Welcome to Complete SENse:

All things SEND, simplified.

Are you looking for comprehensive information and support related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Look no further. Complete SENse is your go-to resource for understanding, navigating, and thriving with SEND.

With over 20 years teaching experience, a qualified SENDCo background, an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing, and a personal understanding of ADHD, I bring a unique perspective and deep knowledge to this platform. My aim is to provide you with practical advice, expert insights, and a supportive community.

Whether you're a parent, educator, professional, caregiver, or simply someone with an interest in SEND, you'll find valuable information and resources here.


About

Growing up, ADHD wasn't a term familiar to anyone, especially not for girls. My struggles were labelled as laziness, forgetfulness, or simply being 'too much'.

As a teenager and young adult, I oscillated between masking my differences and indulging in destructive coping mechanisms. 

I'm determined to shed light on the experiences of neurodivergent. I’ve faced the challenges firsthand, and I understand the immense pressure to conform…

 


ADHD, Girls, and Adolescence: A Complex Relationship

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a persistent pattern of behaviours that interfere with functioning or development (as defined by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

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The Dopamine Dilemma: Understanding Students with ADHD

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemicals that allow our neurons, or nerve cells, to talk to each other) often referred to as the "reward chemical," plays a key role in motivation, focus, and learning. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is often linked to imbalances in the dopamine system. This can present as difficulties with focus, attention, and impulse control. For students, especially those with ADHD, understanding dopamine helps in creating an optimal learning environment.

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To all of the neurodivergent girls who will eventually become neurodivergent women, I dedicate all of this to you, with the hope that it will contribute to the growing understanding and acceptance of ADHD. May it shine a light on the experiences you face, and inspire change.