By Caron Kemp

An author and professional health coach will be running workshops in Hertsmere next month aimed at helping children overcome difficulties with reading, writing and spelling.

Andrew Bendefy, co-author of Seeing, Spells, Achieving will be running the free series of workshops as part of Hertfordshire Libraries’ Family Learning Festival.

Mr Bendefy believes his approach to literacy can help people with dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism and Aspergers Syndrome.

County Councillor Keith Emsall, Executive Member for Education and Culture, said: “Mr Bendefy has run a number of sessions in Hertfordshire libraries in the past, all of which have proved very popular with children and parents, so we’re very pleased to be able to offer more of his innovative workshops.

“Increasingly, our libraries are taking a more proactive role in adult and child learning, offering tailored sessions as well as a good range of resources that support national reading campaigns.”

The five session, open to children with parents, carers or teachers, include one at Borehamwood Library on October 1 and one at Radlett Library on October 2. On each date there are two courses, from 4.30pm to 6pm and 6.15pm to 7.45pm.

For more information and to book in advance contact the libraries directly or call library services on 01438 737333.

To find out more about Mr Bendefy and his work visit www.seeingspellsachieving.org/client-view/

When a child wanders away, panic usually sets in and families frantically do everything possible to find them.

But a child with autism presents even greater challenges, especially to search crews.

Today may be just a practice run, but Chris Lacey says it is incredible to see Project Lifesaver in action.

It’s a program she’s worked hard to help bring to Dane County that will help locate those like her son — who has autism — and a tendency to go missing.

“With autistic individuals wandering is a very large scenario, and unfortunately, last summer, a young boy in Wood county died — and why I started this training… because I realized that could have very easily been my own son,” Lacey says.

Project Lifesaver works with a computer chip worn on either a wristband or a belt.

Police are able to then track down a child, or even an adult with Alzheimer’s.. within a mile radius.

Chris has been working with police to help them do it in a way.. that will bring them home again. Because in cases where there is an autistic child, typically, it’s not easy.

“Often, those with autism don’t respond to their name being called.. making a search more difficult… and that’s just one of many issues first responders would face.”

Things like bright lights, sirens can be a real problem certain colors textures touch can be a huge issue.

“So if you are working with an autistic individual avoid touching if at all possible.”

“My eyes were open that this is an interesting program that needs to be taken on by a law enforcement agency because of the large numbers of children that have autism in the area. Talked to one mother who was interested in the program and she said there are 5 children within 2 blocks of her house.”

There are so many other families facing similar situations.. those caring for loved one with Alzheimer’s.. or Down Syndrome.. where this will help…. and hopefully give everyone.. peace of mind.

Chris Lacey has really built up an incredible number of resources, not only for law enforcement.. but also for families.

Source: NBC15.com