The Special Needs Teaching Playbook

About the Workshop

The Special Needs Teaching Playbook is a four hour, high impact training designed to equip teachers, coaches, therapists, shadow aids, and parents with real world tools to support neurodiverse and special needs learners.

This introductory intensive focuses on practical strategies, behaviour understanding, and emotional regulation, helping participants feel more confident, prepared, and effective when working with children with diverse needs.

Built from over 14 years of hands-on experience in SEMH and special needs education, this workshop cuts through theory overload and delivers clear, usable strategies that can be applied immediately.

Suitable for

• • School teachers
• • Swim coaches
• • Therapists
• • Shadow aids
• • Early childhood educators
• • Parents of neurodiverse learners
• • Special needs center staff

What to Expect

Participant can expect a highly practical, interactive, and focused learning experience, including:

• • Insight into the sensory and emotional world of neurodiverse learners
• • A clear understanding of the science behind behaviour, triggers, and responses
• • Practical strategies to manage meltdowns, shutdowns, and transitions
• • Tools to build predictable routines that create safety and calm
• • Communication techniques that foster trust, cooperation, and emotional regulation
• • A simple, repeatable lesson structure playbook
• •10 practical strategies you can implement immediately in classrooms, therapy sessions, or coaching environments

This is not a theory-heavy workshop. Every concept shared is grounded in real-world application.

Workshop Description

The Special Needs Teaching Playbook is designed for anyone working closely with neurodiverse learners — whether in schools, sports programmes, therapy settings, or at home.

Over four intensive hours, participants will gain a structured yet flexible framework for understanding behaviour, supporting emotional regulation, and creating learning environments where children feel safe, seen, and supported.

About Darshini

Darshini Balakrishnan, CEO of Swimin12 Swim School, is a psychologist and special needs consultant with 14+ years of experience in SEMH and autism support. She leads inclusive programs that empower coaches and teachers to work confidently with children of all abilities, building bridges between education, therapy, and sport.

You can follow Darshini on Facebook and Instagram .