Autism support series by Dr Susan Ozer

Is It Bad Behaviour, or Is There Something We're Missing?Why does a child refuse to eat at school but eat comfortably at home?Why can another child explain an answer but struggle to write it down?And why does a child who knows the classroom rules repeatedly struggle to sit still or follow instructions?These were the three scenarios we explored during our First School Doctor TikTok Live, where I joined my colleague and Co-Founder School Doctor, Dr Susan Ozer  and Mrs Elizabeth Abavana, a Special Educational Needs Specialist based in Ghana.Our discussion highlighted how easily children's difficulties can be misunderstood as laziness, stubbornness or poor behaviour when there may be underlying sensory, emotional, learning or neurodevelopmental challenges.We shared practical strategies teachers can use, from visual instructions and movement breaks to reducing writing demands, allowing processing time and working closely with parents.One particularly important theme was the need for culturally relevant parent education across Africa. We need to explain developmental and learning differences using familiar language, everyday experiences and resources that families can relate to.As Mrs Abavana beautifully summarised:“Supporting a child is not about lowering expectations. It is about understanding what the child needs to meet those expectations.”Through School Doctor Africa, we hope to continue bringing healthcare professionals, educators and families together to improve understanding and support for children across Africa.We don't have to wait for a diagnosis before we start supporting a child.We would love to hear from teachers, parents and professionalsWhat learning or behavioural difficulties do you think are most commonly misunderstood in African classrooms?#SchoolDoctor #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation #ADHD #SpecialEducationalNeeds #EarlyIntervention #Africa #ChildDevelopment Ask School Doctorwww.school-doctor.comDr Susan Ozer is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 30 years experience working in the NHS and private sectors. Dr Susan Ozer is the CEO and Co- Founder of School Doctor, a Neurodevelopmental Social Enterprise. Dr Ozer is also the CEO and founder of Special Brains, a Neurodevelopmental service.She’s a best-selling and award winning published author.Dr Ozer is passionate about advocating for children and young people with neurodiversity. She’s a medical educator and an accredited level 8 mentor and coach. www.school-doctor.comwww.drsusanozer.com 

Mentoring can benefit people in several ways. In this episode, Dr Ozer discuss what mentors need to do ensure an effective mentoring relationship.Summary:1. Establish a good mentor- mentee relationship. 2. Discuss objectives of mentoring at the start of the relationship. 3. The mentor should allow the mentee to lead the partnership and not to direct. 4. The mentor should encourage reflection and good critical thinking skills in the mentee. 5. The mentor should also reflect throughout the relationship and employ good questioning, probing and listening skills.5. The mentor should be aware of the mentee’s life chapters and obstacles that might impede success.6. The mentor and mentee should explore what success looks like.7. The mentor should strive to evaluate the program at the end of the mentoring relationship.8. Good work- life balance is critical. Dr Susan Ozer is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 30 years experience working in the NHS and private sectors. Dr Susan Ozer is the CEO and Co- Founder of School Doctor, a Neurodevelopmental Social Enterprise. Dr Ozer is also the CEO and founder of Special Brains, a Neurodevelopmental service.She’s a best-selling and award winning published author.Dr Ozer is passionate about advocating for children and young people with neurodiversity. She’s a medical educator and an accredited level 8 mentor and coach. www.school-doctor.comwww.drsusanozer.com 

In this episode, Dr Susan Ozer dives into the practical side of creating visual schedules for children with autism. From choosing the right format—whether pictures, symbols, or digital tools—to setting up routines that reduce anxiety and build independence, she explores  simple, hands-on strategies parents , carers and teachers can start using right away at home or in the classroom.Dr Susan Ozer is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 30 years experience working in the NHS and private sectors. Dr Susan Ozer is the CEO and Co- Founder of School Doctor, a Neurodevelopmental Social Enterprise. Dr Ozer is also the CEO and founder of Special Brains, a Neurodevelopmental service.She’s a best-selling and award winning published author.Dr Ozer is passionate about advocating for children and young people with neurodiversity. She’s a medical educator and an accredited level 8 mentor and coach. www.school-doctor.comwww.drsusanozer.com 

Dr Susan Ozer explores a number of useful strategies that can support children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions Dr Susan Ozer is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 30 years experience working in the NHS and private sectors. Dr Susan Ozer is the CEO and Co- Founder of School Doctor, a Neurodevelopmental Social Enterprise. Dr Ozer is also the CEO and founder of Special Brains, a Neurodevelopmental service.She’s a best-selling and award winning published author.Dr Ozer is passionate about advocating for children and young people with neurodiversity. She’s a medical educator and an accredited level 8 mentor and coach. www.school-doctor.comwww.drsusanozer.com 

Children and Young people with Autism commonly struggle with a variety of difficulties. This series by Dr Ozer will provide signposting to strategies that can be utilised to help overcome difficulties.Dr Susan Ozer is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 30 years experience working in the NHS and private sectors. Dr Susan Ozer is the CEO and Co- Founder of School Doctor, a Neurodevelopmental Social Enterprise. Dr Ozer is also the CEO and founder of Special Brains, a Neurodevelopmental service.She’s a best-selling and award winning published author.Dr Ozer is passionate about advocating for children and young people with neurodiversity. She’s a medical educator and an accredited level 8 mentor and coach. www.school-doctor.comwww.drsusanozer.com