ABC Children & Young People’s Therapy: Specialist Neurodivergent Support

18/07/2025

Our hearts are with the children, families, and staff of Minehead Middle School following the devastating coach accident.
No words can ease the pain of such a traumatic event, but please know that so many of us are holding you in our thoughts.

To the brave young people affected, their loved ones, and the first responders who supported them — we stand with you in love and solidarity.

Wishing strength, healing, and comfort to everyone involved. 💛

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/live-key-somerset-road-closed-10354453 Minehead bus crash: Child dies and 21 injured after coach overturns - Somerset Live

A major incident has been declared

17/07/2025

🧠 What’s the Difference Between a Screening and an Assessment?

It’s a common question — and an important one.

🔹 Screening

A screening is a brief tool used to spot potential concerns and decide if further assessment is needed.
• Often a tick-box or short questionnaire
• Can be completed by parents, teachers, or non-specialists
• Identifies possible risk but doesn’t provide answers or diagnoses
• Example tools: SDQ, CAST, ASRS
• Outcome: “May need further investigation”

Think of a screening like taking your temperature — it tells you something might be going on, but not what or why.

⸻

🔹 Assessment

An assessment is a more in-depth process carried out by a trained professional to explore a person’s strengths, difficulties, and support needs.
• Uses validated tools and clinical interpretation
• Involves professional judgement, not just scores
• Includes a written report with clear outcomes
• May be used to support referrals, EHCP applications, or education planning
• Example tools: QbCheck (ADHD), ADOS-2 (Autism)

An assessment is more like a full check-up — it helps you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and what steps to take next.

⸻

At ABC Mental Health Support, we offer screenings, alongside assessments . The assessments are delivered by qualified clinicians and include a clear, professional report — while always being upfront that our service is not a formal diagnostic process.

We’ll also guide you if a diagnostic route (e.g. via Right to Choose) would be more appropriate — because ethics and transparency always come first.

17/07/2025

💡 Still wondering if it could be ADHD?

QbCheck assessments are now available for both children and adults — a fast, objective screening tool recommended by NICE and widely used to support accurate identification of attention and focus differences.

This kind of assessment can:
✔️ Offer clarity and reduce uncertainty
✔️ Provide evidence to support school or workplace adjustments
✔️ Highlight attention patterns with or without hyperactivity
✔️ Be completed online with results reviewed by a qualified clinician

Many people wait years for answers. Getting started doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming.

📄 Comprehensive reports
🔎 Clear, respectful process
✅ Private and professional referrals accepted

📞 07535 673665
🌐 www.ABCmentalhealthsupport.com

For those who’ve always felt like they had to work twice as hard just to keep up - this might be the missing piece.

17/07/2025

15/07/2025

If anyone wants to know more about using Video Games in therapy I host a TikTok channel:

.gaming.therap 328 Followers, 666 Following, 359 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by The Gaming Therapist

15/07/2025

Great article about Video Gaming Therapy.

https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jul/14/the-way-a-child-plays-is-the-way-they-live-how-therapists-are-using-video-games-to-help-vulnerable-children?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLixONleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHt4gdWEIHwBIOojSFguMKgaFVPvreJ6Ial2Fstu5Gp84qgV-dXFs4rJdt-Ue_aem_9pepX8lM75Sig_4cJRqOyA

Minecraft and other creative games are becoming recognised as powerful means of self-expression and mental health support, including for traumatised Ukrainian refugees

13/07/2025

🌱 Online safety doesn’t start with banning games — it starts with connection.I made this short video to gently support parents who are navigating the tricky world of online gaming. It’s something that comes up often in my work as a therapist, especially with neurodivergent children and young people.In the video, I talk about:– Why banning games can backfire– How to approach safety through curiosity, not fear– The impact of heavy marketing inside games– And why trust and open communication matter more than everYou don’t need to be tech-savvy. You just need to be present.💬 I hope it helps someone feel a little more confident today.🎥 Watch below if you’d like to take a look.

12/07/2025

What does a Video Gaming Therapist do in their spare time? Roblox Grow A Garden

11/07/2025

‘It is frustrating to know that deep thinkers and innovators have, throughout the era of coercive schooling, been writing about its harm and demonstrating the success of SDE, yet most people continue with coercion.’

Here I introduce the topic of our July 12, 2025 Zoom meeting for paid subscribers.