ASD Rainbows

05/09/2026

Is 100% attendance still something schools should be rewarding? 🤔

04/09/2026

Restrictive eating can be a daily source of anxiety for many children and young people, especially within the school environment. This free live Insight Session webinar explores how small, realistic changes can significantly reduce distress and support wellbeing.

📅 Tuesday 22 September 2026
⏰10:00am – 12:00pm
💻Live online | Free to attend
🎙️ Led by Sian Taylor, Clinical Specialist Dietitian (CAMHS, ABUHB), founder of Wales’s first dedicated ARFID service and Chair of the BDA ARFID subgroup

🔎 What we’ll cover:
✔️ Understanding restrictive eating and ARFID
✔️ Links with autism and sensory processing differences
✔️ The impact of school routines and lunchtime practices
✔️ Practical, compassionate adjustments schools can make
✔️ Approaches that may unintentionally increase distress
✔️ Working positively with families

👩‍🏫 For parents, carers, school staff & ALN professionals
🌈 Neurodivergence‑affirming | Practical | Compassion‑focused
👉 Register now to secure your place: adb686fe-9a61-40a2-8ba1-b4bcb03c00f9@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/adb686fe-9a61-40a2-8ba1-b4bcb03c00f9@6850a7f1-4cc1-4482-a1c1-79439f679966

01/09/2026

Parent and child group starts tomorrow

31/08/2026

Hi all, hope you have all survived the long holiday ok and have had a good time.
For all of our little ones starting school - all of us at Rainbows will be thinking of you. Have a fantastic time. You will all smash it. We look forward to seeing your photos.
School is a challenging time for lots of our children and families. You know where we are if you need to chat about this and any support. Message or ring if you need a chat. I’m working at home tomorrow so will pick up messages.
Preparing for school - get back into a routine, try to finish screen time at least hour before bed to calm the brain. I know it’s challenging and can be a battle. The screen does contribute to sleep issues so try to work on this if you can.
Fill that hour with bath time, story, look online for some exercises for relaxing, Colouring, drawing, look for calm relaxing activities, stretching exercises.
Problems with sleep- look at Cerebra website for their sleep advice.
Preparing your child for school. Don’t talk about it too much to raise anxiety. When you talk about school try to hide your anxiety and talk positively about school, children will pick up on your anxiety. Put everything they need ready the night before to save the last minute rushing.
Have a favourite breakfast, try to be as relaxed and upbeat as you can.
When you child comes home from school just say “I hope you’ve had a lovely day” but don’t ask questions, they will tell you about their day in their own time.
Have a snack ready (crunchy foods are good for regulation), maybe make up an activity box with fidgets, craft, sensory activities- kinetic sang, small LEGO sets) you can get cheaper brand mini kits.
Give your child time to relax without any demands.
Good luck for whenever your child’s first day is.
We are here if you need us.

21/08/2026

A fun packed day of older young people and their families.

18/08/2026

🚶‍♀️JUST 7 DAYS TO GO! 🚶‍♂️

Next Wednesday, we’ll be Walking in Our Shoes, coming together to raise awareness, build understanding and stand beside neurodivergent children, young people and their families.

Every day, families navigate appointments, assessments, education, healthcare, waiting lists, meetings and advocacy, often having to fight to make sure their child’s needs are understood and supported.

Our walk is about making those journeys visible.

It’s about listening.
It’s about understanding.
And most importantly, it’s about showing families that they don’t have to walk alone.

👟 WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

🚶‍♀️ JOIN US
Come along and walk with us on the day.

💙 GET SPONSORED
Take part and ask your friends, family or colleagues to sponsor you.

💰 SPONSOR OUR TEAM
Every donation helps us continue supporting neurodivergent children, young people and their families.

👉 Support our Walk in Our Shoes campaign:
https://localgiving.org/fundraising/BSH-SponsoredWalk

📍 Ponty Park, Pontypridd
📅 Wednesday 19 August 2026
🕙 10am to 1pm
📌 Meet at the Bandstand

🌈 And don’t forget, wear something colourful! 🌈

We’ve got lots more to share over the next few days as we count down to the walk… 👀💙

Lace up. Show up. Walk with purpose.

🚶‍♀️ 7 days to go… will you walk with us? 👟💙

17/08/2026

Supporting a child with additional needs on their toilet training journey?

Toilet training can feel overwhelming, especially when your child needs extra support. The good news is that nearly all children can learn to be clean and dry. It may take longer and look different for every child, but it's an important life skill that can make a big difference to their independence and confidence.

That's why ERIC has created a helpful advice sheet packed with practical guidance for parents and carers, including:

🔵 Where to start
🔵 Spotting and managing constipation
🔵 Keeping the bladder healthy
🔵 Toilet training older children
🔵 Considering what extra support may help
🔵 Practical tips to help you get started with toilet training

📖 Read the advice sheet here: https://eric.org.uk/advice-about-bladders-bowels-and-toileting-for-children-with-additional-needs-2/

💬 Know a parent or carer who might find this helpful? Tag them below or share this post.

15/08/2026

We mentioned Charlie a little while back. Charlie is the most courageous and resilient young man. He appeared on news at 6 last night telling his story. Charlie’s family and friends have been raising funds to help Charlie achieve his bucket list. Such an inspiring family.

Despite being given days to live, Charlie Lock still has lots of things he wants to achieve.