Astrolabe Neuro-Developmental Therapy

08/03/2026

The UK government’s new SEND policy is reshaping support for children with special educational needs. From EHCP reforms to school funding pressures, this article explains what the changes mean for families, educators and inclusive education across the country.

31/01/2026

👁️ More Than Just "Seeing":

Why Visual Perception Matters!

Ever wonder why some children struggle to tell a b from a d, or find it hard to copy notes from a whiteboard? As a Neurodevelopmental Therapist, I see how these "hidden" skills form the foundation for reading, writing, math, and even basic independence.

Visual perception isn't about how clearly your child sees (eyesight); it’s about how their brain interprets what they see! 🧠✨

Here are the first 4 (of 7) vital visual skills.

1️⃣ Visual Discrimination
The "Spot the Difference" Skill. This is the ability to notice tiny details and tell the difference between shapes, letters, or numbers while ignoring "visual noise."

2️⃣ Visual Memory
The "Mental Snapshot" Skill. The ability to remember what you’ve seen after it’s gone.

3️⃣ Visual Spatial Relationships
The "Where is it?" Skill. This helps children understand where objects are in relation to themselves and others—even if they are flipped or turned.

4️⃣ Visual Form Constancy
The "Big or Small, I Know You" Skill. Recognizing a shape or letter no matter its size, color, or font.

Does your child struggle with any of these areas? Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the final three skills!

16/01/2026

As the debate about the age at which children should be exposed to social media gathers pace, an understanding of how children's brains develop should be at the forefront of the conversation. Social media is only one aspect of the influence of screen time on the developing human brain.An abridged ex...

04/11/2025

Optimal cord clamping - Why waiting is recommended

28/10/2025

24/10/2025

***One-Day Teachers' Course: Implementing Neuromotor Readiness for Learning***

Many teachers know the feeling — bright children who struggle to sit still, stay focused, or cope emotionally in the classroom.

Sometimes these challenges aren’t about behaviour or attitude, but about neuromotor readiness — the physical foundations of learning.

This new One-Day Teacher Training Course, led by Alison Harvey of Neuro-Connect, will help educators understand how early movement patterns influence focus, coordination, and emotional control — and what can be done to support children more effectively.

Alison brings a unique perspective as both a pharmacist and parent. Her journey began while searching for help for her own child — and what she found transformed her family’s life.

Date: Saturday 15th November 2025
Location: Amble, Northumberland
Course: Implementing Neuromotor Readiness for Learning (INPP)
Book here >>> https://bookwhen.com/inpp-uk/e/ev-sbr0n-20251115100000

Learn more about how movement underpins learning and how to use INPP methods to help every child reach their potential.

30/08/2025

Birth is one of the most physically demanding things a baby goes through. When it’s a smooth experience, it helps kickstart healthy brain development. But if labour is very long, very fast, involves interventions or high stress, it can leave a lasting imprint on the nervous system.

According to Dr. Tony Ebel, birth trauma can trigger a “fight or flight” response in a newborn that never properly settles.

This can lead to a hyper-sensitive nervous system, which might show up later as:
- Sensory sensitivities
- Poor sleep
- Trouble settling
- Anxiety or meltdowns
- Constant need for movement

These signs are not about what’s wrong with a child but can be clues that their system may be stuck in survival mode. With the right support, we can help the nervous system calm and reorganise - just get in touch for a chat to find out how we can help.

26/08/2025

I’m delighted to share the inspiring vision of Macosquin Primary School in leading the way by hosting the INPP School Programme Teacher Training. With the support of the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, funding was provided for more than ten schools to take part. The training was delivered by INPP UK Principal, Pauline Shannon, and warmly facilitated by our colleague and fellow INPP licentiate, Tori Sheppard of Map & Compass Neuro-Developmental Therapy.

As an educator, I see this training as essential for understanding the increasing challenges many children face in the classroom. Through an evidence-based developmental movement approach, it helps build children’s physical readiness for learning — enabling them not only to thrive in school, but also to find everyday tasks easier. I look forward to the day when this invaluable approach is recognised as a core part of teacher training across the country.

25/08/2025

Some children can’t stand labels on clothing, noisy spaces, or brushing their hair. Others constantly seek movement, pressure or rough play. To the outside world, this might seem like fussiness or defiance – but there’s often something deeper going on.

In his article on pxdocs.com, Dr. Tony Ebel explains:
“These behaviours are not attention-seeking or disobedient. They’re adaptive responses to an overwhelmed nervous system.”

Once we understand the sensory system, these behaviours make more sense – and so does the support that can help.

12/08/2025

In at least 80% of children with developmental delays, including ADD/ADHD, SPD and autism, there is a history of birth trauma.