's @captaink77.bsky.social finds warnings all a bit pointless when decision-makers don’t know what they value more—money or children’s futures... www.specialneedsjungle.com/p...
January 15, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Love it when I learn something new first thing in the morning…. Have you heard about the Door to Hell?!
Reposted by Steph Curtis
Remarkable choice of research lead. Many genuinely independent & capable research outfits are well-equipped to do this work…
But it'll be an outfit whose last report said that SEND poses an "existential threat" to local government, & who already work on Safety Valve for local government
But it'll be an outfit whose last report said that SEND poses an "existential threat" to local government, & who already work on Safety Valve for local government
Exclusive: The government has finally commissioned research into how its SEND cost-cutting programme impacts children and their families – three years after the controversial scheme was launched
DfE finally considers pupil impact of SEND savings scheme
Move comes three years after controversial cost-cutting scheme was launched
buff.ly
November 22, 2024 at 1:10 PM
Remarkable choice of research lead. Many genuinely independent & capable research outfits are well-equipped to do this work…
But it'll be an outfit whose last report said that SEND poses an "existential threat" to local government, & who already work on Safety Valve for local government
But it'll be an outfit whose last report said that SEND poses an "existential threat" to local government, & who already work on Safety Valve for local government
Reposted by Steph Curtis
Institutionalising Parent-carer Blame – Luke Clements
www.lukeclements.co.uk
November 22, 2024 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by Steph Curtis
Hey, can any of you sing and fancy a part in my musical? @jarlathobrien.bsky.social @karenwespieser.bsky.social @alisonpeacock.bsky.social @alicewoolley.bsky.social @samfr.bsky.social @greeborunner.bsky.social @phoenixedsarah.bsky.social starlightmckenzie.wordpress.com/2025/01/13/a...
A Greek Tragedy Musical: SEND Reform
—– Act 1 —– Opening Scene Scene 1 Parents get activisty In comes Warnock, commissioned to champion parents by taking over their voice <subdued cheers> Warnock conclude…
starlightmckenzie.wordpress.com
January 13, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Hey, can any of you sing and fancy a part in my musical? @jarlathobrien.bsky.social @karenwespieser.bsky.social @alisonpeacock.bsky.social @alicewoolley.bsky.social @samfr.bsky.social @greeborunner.bsky.social @phoenixedsarah.bsky.social starlightmckenzie.wordpress.com/2025/01/13/a...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
Reposted by Steph Curtis
“Keir Starmer looks at sweeping reforms to special education needs.” Paywalled FT article but you can read it here: archive.is/Pw2eP
It's misinformed and ignorant, referring to "statements" and “lighter” SEND needs "such as ADHD and autism”. 1/3
It's misinformed and ignorant, referring to "statements" and “lighter” SEND needs "such as ADHD and autism”. 1/3
December 22, 2024 at 7:06 PM
“Keir Starmer looks at sweeping reforms to special education needs.” Paywalled FT article but you can read it here: archive.is/Pw2eP
It's misinformed and ignorant, referring to "statements" and “lighter” SEND needs "such as ADHD and autism”. 1/3
It's misinformed and ignorant, referring to "statements" and “lighter” SEND needs "such as ADHD and autism”. 1/3
Reposted by Steph Curtis
NEW POST: Our SEND funding analyst, Matt Keer, looks behind the headlines at the SEND funding announcement. Will £740m make mainstream schools truly accessible? Plus SEND safety valve deals halted—we’ll take that as a win! www.specialneedsjung...
December 5, 2024 at 6:02 AM
NEW POST: Our SEND funding analyst, Matt Keer, looks behind the headlines at the SEND funding announcement. Will £740m make mainstream schools truly accessible? Plus SEND safety valve deals halted—we’ll take that as a win! www.specialneedsjung...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
I’m so happy to hear this! ☺️
My mindmaps can be found and bought here: www.authenticallyemily.uk/store
My mindmaps can be found and bought here: www.authenticallyemily.uk/store
December 1, 2024 at 9:24 PM
I’m so happy to hear this! ☺️
My mindmaps can be found and bought here: www.authenticallyemily.uk/store
My mindmaps can be found and bought here: www.authenticallyemily.uk/store
Are you already feeling the strain of the upcoming Christmas holidays? Worried about eruptions because of all the stress (yours or the kids!)? Join us tonight for some support. Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting...
November 27, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Are you already feeling the strain of the upcoming Christmas holidays? Worried about eruptions because of all the stress (yours or the kids!)? Join us tonight for some support. Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting...
Reposted by Steph Curtis
Another valuable study identifying that parents of autistic children and/or autistic parents are frequently blamed when they seek help and support for their child. In worst cases this leads to allegations of FII. #disabilityrights #parentblame #autism #socialjustice
Final - with report spread modified
This is "Final - with report spread modified" by CLGdotTV on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
vimeo.com
November 20, 2024 at 7:50 AM
Another valuable study identifying that parents of autistic children and/or autistic parents are frequently blamed when they seek help and support for their child. In worst cases this leads to allegations of FII. #disabilityrights #parentblame #autism #socialjustice
Something that lightens my life and gives me a break from thinking about SEND and education issues is photos. Looking at the lovely stuff in life. Happy memories, family and friends, but also sunsets, sunrises and beaches. 1/2
November 20, 2024 at 11:01 AM
Something that lightens my life and gives me a break from thinking about SEND and education issues is photos. Looking at the lovely stuff in life. Happy memories, family and friends, but also sunsets, sunrises and beaches. 1/2
Reposted by Steph Curtis
A real problem in professional education & education research of defining the problems schools have with parents as something located in the parents. Few studies extend to exploring parent explanations. I have been accused of not valuing education when I could not support the sch. Opposite is true.
November 19, 2024 at 7:57 AM
A real problem in professional education & education research of defining the problems schools have with parents as something located in the parents. Few studies extend to exploring parent explanations. I have been accused of not valuing education when I could not support the sch. Opposite is true.