Deb West

At 16, I was placed in a bedsit with two older men who were both alcoholics. The place was dangerous and unsuitable for a 16 year old boy leaving care and starting an independent life. No one listened when I begged for somewhere safe to live. I ended up falling behind on my bills because I had no money or support, and before I knew it, I was homeless. That's how quickly it can happen, and you have no control over it whatsoever. It is not a lifestyle choice. @SuellaBraverman

Constipation for people with a learning disability can be fatal if it’s not treated. To avoid preventable deaths, make sure people with a learning disability presenting with symptoms of constipation are seen by their general practice team.

When I worked with abusive men, I saw the difference between the men who had family & friends who challenged their abusive behavior and those who didn't. Having a friend who said, "don't act like that toward her" could make all the difference in the world....🧵

I’ve been to an awards ceremony at my son’s school today. Kids were awarded for 100% attendance, and specifically for coming into school when ill and “pushing through.” A teacher was awarded for working every evening &always being available. This needs to stop. It’s just wrong.

NEURODIVERGENT PARENTS\CARERS If you are neurodivergent, please consider sharing your tips for managing parenthood in this brief survey collecting ideas to share in my next book forms.office.com/e/AWcW03N6C0 Thank you!

ANXIETY | Find What Feels Safe youtu.be/Fu4gUvTl68A This week's YouTube video explores a gentle approach to tackling anxiety 😊Please watch, like, subscribe & share 😊

STUCK THOUGHTS Do you have any experience or ideas to share with this parent please?

ANXIETY Today's podcast explores "How Can Finding Our Flow State Help with Anxiety or Overwhelm?" buzzsprout.com/1183931/131636… Please listen and share

1/14 The @RCSLT are updating the #Autism Guidance due out in September. As part of the public consultation #SLTs #ActuallyAutistic professionals & allies wrote to the RCSLT with their concerns. The letter & RCSLT response at theautisticadvocate.com/2023/07/an-ope… @KieranRose7

#Oliverscampaign We do need far greater understanding of PDA I promise that if this petition is successful I will do everything in my power to ensure that PDA is included

There are lots of resources on our website for PDA people, families, carers and professionals. All our resources are FREE to download or watch - please feel free to browse and share with others to help increase understanding and acceptance of #PDA: pdasociety.org.uk/resources/reso…

There's still time for professionals who work in adult social care, adult residential settings or as a personal assistant to join our online #CPD accredited course on Thursday 29th June about supporting #PDA adults. Tickets & further info available here: eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-with…

Tickets are available for our What is PDA? live online course on 14th July where parents, carers and professionals can learn about #PDA and the approaches that are helpful. Includes a Q&A with PDA adult @RikoRyuki: eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-is-pda-…

Secondary mainstream academy told about prospective pupil with major auditory sensory sensitivity: "We'll soon get those ear defenders off him, we don't allow them in school". And they wonder why so many children with SEN struggle in the mainstream.

What would you do if you saw someone having a very obvious, tonic clinic #seizure? Please take time to familiarise yourself with this first aid guide. There are many other types of #epilepsy & we’re all constantly learning. #EpilepsyAwareness #PurpleDay2023 #morethanseizures

We have received funding to pay for some web developers to make a website about autism FOR AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE! While this is incredibly exciting, we need your support to make it happen: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI… 1/5