Inclusion polices now in place mean young people who need individual or small group attention are being mainly taught in large class situations.

These circumstances do not naturally allow the child’s voice to be heard or their personal thoughts and feelings to be considered.

This book offers explanations and reassurance to teachers and support staff who work with young people with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Asperger and speech and language difficulties. It uses thought-provoking quotations and amusing illustrations to explain how young people try to cope with the daily challenges they face.

Haim Ginott’s quote is a timely reminder that “As a teacher I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized.”

This book enables its readers to take a well-informed approach and encourages sensitivity when teaching vulnerable young people.

Angie Rutter

Specialist teacher, Buckinghamshire communication and interaction team