In this issue:
Health for Under 5s website (ages 0-5)
The Health for Under 5s website has lots of useful information and advice from trusted NHS professionals and is all about keeping your young child happy and healthy.
For parents whose children are about to start school for the first time, you'll find a helpful animation which has advice about how you can prepare your child (and yourself) for starting primary school.
You can also find information on topics such as fussy eating, difficult behaviour or toilet training for children with sensory needs.
Visit the Health for Under 5s website.
Introduction to the Local Offer webinar (all ages)
Want to know more about the Local Offer website and how it can help you find support for your family?
Sometimes, it's just hard to know what support is out there, and where to begin. In this webinar, a friendly face from the Local Offer team will give you a brief tour of the support and services outlined on the website, so you get an idea of what exists and how to get it.
We
hope this means that every person will go away with at least one new piece of information that might help them.
Thursday 28 September at 8pm - 8.45pm - online via Teams
You can use this link to join the Introduction to the Local Offer webinar online via Teams
New Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) animations (all ages)
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder. Children with ARFID are extremely selective eaters and sometimes have little interest in eating food. They may eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition.
The exact causes of ARFID are unknown, but it is thought that people who develop ARFID might do so because of sensory sensitivity, or a lack of interest in eating. For example, they might be very sensitive to the taste, texture or appearance of certain types of food, or have had a distressing experience with food, such as choking, vomiting, infant acid reflux or other gastrointestinal conditions – this may cause the person to develop feelings of fear and anxiety around food, and lead to them to avoiding food.
ARFID can affect anyone of any age, including babies, and can be diagnosed in children as young as 2 years old. People with autism spectrum conditions are much more likely to develop ARFID, as are those with ADHD and intellectual disabilities.
Hertfordshire Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Commissioning Team has recently developed two animations about ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and the services available to help. The animation below is an introduction on ARFID aimed at professionals and parents.
You can also view the other animation aimed at parents which has advice on getting help for your child with ARFID
Back to school anxiety
It’s normal for pupils to feel a little anxious about going back to school after the summer, but some children will find it particularly hard. If you're worried about how your child will manage the return to school, you can find advice and information on the Local Offer.
If your child is too anxious to go to school
The Educational Psychology team have produced some guidance on Emotional Based School Avoidance, with tips and strategies for you to help your child if you think they are avoiding school due to anxiety.
Download the Emotional Based School Avoidance guidance document (pdf 642kb)
Events
View all courses and activities
SPACE - Neurodiversity for women and girls, 4 week course
Starting Thursday 7 September 6.30-8.30pm, online
This 4-week course will delve into understanding neurodiversity in girls and women with ADHD and Autism, providing valuable knowledge and strategies for support.
Creative SEND club - GetSet4Tennis community hub
Sunday 10 September, 11am, Maple Cross
A creative SEND club for children with additional needs and their families. The group will include art and craft, music, games and more.
Family Lives - bringing up confident children for parents of children with ADHD/ASD
6 week course starting Tues 12 September 7-9pm online
This programme provides support, information and resources to parents/carers and adult family members so they can help their child reach their full potential.