Resources for Supporting Neurodiversity and SEN with Compassion & Holistic Wellness

At Seven Senses, we believe neurodiversity, SEN, and individual sensory preferences are to be embraced and celebrated, not simply accommodated. Whether you’re a parent, educator, carer, or someone who wants to support the children in your life more consciously, this space is for you.

We’ve thoughtfully curated a collection of books, podcasts, tech tools, fidgets, sensory toys, gadgets, and community resources that reflect our values of empathy, empowerment, and gentle, holistic support. These are practical, meaningful ways to nurture understanding, calm, and connection while supporting neurodivergent children and young people.

Empowering Tech Tools & Sensory Supports

Technology and tangible tools can be powerful allies when used thoughtfully. These apps, gadgets, fidgets, and sensory toys support a variety of needs, from communication to regulation and cognitive development:

Symbols and Communication:

• Communicate In Print

• Widget

• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

• AAC devices (e.g., Proloquo2Go, Avaz)

Cognitive & Developmental Tools:

• Endless Alphabet, CogniFit, Lumosity Kids, Skillz Logical Brain Game

• TinyTap, Montessori Preschool, Toca Life World

• Special iApps

Support for Dyslexic Learners:

• Nessy Learning, Ghotit Real Writer, Phonics Hero, ClaroSpeak

Speech & Language:

• Speech Blubs, Articulation Station, My Talk Tools, Splingo

Math Support:

• ModMath, Times Tables Rock Stars, Doodle Maths, Todo Math, LGFL Busy Things

Sensory Tools & Fidgets:

• Chewy tubes and chewable jewellery

• Weighted lap pads, cushions, blankets, and vests

• Fidget objects such as spinners, cubes, flexible items and sensory balls

• Tactile sensory toys: kinetic sand, textured balls, play dough

• Visual timers and light-up focus tools

• Occupational therapy kits for fine motor and coordination development

Tech for Visual & Hearing Impairments:

• Seeing AI, Voice Dream Reader, Be My Eyes, Lookout by Google, TapTapSee

  
  

Tip: Incorporating occupational therapy-informed tools such as weighted items, fidgets, tactile manipulatives, and sensory bins alongside apps and tech can help children regulate, focus, and engage more confidently. These resources, paired with gentle guidance, nurture growth, independence, and a sense of calm for children and young people.

Support Beyond the Screen

These organisations provide expert guidance, legal advice, training, advocacy, and emotional support to families and professionals across the UK:

• IPSEA- Independent Parental Special Education Advice: Education rights and legal guidance

• National Autistic Society- Advocacy, resources, and services for autistic people and families

• Scope- Promoting disability equality and inclusive education

• Contact-Support for families with disabled children

• Ambitious About Autism- Specialist support and learning

• Dyslexia Action- Assessments, support, and training

• NDCS- National Deaf Children’s Society

• RNIB-  Royal National Institute of Blind People

Community & Parent Support Networks:

• @Neurovisionworld and @BreatheandBond (Instagram)- Safe spaces and events for parents of children with additional needs

• SEN Parents UK (Facebook)- Active support group sharing tips and resources

• Mumsnet SEN Forum- Open discussions with other parents and carers

• Special Needs Jungle- Parent-led insight into SEND law, policies, and lived experience

• SENDIASS- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (via local councils)

• School WhatsApp groups- If your child attends a school or alternative provision, check with staff for parent group options

Recommended Books & Podcasts

Explore powerful stories, expert guidance, and lived experiences through resources that celebrate and support neurodivergent minds.

Books:

• The Out-of-Sync Child – Carol Kranowitz: A trusted guide to understanding sensory processing challenges.

• Differently Wired – Debbie Reber: Reimagining parenting for differently-wired children.

• Uniquely Human – Dr. Barry Prizant: A compassionate approach to understanding autism.

• The Whole-Brain Child – Siegel & Bryson: Strategies nurturing brain development with emotional intelligence.

• Brain-Body Parenting – Mona Delahooke: Grounded in neuroscience and attachment, focusing on regulation.

• Raising a Sensory Smart Child – Biel & Peske: Tools for supporting children with sensory processing differences.

Websites:

• Aucademy

• Autistic Girls Network

• Purple Ella

• Autism Education Trust

• Autism Level Up

• A2nd Voice

Podcasts:

• Tilt Parenting – Raising differently wired kids with intention.

• Two Sides of the Spectrum – Neurodiversity-affirming ideas from autistic voices and professionals.

• Beautifully Complex – Parenting, ADHD, and children explored with nuance.

• The Sensory Project Show – Conversations about sensory integration and daily life.

• Learn with Less – Supporting early development through playful, everyday learning.

• The Telepathy Tapes- Shares a very intriguing concept/ view on the abilities of neurodiverse young people