Who we Serve
The concept of SENHELP grew out of a real need that was necessary to address all neurological, intellectual, physical, behavioral, and developmental disorders.
SENHelps specialty encompasses knowledge of all developmental disorders with specifics in Autistic Spectrum Disorder which refers to a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive patterns of behavior, often presenting as difficulties with interaction and communication (basic and social). Although there are often no physical signs, it affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world. The disorder is not easy to understand, but it is worth fueling community comprehension for those who have it. People with autism who display very little functional behavior or cannot express their emotions/personalities in “normally accepted ways”, are still people.
Our ultimate goal is to expose parents/guardians and the general education teacher to strategies that will better assist these children with exceptional needs for a brighter future. Decreasing the stress of the educator or guardian is a bonus! We believe that adherence to the SICCALT solutions (the acronym used to describe the need-based solutions listed) with fidelity and intention will maximize students’ potential for as much independence as possible during their lifetime, focusing on the following targets:
Repetitive examples and activities involving daily hygiene, basic meal preparation, and
opportunities to note and register pertinent personal information (i.e. their name, parents’ names, home
address).
Exposure to deflective (sensory) tools and strategies to address aggressive/negative
behaviors
Assisting the approach to adulthood with acquired autonomy (shopping,
banking, work training, strategies to communicate)
For and with students as well as parent/guardian, shortcuts for data management, visual
strategies
Making phone calls, computer proficiency, grasp of procedures and protocols, role play
to increase understanding of socially acceptable behavior
a* – access to programs explicitly targeting communication, grasp and
comprehension for the cognitively challenged student
b* – better understanding of theories and techniques of *ABA therapy resulting in
a more supportive learning environment and teacher tools for easier, more concise data collection,
c* – advocate skills to be employed by the parent/guardian
d* – strategies to achieve a cohesive family balance (sibling inclusion)
e* – limitation and prevention of accidents/injuries that might occur during
emergencies and tantrums with earned skills through workshops with a de-escalation professional.
f* – possibility for *ABA based observation with resulting individualized action plan
Easy access to materials and strategies that have been tested and work.
POD
FAMILY
If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the Village. It includes the education of the student, teachers, coordinators, therapists, and POD family (“the Village”) with up-to-date resources, therapies, and technology added for ease of delivery. Our mission is to assist by offering the best support system to this Village as they guide their exceptional children to not just survive, but to thrive.
our
sen
strategy
Regular education teachers are overwhelmed and underprepared to handle the specific needs of SEN students included on their roster. SENHELP wants to assist and educate them. Tools and strategies will be introduced, practiced, and supported. Resources will be shared. The least restrictive environment can become a workable solution
Our Guidelines for Success
We have incorporated key components in this plan to help:
*Develop properly functioning SEN departments in all schools using inclusion as a
model
*Teachers adapt to differentiated teaching methods and stay on top of their data
*Parents understand the difference a good advocate can make in the lives of their
child
*Students, who will shine and grow as their maximum potential is unleashed
~ to not just survive, but to thrive!
1. Building repetitive assignments, drills, routines and visual reminders (what comes
next) into the students’ day / week at home and at school.
2. Concepts setting up opportunities addressing students’ sensory needs:
(sand, skin brushing, texture acclimation, water, rice, shaving cream, blocks,
puzzles)
and recreational needs:
(hippotherapy, aquatic, swinging)
3. Advice on scheduling experiential opportunities to practice (until as close to
mastery as possible) real-life events i.e. *finding items in a grocery store during
shopping trip
*use of a cell phone to call home or emergency 999
*following a picture schedule, a recipe, instructions
*role play to practice and illustrate socially acceptable behavior
4. Instruction in the set-up of daily communication folder that goes home for
signing, outlining behaviors, IEP goals addressed, and results – to be used at
term end to graph data points.
5. Office space housing resource/sensory/educational tools and materials that can
be ordered and delivered. What better way to service the teachers and families doing
their due diligence to educate and train these young people to become their best selves in
society than a one-stop tool shop with strategies for best use available upon request – just
a computer click away.
6. The sharing of teaching tricks and plans of action for children with different
abilities will also be communicated via our webinars and workshops. SENHELP’s vision is
not just to assist in the education of children with diagnosed disabilities, but those
disenfranchised by poverty, distance, and lack of opportunity.
7. Introduction to the principles of the ABA approach teaches desired behaviors,
lessening the incidence of inappropriate behavior through repetition, reinforcement, role
play and video monitoring. Parents can schedule virtual meetings with a certified ABA
therapist and enjoy a more proactive role in carving out their child’s more independent
future.
8. One hour private home consultations are being considered upon request and
necessity to teach family members strategies supporting the goals of the SEN team and
the students’ developmental health
SENHELP wants to be the vehicle through which these changes are successfully implemented.
SENHELP wants to make it easier for the teachers who are unfamiliar with differentiated strategies by giving them access to teaching tools. After all, pedagogy is an important element in every intentionally performed teaching career.
Online
Education
SENHELP wants to BE the difference and MAKE the difference to children who have difficulty learning in conventional arenas.
We want to address the stigma, clear up the misunderstandings and make a difference in the lives of these young people and their families.
STUD ENT
LIFE
Our teachers learn to create a vibrant and inclusive community
We Encourage Creative Learning Try Our Online Sensory Games
The Emirates Autism Centre in Abu Dhabi, caters to approximately 60 children, but there are over 200 awaiting slots to open so they can join. The figures echo the sudden rise in the number of children being diagnosed with autism across the UAE.
The World Health Organization(WHO) advises that 1 in 160 children are born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, per statistics in The World Population Review, the UAE is in the top five countries with the highest autism rate in the world (1 child in 89).
