Welcome!

I hope you will find this collection of information related to learning differences useful.

My aim is to provide individuals, parents and teachers with tools to support learning at home, school or beyond, to level the playing field for neurodiverse learners. This means anyone for whom traditional methods of teaching can sometimes be a challenge and includes but is not limited to:

  • specific learning difficulties (SpLDs*) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia
  • developmental coordination disorder (DCD/dyspraxia)
  • AD/HD (predominantly inattentive, hyperactive or combined types)
  • ASC (autism spectrum conditions)

The articles have been written and the resources created for one reason – to raise awareness by sharing ideas, information and practice. Posts, infographics and resources are there to be downloaded and shared, so please do just that!

I am a lecturer in education and childhood with a background in primary teaching. My doctoral research is with families who choose home education to meet special or additional needs. I am a passionate advocate for SEND/ALN rights, and a qualified specialist teacher and assessor for specific learning difficulties.

My childhood experience of attending school in an unfamiliar language fuelled a passion for supporting communication skills in my students. My own children are capable but complex: between them they have experienced assessment and support for ADHD, auditory processing difficulties, autism spectrum condition, dyslexia and visual stress. Since 2010 I have focused on assessment and learning support. Working with learners from nursery through to university, understanding each student’s strengths and needs is essential to provide timely, effective support strategies and advice.

I am a qualified Specialist Teacher Assessor accredited by the British Dyslexia Association and registered with the Professional Association of Teachers of Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.

Thank you for visiting!

Sarah Gillie BA (Hons), PGCE, MA SEN, AMBDA, SpLD APC (PATOSS)

*The umbrella term SpLD is often used to describe a wide range of learning differences and to include DCD, ADHD and ASC.