Research-based toolkit supports neurodiverse children
A new child-centred suite of resources, backed by the latest research, has been launched to support parents and teachers of neurodiverse children.
The resource, known as the EPIC Think Learn toolkit, is the first of its kind to be based on research. It is designed for carers of autistic children and those who have ADHD, dyspraxia or were born prematurely.
It can be used from the point a difficulty is noticed, whether the child has a diagnosis or is awaiting assessment.
Support needed
EPIC – Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children – aims to bridge a gap in supporting families against a backdrop of long waiting times to be diagnosed, which can be up to five years, with demand having risen sharply since Covid.
Dr Sinead Rhodes, of the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, who founded the toolkit, co-developed the resources with those they aim to support: children, parents, teachers and clinicians.
Parents have praised the toolkit for providing clear resources, designed to empower the child – highlighting strengths as well as what they struggle with.
Online platform
With the support of Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service, EPIC Think Learn has spun out of the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences into a community interest company.
The toolkit has launched with an online platform for parents, including webinars about how to use the resources. Materials are continuously revised based on the latest research.
Teacher services such as webinars and in-service training options are also available, with a full teaching platform to come online next year. Webinars for clinicians will be available from autumn this year.
EPIC has also received support from Waterloo Foundation, the ARC Accelerator and social enterprise funders Firstport and CEIS.