As the new academic year approaches, it’s time to explore avenues that will give your child the strong start they need for the academic year. Our team of expert tutors are ready to provide your child with the guidance they need towards a path of academic excellence from the outset. Our team of expert tutors are equipped with the expertise to ensure that your child received the support they need to overcome hurdles they may come across along the way. Whether your child needs reinforcement in subjects that they struggle with or guidance in tackling more complex concepts, our tutors are dedicated to providing the necessary support tailored to your child’s specific needs. 

Transitioning to a new grade can often be overwhelming for students. The pressure of adapting to a different academic level and adjusting to increased workload can be daunting. At Catch Up Kids, we understand these challenges and offer the necessary guidance and support to help your child navigate these transitions. Our tutors provide a supportive environment where your child can confidently tackle the demands of a new academic year. Our tutors do not only provide homework support, but they are also trained to provide comprehensive assistance, whether it’s learning challenges or behavioural issues. At Catch Up Kids we believe in using a holistic approach, addressing not just academic needs but also fostering personal growth and development. At Catch Up Kids, we will provide your child with the necessary support that they need to cope with classroom pressures. 

Our one-on-one approach allows your child to learn at a comfortable pace whilst receiving the attention that they need to achieve great results. At Catch Up Kids, we view education as a collaborative effort involving parents, teachers, and the child themselves. We encourage active participation and open communication, ensuring that everyone involved is aware of the child’s progress. By fostering this partnership, we create a supportive network where your child’s growth becomes a shared goal, leading to a more enriching and effective learning experience. By focusing on the unique requirements of each child, we not only aim for academic success but also foster the essential skills necessary for a fulfilling and successful life beyond the classroom. 

To ensure your child kickstarts the new year on the right foot academically, enrolling them with Catch Up Kids is the way to go. This new year, empower your child to excel academically and overcome any challenges that come their way by enrolling them with Catch Up Kids. Let’s embark on this journey together, unlocking your child’s full potential. 

There is presently no cure for Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), however there are various treatments and interventions which can manage the symptoms effectively. One such approach is integrating Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), into your child’s ADHD treatment plan. 

 

ABA is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and improving behavioural issues. ABA is commonly associated with treating autism spectrum disorder, but its principles can also be beneficial for children with ADHD. 

 

Here are some of the benefits of integrating ABA into your child’s ADHD treatment plan: 

1. ABA techniques can help children with ADHD learn and reinforce positive behaviors, such as following instructions, maintaining focus, and controlling impulses. These are important skills to achieve academic success. By breaking tasks into manageable steps and providing rewards for completion, ABA can encourage desired behaviours. 

 

2. ABA emphasizes creating a structured environment. For children with ADHD, this structured setting can assist in organizing tasks, managing time, and reducing distractions, ultimately improving focus and attention. 

 

3. ABA promotes consistency in routine. Establishing consistent routines and clear expectations can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD, providing a sense of stability and reducing impulsivity. Having a constant change in routine may induce anxiety. 

 

4. ABA techniques can be used to teach specific skills, such as social interaction, executive functioning, self-regulation, and adaptive skills. These skills are essential for children with ADHD, especially in the school setting. Children with ADHD are often victims of bullying because of their lack of social skills, they often struggle to understand social cues and are easily irritable in social setting, and this makes it difficult for them to make friends 

 

The expert tutors at Catch Up Kids are trained at integrating Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)  methodology into a ADHD Treatment Plan . This has equipped them with appropriate strategies to handle all kinds of behaviours. ABA can empower children with ADHD to navigate their world better. The programmes at Catch Up Kids are tailored to not only address learning difficulties, but to also address underlying issues that could be causing the learning difficulties. For more information, contact Catch Up Kids today! 

 

This article is not for medical purposes, consult your medical professional before making changes to your child’s treatment plan. 

Every child’s learning journey is unique. Many children encounter hurdles that can impede their progress and it is important to identify these challenges early to seek the necessary intervention. Implementing effective strategies can significantly aid children in overcoming these obstacle and assist them in achieving great results at school. Here are some common learning difficulties kids face and ways to address them: 

1. Dyslexia: Children with dyslexia struggle to read, write, and spell. They might struggle identifying words or remembering how to spell certain words. 

2. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Children with ADHD struggle with focusing for long periods of time, impulse control, and hyperactivity, making it challenging to concentrate in the classroom. 

3. Dyscalculia: Dyscalculia affects mathematical abilities, leading to difficulties in understanding numbers, calculations, and mathematical concepts. 

4. Auditory Processing Disorder: APD affects how the brain processes auditory information, leading to challenges in understanding spoken language and following instructions. 

5. Visual Processing Disorder: Visual processing disorders hinder a child’s ability to interpret and make sense of visual information. 

6. Executive Functioning Issues: Executive functioning issues affect planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation skills in children. 

 

Effective Solutions: 

 

1. Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Creating personalized learning plans tailored to the child’s specific needs. These personalized plans are constantly modified to suit the child’s learning needs. 

2. Multisensory Learning: Use methods that engage multiple senses simultaneously, such as incorporating visuals, auditory aids, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning. 

3. Specialized Instruction: Seek specialized tutoring or interventions targeted at the particular difficulty the child is facing, such as reading specialists for dyslexia or math interventions for dyscalculia. 

4. Positive Reinforcement and Support: Encourage and celebrate small achievements, fostering a positive learning environment that boosts the child’s confidence and motivation. 

5. Structured Routines and Organization: Establish consistent routines and provide organisational strategies to help children manage tasks and stay focused. 

6. Collaboration and Communication: Maintain open communication between parents, teachers, and specialists to ensure a cohesive approach to addressing the child’s learning difficulties. 

 

Understanding and addressing these learning difficulties requires patience, empathy, and a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and professionals. By implementing tailored strategies and providing the necessary support, children can navigate these challenges and thrive academically and personally. 

 

Catch Up Kids designs programmes that specifically target your child’s skills deficits. Our aim is to assist your child with their learning difficulties and to ensure that the difficulties they are facing do not hinder their progress or lead to grade retention. Our specialised one-on-one sessions will assist your child in reaching their age-appropriate developmental milestones. 

 

Children with common learning difficulties struggle in the classroom and tend to always fall behind. To avoid grade retention, get your child the support that they need by contacting Catch Up Kids. 

Remedial / Extra Classes – classes within a school setting- have aspects of traditional schooling, but focus on providing individual instructions, instead of giving instructions to the class as a whole. Teachers who teach remedial classes have specialised training that allows them to understand the individual needs of students with Autism, ADHD, other neurological conditions, and learning disorders. Due to their training, these teachers are often more patient, as they have learned about the behaviours which these children may display.

Remedial / Extra Classes also tend to be quite a bit smaller, but still focus on the social and communicative areas of peer-play and teamwork. These classes are more accommodating for the sensory needs of the children by often allowing frequent breaks for regulation and sensory input.

The four main steps of remedial teaching/classes are:

  • Prepping and collecting supporting materials that are specially for the abilities and capacity of the students.
  • Adapting the educational curriculum to the abilities of the children, especially through organising the resources in a way that is easier to understand for differently wired minds. This also includes making sure that the work is challenging (to prevent boredom, and thus non-compliance), but not so challenging that the child no longer wants to attempt the lesson.
  • Choosing appropriate teaching strategies, and teaching at a slower pace than in traditional classes. One of the strategies includes starting the lesson with an achievable goal, so that the child is motivated and willing to attempt a more demanding task.
  • Organising teaching materials, including materials that provide multi-sensory learning, interesting methods of learning, engaging colours, images, and themes.

In remedial classes, there is also a primary focus on rewarding trying, not just rewarding the desired outcome. This is the most important aspect of special needs education, as there is no incentive for the child to try if they do not know it is safe to make a mistake. Children with special needs often struggle can heavily impact their confidence and sense of self-worth, so it must be ensured that the environment is a calm, engaging, positive space for each individual.

Sometimes children can attend remedial / extra Classes independently, and other times, the child might require facilitation from a tutor, instructor, or therapist. School facilitation is the process in which the child is accompanied by a special-needs professional. The professional may be simply a supportive measure, or the needs of the child may be more intensive. Intensive support may look like running a toileting programme, showing the child how to complete activities and completing it with them, teaching communication methods, assisting social interaction, applying consistency in regard to complying with classroom rules and schedules, and explaining situations that the child might not understand or might be distressed by.

Remedial classes are an option for children with special needs, even if they are a higher-needs child. Should these needs require even more support than just a remedial class, school facilitations are an option to create the optimal environment of learning and trying!

Article by: A. Pascoe (2023)

There are various tutoring companies around the world that specifically teach tutors how to tutor for children with learning and/or neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. There are also companies through which tutors with special needs tutoring freelance and have experience doing so.

 

The core principles of learning disabilities are an important thing to understand and must be discussed to decide if this is a suitable route for the child. The first principle is understanding that children who need this extra assistance often have information processing deficits and are doing their best. Their brains simply process information differently. Often, if a child is non-verbal or has different educational needs, there is often the assumption that these children have less potential than they do. tutor trained in remedial work is often able to recognise thew child’s personal abilities and potential, and through doing so, challenge the child with realistic goals. This mode of tutoring is so important, as not only does it support the child’s needs, but it also assures that the child is not underestimated. In fact, it is essential that these children are not underestimated, as they made get bored with the task at hand, not complete the task properly, refuse to engage in the task, and feel discouraged because they do not feel as they are achieving anything. This leads to increased behavioural problems, and a deep-rooted frustration at not being understood or catered for.  It is also so important that the child is not given work that is above their current abilities, as they may also lead to that frustration, frequent feelings of failure, and a lack of motivation. Remedial tutoring is designed to make sure that these children do not encounter these disappointments, but also that if they do feel this way, they are properly communicated with and supported.

Any disability a child does possess does not mean that they have a low-level of intelligence. Tutoring cannot “cure” disabilities- it is simply a tool in the toolbox of managing these difficulties.

 

Some indicators that your child may need learning disabilities tutoring include, but are not limited to: struggling to write, difficulty speaking, having a challenging time translating their thoughts and requests into words, reading deficits, reading too early for learning milestones (this is also often paired with verbal communication deficits), struggling to form letters, or even not being able to write on the lines of the page. If your child has special needs, being non-verbal for example, these tutors will know how to form a connection of two-way communication, in whichever manner is needed for the child to have their needs met.

Learning disabilities tutoring can be a wonderful, helpful addition to remedial schooling, occupational & speech therapy, and medical treatment.

For parents navigating the challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their children, the search for effective and gentle solutions is a heartfelt mission. While there’s no magic cure, there’s a growing interest among parents in natural remedies for ADHD in children to complement traditional approaches. Let’s explore a range of natural strategies tailored specifically for parents seeking holistic support for their children.

Understanding Natural Remedies for ADHD in Children:

Parents often wonder about alternatives to traditional ADHD management. Natural remedies for ADHD in children include lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and mindful practices. These approaches aim to create an environment that nurtures their child’s unique needs while providing essential support.

Dietary Importance:

Begin the journey by examining your child’s diet. Many parents report improvements in their child’s behaviour by eliminating certain additives, preservatives, dairy, gluten and artificial colours. Encourage a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids like fish and nuts. Small changes can have a big impact on overall well-being.

Playful Exercise:

Children are bundles of energy and channelling that energy through regular physical activity can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a favourite sport, dance, or a simple game of tag, incorporating playful exercise into their routine can help manage hyperactivity and improve focus. Make it a family activity to enhance the bonding experience.

Mindfulness Moments:

Introducing mindfulness practices to children can be both fun and beneficial. Simple exercises like deep breathing or engaging in mindfulness games can help enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation. These practices provide children with valuable tools to navigate the challenges of ADHD in a positive and empowering way.

Herbal Hints:

Some parents explore herbal supplements to support their child’s well-being. While the effectiveness of these supplements is still under research, herbs like chamomile and ginseng are thought to offer potential cognitive benefits. However, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before introducing any herbal supplements to ensure safety and appropriateness for children.

As parents, the journey of discovering what works best for your child with ADHD is a unique and ongoing process. Natural remedies can be gentle additions to your toolkit, providing holistic support to your child’s well-being. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the key is to embrace a combination of approaches that resonate with your child’s personality and needs.

Consulting with healthcare professionals, including paediatricians and educational specialists, is essential to crafting an individualised plan for your child. Natural remedies can be integrated seamlessly into daily life, creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth, resilience, and the development of valuable coping mechanisms. Together, with love and understanding, parents can empower their children to navigate the world with confidence, and help them reach their full potential.

Article by: A. Pascoe (2023)

There are so many different options that can be chosen to support a child with Special Education Needs (SEN)I n need of extra learning and everyday help. The South African government defines special needs schools as schools that “caters for students who have special educational needs due to severe learning disabilities, physical disabilities or behavioural problems. The South African constitution states that every single person has the right to accessible education, and special needs schools are an important way of ensuring this right.

 

Schools for learning disabilities are schools specifically designed for children on the neurodivergent spectrum or children with various learning disorders. Special needs schools are meant to help the child feel safer, more understood, understand information taught to them, and helps children build confidence in their skills and their education.

 

Unlike mainstream education systems, special needs schools focus on individual education so that the educational goals for each child considers their abilities and their learning styles.

Classes at these schools will be smaller, and the child will be given a safe environment in which they do not feel out of place. The smaller classes also prevent sensory overwhelm from a class full of 20 or more students, allows teachers time to explain and answer any questions in detail, and makes the child more likely to ask questions and communicate if they are not overwhelmed by the number of people listening to them. This is in addition to the benefit that the teacher who is working with your child is going to be specialised in understanding the child’s needs and the way their mind works. When in a space where they are validated, supported, understood, the child feels safe to try even if they make a mistake, which is a pillar of learning support.

 

A school for learning disabilities is also more likely to cater for the child’s sensory needs and boundaries.  This creates a classroom that lets the child use stim toys, provides frequent breaks, presents visual schedules, alongside having clear, visible class rules, and strict routines that are followed daily.  There is the worry that going to a smaller school may prevent the child from reaching the full extent of their social skills, but it is actually going to reduce the stigma the child experiences around their disability in a time where they are learning skills they need without the pressure of performing at a level that does not cater for their unique abilities. By socialising with children who may understand their experience of being neurodivergent, the child is likely to develop confidence in social interactions.

Applied Behavioural Analysis, a psychology-based learning process, is a very important part of Special Education Needs tutoring. The core premise of ABA is that the child will always give their best try if the reward is large enough. This reward can range from snacks to verbal reinforcement (which is usually a given in the ABA process), or being given a break to engage in their interests. It improves skills and behaviour through being firm, but kind, patient, and following the child’s personal programme. The Star Academy is an ABA-based academy that works one on one with children with autism, to teach fundamental skills. ABA is not a cure but is a method that has changed the lives of many children and families in regard to the management of autism.

 

The Star Academy is currently expanding their tutor-based solution that can assist the child and their family from the home of the family, in the United Kingdom. SEN (SEN stands for special education needs, and goes hand in hand with ABA), instructors at The Star Academy are well-equipped and trained to work with your child through Zoom. The reach to the UK is being expanded through the exploration of the potential development of recruiting Psychology students in the UK to be trained in ABA and placed in the homes of the families.

 

There is also the understanding that if the parents of the child have a UK-based Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst on their team already, The Star Academy would be thrilled to join them on the team of the child. There is also the potential development of recruiting psychology students from the United Kingdom to train them in ABA and place them with the parents, just as The Star Academy started in South Africa.

 

Home-based Zoom sessions work through ensuring that the instructor is well-prepared and ready to run through the programme. Often, the child will have a parent, nurse, nanny, or caregiver with them. The instructor will run through the child’s programme, guiding and directing the caregiver on how they can help the child in their current environment. Zoom and in-person lessons not only cater for cases of autism, but also ADHD and other learning disorders. If all parents, therapists, and supporters of the children work together and support the child, the wonders of ABA therapy can be shared with international families and children.

 

The frequency and length of the sessions will depend on the result of the intake and assessment of the child, to ensure that they get maximum benefits from their individualised programmes. Home-based ABA programmes are a wonderful way for a child to learn all sorts of new schools, from a safe and supportive space.

Article by: A. Pascoe (2023)

Conduct Disorder poses unique challenges, impacting individuals with persistent disruptive and antisocial behaviours. While there is no cure for Conduct Disorder, there are institutions that provide therapy for Conduct Disorder, including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which plays a pivotal role in fostering positive changes and empowering individuals to navigate life more successfully.

 

Exploring Diverse Approaches to Therapy for Conduct Disorder

 

Therapy for Conduct Disorder encompasses various evidence-based approaches tailored to the individual’s needs. Recognizing the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution aligns with the broader medical understanding that neurodevelopmental conditions have no cure but can be effectively managed through targeted interventions. 

 

  • Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): ABA is a structured and data-driven therapeutic approach that addresses behaviour by breaking it down into smaller components. This method is particularly effective in teaching new skills and reinforcing positive behaviours. ABA interventions are designed to be systematic, individualized, and measurable, providing a clear framework for behaviour modification. For more information about ABA visit www.thestaracademy.co.za
  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): As a cornerstone of therapeutic interventions, CBT targets negative thought patterns and behaviours. By instilling healthier coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills, CBT equips individuals with Conduct Disorder to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
  • Family Therapy: Conduct Disorder often impacts the family unit. Family therapy fosters collaboration to improve communication, set boundaries, and strengthen relationships. Creating a supportive family environment is crucial for sustained positive changes.
  • Individual Counselling: One-on-one counselling provides a safe space for personal exploration. Therapists work with individuals to identify triggers, develop emotional regulation skills, and instil a sense of accountability in managing their behaviour.
  • Social Skills Training: Individuals with Conduct Disorder may struggle with interpersonal relationships. Social skills training focuses on developing appropriate communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, essential for building and maintaining healthy connections.

 

Early Intervention: A Crucial Component of Therapy for Conduct Disorder

 

Early intervention is vital in addressing Conduct Disorder. Early engagement with therapeutic approaches, including ABA, increases the likelihood of positive outcomes. ABA, in particular, emphasizes early and intensive intervention, focusing on improving socially significant behaviours and enhancing overall adaptive functioning.

 

A Lifelong Journey of Coping and Growth

 

While therapy for Conduct Disorder may not offer a cure, it serves as a powerful tool for managing the condition and facilitating positive growth. Coping with the challenges associated with Conduct Disorder is a lifelong journey, and therapies, including ABA, play a vital role in equipping individuals with the skills necessary to navigate various life stages successfully.

 

Breaking Stigmas and Fostering Understanding

 

Challenging stigmas surrounding Conduct Disorder and its therapies, including ABA, is essential. Promoting awareness and understanding contributes to a more compassionate and supportive society, encouraging individuals to seek help without judgment.

In conclusion, therapy for Conduct Disorder, including the impactful ABA, represents a comprehensive and individualized approach to positive transformation. While there may be no cure, the combination of evidence-based therapies empowers individuals to manage their condition effectively, fostering a future of adaptive behaviours, healthier relationships, and overall well-being. Early intervention and a supportive community further enhance the potential for positive change, emphasizing that the journey towards a fulfilling life is possible for individuals with Conduct Disorder.

 While ADHD primarily affects a child’s cognitive and behavioural functions, research has shown that a potential connection between ADHD and bowel problems, such as chronic constipation, faecal incontinence, and bedwetting. In this article, we will explore this link and discuss ways to alleviate these symptoms in children with ADHD. 

 

1. Chronic Constipation: Children with ADHD often experience chronic constipation, which can lead to discomfort. The constipation may be related to neurological and physiological processes in the digestive system not working well. Chronic constipation can increase ADHD symptoms due to the discomfort that the child is feeling. 

2. Faecal incontinence: faecal incontinence can be a distressing problem for children with ADHD. This symptom may result from the inability to recognize and respond to the body’s signals due to ADHD-related impulsivity or inattention. Faecal incontinence can further impact a child’s self-esteem and social interactions. 

3. Bed Wetting: Bedwetting, often associated with ADHD, can be embarrassing and disruptive to a child’s life. It can be related to ADHD’s impact on a child’s ability to wake up in response to a full bladder. This issue can lead to added stress and negatively impact a child’s self-confidence. 

 

Ways to Treat or Alleviate the Symptoms of ADHD and bowel problems

 

Addressing the gastrointestinal symptoms in children with ADHD is important to improve their overall well-being. Here are some strategies: 

1. Consult a paediatrician: The first step should be to consult with a paediatrician. Medical professionals can provide guidance on suitable treatments or interventions. 

2. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: Some dietary and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. Increasing fibre intake, ensuring proper hydration, and maintaining a regular meal schedule can positively impact constipation and incontinence. 

3. Behavioural Interventions: behavioural therapies, often used to manage ADHD, can be adapted to address gastrointestinal issues. 

4. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage gastrointestinal symptoms. Laxatives, for instance, can help alleviate constipation, and bedwetting may be treated with medications such as desmopressin. 

5. Addressing ADHD: treating the underlying ADHD can improve gastrointestinal symptoms. Effective ADHD management through counselling, behavioural therapy, or medication can enhance a child’s ability to focus on their bowel and bladder functions. 

 

The connection between ADHD and bowel problems in children is a complex and emerging field of study. While more research is needed to fully understand this relationship, it is clear that these symptoms can significantly impact a child’s life. The good news is that there are strategies available to help alleviate these symptoms and improve a child’s overall quality of life. By consulting with medical professionals, making dietary and lifestyle changes, and addressing the underlying ADHD, parents and caregivers can offer vital support to children who are coping with these challenges. Consult your doctor to find out how you can help your child in dealing with their gastrointestinal problems.