Tracy Matthews
Having started working in the field of Special Educational Needs (SEN) in 2002, I have continually tried to expand my knowledge in social communication needs, autism, ADHD, as well as emotional and behavioural needs.
I have supported hundreds of children and their families over the years, helping them to increase their knowledge and understanding of these complex areas.
This experience has proven to be my best and most effective teacher. I am passionate about working with parents/carers and sharing ideas and strategies. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that one small piece of shared information can make a big difference to a family!
During my many years as an Autism Practitioner, I have had the privilege to attend many training opportunities such as Judith Gould’s ‘Autism and Girls,’ Carol Gray’s Social Stories™ and Kari Dunn-Buron’s ‘Incredible 5-Point Scale’. I have also attended many other courses including TEACCH, Attention Autism, PECS, Sensory Integration and gained a University Certificate in Autism from Birmingham University.
Away from work, I have lived locally in the Sutton area most of my life. I am the mother of three grown-up children and Nan to five amazing Grandchildren.
Professionally, I will continue to empower school staff, parents and children in any way I can and to the best of my ability.
I am privileged to say 'I love my job!'
T: 07910 469238
E:Tracym@adapttolearn.com
Melanie Vijayaratnam
Since qualifying as an NNEB in 1982 I have always been fascinated by child development and in particular how young children learn to communicate.
Throughout my career in the Early Years Sector I have continuously sought to increase my knowledge and expertise to enable me to support children and their families in this key area. I have attended a wide range of courses including TEACCH, PECs, Attention Autism, Carol Gray’s Social Stories™, The Incredible 5 Point Scale and Intensive Interaction. However, the best teacher has been experience and I have had the privilege to work with and learn from many families caring for children with a huge variety of needs across all areas of disability.
I am a licensed EarlyBird/EarlyBird Healthy Minds Trainer and have worked with numerous groups of parents to help them to fully understand the needs of their children. Together we have learnt how to understand autism, adapt our own communication and look at the underlying functions of behaviours. Small changes can make big differences!
I regularly work with pre-schools, nurseries and schools advising them on strategies to help support their pupils with social communication difficulties, autism and behavioural needs. I am an experienced trainer and have written and delivered programmes to a wide variety of audiences including many well-received parent groups.
T: 07971 659904
E: Melaniev@adapttolearn.com