From February 8

ASPERGER’s SYNDROME SEMINARS Courses organised by Asperger’s Syndrome Foundation include: diagnosis, February 8; counselling and Asperger’s syndrome, March 1; social competence in typically developing children compared to those with AS, March 21.

For venuesdetails visit www.aspergerfoundation.org.uk

From February 10

I CAN COURSES

In London for those working in speech, language and communication difficulties. Feb 10, upward spirals in early years language development; Feb 22, a practical approach to communication disabilities; Mar 7, teaching social skills; Mar 13, dyspraxia: fundamentals and practice; Mar 28, communication through music. Fee: from pound;140.

I CAN, Holborn, London EC1. Tel 020 7674 2790; www.ican.org.ukprofessionaldevelopment

March 8

HYDROCEPHALUS STUDY DAY

For teachers, support workers and speech and language therapists. Hilton Hotel, Newport. Fee: pound;50 professionals; pound;15 per family.

Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Tel: 01248 671345; www.asbah.org

March 9-11

EDUCATION SHOW

At the NEC, Birmingham. Includes a special needs zone featuring products and services to support inclusion. Seminars on Every child matters; Using ICT creativity to address social, emotional and behavioural difficulties; Dyslexia-friendly and inclusive learning environments.

Free registration at www.education-show.com; tel 0870 429 4580.

March 25

EVIDENCE-INFORMED PRACTICE

Conference exploring what works for children with speech, language and communication needs. Organised by National Association of Professionals concerned with Language Impaired Children at Aston University, Birmingham.

Speakers include: Professor Joe Elliot, Durham University, and Dr Janet Wright, University College London. Fee: pound;140; members pound;110.

Email: conference@naplic.org.uk; www.naplic.org.uk

EVENTS

February 6-12

MAKE CHATTER MATTER

Awareness week with a sea theme organised by the I CAN charity. Early years teachers, therapists and parents can register for a free pack of songs, activity ideas and sponsor forms at www.ican.org.uk

February 5-11

EATING DISORDERS

Awareness week organised by The Eating Disorders Association, which provides training and resources.

Visit www.edauk.comedaw. Tel: 0870 770 3221; EDA helpline 0845 634 1414.

AWARDS

SMALL GRANTS FOR PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION

Shadow puppetry workshops for more than 100 children in refugee and homeless centres in London, and a workshop series organised by Shakespeare’s Globe for students with sensory impairments are among the activities that have received grants from the Clore Duffield Foundation programme. Next application closing date: March 14.

www.cloreduffield.org.uk

COMPETITION

Mencap’s Snap has two new categories for young people: Young Snap, open to under-19s, and Mobile Snap, for images taken on a camera phone. Closing date March 10. Full details on www.mencap.org.uk. Tel: 020 7696 6937.

TELEVISION

BBC2 SOMETHING SPECIAL (4-7s)

Colours: Thurs Feb 2, 10.45-11am; Food, Thurs Feb 9, 10.45-11am,.

Introduces children to basic concepts, including everyday nouns, social language and expressing likes and dislikes, and helps them to communicate using Makaton.

SOMETHING SPECIAL (5-7s)

New series Thurs March 2, 10.45-11am. Takes slightly older children to the next Makaton level. The Tumble family returns with a collection of rhymes, teaching signs, symbols and films.

THE CHAT ROOM (7-11s)

Stereotypes, March 3, 11.30-11.50am. The Chat Room’s resident Big Sister sets young people physical challenges to help them understand difficulties faced by people with learning disabilities, and shares her own experiences as a person with Down syndrome.

TEACHERS’ TV (See www.teachers.tv)

SPECIAL NEEDS WEEK Feb 20-26

Programmes include:

SPECIAL SCHOOLS - A MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH Feb 22, 7pm. Focuses on a school where pupils have severe to profound learning difficulties, each with a curriculum specific to their needs. Teachers use tactile cards and scents for each day of the week.

Primary Special Needs

MAKING INCLUSION WORK Feb 21, 7.30pm

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN MAINSTREAM, ROSIE’S WORLD Feb 22, 7.30pm

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE STRATEGIES Feb 24, 7.30pm

Secondary Special Needs BACK IN THE MAINSTREAM Feb 21, 7.45pm

COMPLEX SPECIAL NEEDSFeb 23, 7.45pm

SUCCESS AND SELF-ESTEEM Feb 24, 7.45pm