Emotional Wellbeing for Children with Severe and Profound Intellectual/Learning Disabilities in Education

Talking therapies aren't much use to a child with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). And it's tempting to judge their wellbeing by one question: are they smiling? A child who cries with you for the first time, after months, may be doing better, because now they can show you how they feel.

Emotional wellbeing is broader than happiness. It includes feeling safe, comfort, hope, connection and some control over your own life. You'll get a simple cycle to assess, plan, do and review it for each child. Because emotions are physical, the ideas work through the body: long out-breaths with bubbles, music, nature, safe touch, a personal comfort kit. You'll also see why regulation has to come before any learning.

The approach comes from a learning disability nurse with a PhD in severe and profound intellectual disabilities.