Sandeep Chal

I have 25 years of experience working with children in different educational settings, and I am a mother of 2 children. My youngest son was born with hearing impairment, and at 2.5 years old, he was diagnosed with Autism.

He was nonverbal and had some behaviour issues.

I left my career so that I could support both my children, and I spent my evenings studying. I completed Autism awareness training courses for Early Years Senco qualification, and I also observed many professionals involved in my child’s EHCP.

As a parent of a child with complex needs, it did feel overwhelming and lonely at times, so I joined the Enfield National Autistic Society volunteering team, where I immediately felt supported and thrived in supporting others. After 7 years of volunteering and now in the role of co-branch officer, I have the privilege of working with inspiring professionals and parents/carers who share their own experiences and journeys.

 

When both my children were happy and settled in school, I started working as 1-1 support for children with Autism diagnosis in the mainstream, and this led to teaching in Autism Resourced Provision (ARP) for children in Early Years/Reception and Key Stage 1 and 2.

 

I have also managed and run Social groups for children with Autism/ADHD so that they learn new skills to develop their independence, for example, cooking, making friends, social games and arts/crafts etc. (my son joined this group too!)

 

With all of my experience working in schools, being a parent of a child with additional needs and having a hearing impairment myself, I am able to see and feel things from different perspectives, and I am confident and well-equipped to support other families and children to thrive and reach their full potential too.

 

Not only can I guide and train parents practically in strategies set out, but I can support everyone in the family because I can empathise with the journey in caring for a child with SEN.

 

So this is how Orbit SEN has naturally come to life, and I want to continue to support and share my skills and knowledge to give families the best start in their journey going forward.