We have developed a range of videos and podcasts to support parents and carers of children with a learning disability.
These resources offer practical advice and easy-to-follow strategies, including:
- Supporting children through transitions and changes
- Teaching new skills
- Creating a structured and supportive home environment
- Using visual supports to help with communication
Share your feedback
We would welcome your feedback to help us improve and develop new resources.
Each of our videos include a QR code which links to a short online feedback form. Please use this to tell us what you think or suggest other topics you would find helpful.
Complete our online feedback form.
How to contact us
Children’s Learning Disability Therapeutic Service
Second Floor North, Braid Valley Hospital, 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HL
- Telephone: 028 2563 5510
Useful resources
Videos
Supporting your child with transitions
Other videos in this series
Teaching a new skill
Structuring the home environment
Visual supports for communication
Printable resources
54321
54321 Guidelines
Choice Board What Do I Want To Do
Choice Board
First Then 2
First Next Then
First Then How To Guide
Now Next Then
Now Then Later
Podcasts
We have produced a series of podcasts for parents and carers looking after children with a severe learning disability. Our podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms.
Podcast topics
A selection of podcasts aimed at supporting the parents and carers of children and young people who have a learning disability. Provided by the Children’s Learning Disability Therapeutic Service in Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland and generously supported by funding from NHS Charities Together (https://nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/). Intro music by Dr Gareth Lewis.
Feedback and suggestions would be very welcome via our short online survey: https://bit.ly/3noBN86
Feedback and suggestions would be very welcome via our short online survey: https://bit.ly/3noBN86
We spend time with Sheila thinking about how we understand behaviour, particularly behaviour that is described as challenging. Some advice is given in how to reduce the likelihood of difficulties occurring and what needs to be thought about when times are tough.
Recommended websites
Communication and visual supports
Social stories and comic strip conversations
South Eastern Trust Children and Young People Autism Pinterest
Practical resources for purchase
Sensory Education Aids
Boardmaker
TTS school supplies for primary, secondary and early years
Fun and Function sensory toys and solutions
Organisations that can help
Autism NI Resources
Middletown Centre for Autism
Twinkl
CYCPS – A guide to help you on your journey (PDF)
Informing Choices NI
Mencap
British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)
NHS Conditions: Learning Disabilities
Downs Syndrome Association
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
The Sleep Charity
Sleep Scotland
Cerebra
Family Action
Senac
SE Trust Children and Young People Pinterest (Sensory)
SE Trust Children and Young People Pinterest (Transitions webpage)
SE Trust Children and Young People Pinterest (Physical Structure)