Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 112
Confidence boosts, safe spaces, and the fall of the Premier Inn mug
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about how we support neurodivergent children, not by trying to “fix” them, but by meeting them where they are and celebrating who they already are. That idea weaves through everything I’ve shared: a new course for tricky PDA “no” moments, a simple tool to boost confidence, an instagram post full of gentle reminders (and a small rant about see-through mugs. I’m outraged..).
As ever, most of what you’ll find below is free to use, adapt, and pass on. I hope it brings a bit of clarity, calm, or colour to your week.
Let’s take a look…
PRESENT: Inclusive Teaching Ideas
These are the slides from a recent session exploring simple, powerful ways to make our teaching more inclusive—without adding loads to the to-do list. We looked at how small tweaks can reduce barriers, build belonging, and support diverse learners (especially those who are neurodivergent).
(To book me or to find out more about my talks and webinars, email the lovely Ellie - Ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk )
DOWNLOAD: “I Can” Lists for Confidence Building
These simple printables are designed to help children spot (and celebrate) the things they’re already doing well. It’s especially helpful for those who find it hard to see their own progress or strengths—offering a confidence-boosting way to reframe what success can look like.
You can use it one-to-one, in small groups, or pop it on the wall as a quiet reminder that every step forward counts.
LEARN: Strategies for Demand Avoidant Learners
If you’re supporting students who seem to resist every request, this bitesize course is for you. It explores what might lie beneath the “no”- often anxiety, overwhelm, or a need for autonomy- and shares practical, compassionate strategies to reduce conflict and build trust.
With five short videos and rich companion notes, it’s designed to be accessible, affirming, and genuinely useful from the very first lesson. (This is a paid resource, designed to be practical, accessible, and worth every penny).
READ: A Compassionate Guide for Autistic Women
Authored by Catherine Asta of the “Late Discovered Club,” Rediscovered is a gentle, powerful journey home, filled with personal stories, research-backed insights, and practical tools for autistic women who’ve spent years masking or feeling misunderstood. From navigating meltdowns and burnout to embracing emotional truth, it’s a life-affirming guide that has helped so many rediscover their worth and strengths.
UNDERSTAND: Support ND Kids - Just as They Are
This Instagram post unpacks how we can support neurodivergent children without trying to change who they are. From making space for stims to rethinking ‘good behaviour’, each slide offers a simple reminder: our job isn’t to mould kids into something else—it’s to meet them where they are, with patience and pride.
SMILE: Disrupted Routines & See-Through Mugs
Premier Inn: the unofficial hotel of autistic speakers everywhere. Familiar layout. Predictable pillows. That sturdy white mug for a pre-event hot chocolate.
But now? They’ve gone rogue—with glass mugs. See-through. Wrong. Unsettling.
I may need to start travelling with my own. (Not a joke).
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Please do use or share anything that’s helpful—if it supports just one child or one teacher to feel a little more seen, that’s more than enough for me.
If you’d like to support my work, you can:
Share it with someone who might find it helpful
Pledge £1 a month on Patreon
Invite me to speak at your next event, online or in person
Thanks for being part of this little corner of the internet. I’m really glad you’re here.
With warmth, as always,
Pooky
Pooky Knightsmith PhD
Keynote Speaker
Speaking and webinar enquiries: Ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk