Behavioural, Emotional and Social Disorders (BESD)
The social, emotional and behavioural disorders are caused by an abnormal function of the brain. How or why this abnormality occurs is not known.
Children of all abilities can have BESD needs and their difficulties can range from mild to severe. At the milder end of the spectrum, an individual may find it difficult to work in groups because of social interaction problems, and find the unstructured times of break and dinnertime particularly challenging.
Other pupils can be isolated and withdrawn, often underachieving and finding it hard to communicate. At the more severe end of the spectrum will be those who are physically and verbally aggressive and find it impossible to work collaboratively.
What we have done here is list some of the more common BESD conditions...
Skip down to find many of the organisations and charities that work in this field....
ASPERGER SYNDROME is thought by some to be a form of autism and by others to be a separate condition. Several of the characteristics of Asperger syndrome are common to autism including difficulty in socialising and using the imagination. However, unlike children with autism, those with Asperger syndrome generally learn to speak at an early age and the condition night not be recognised until after they start school.
ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER (ADD) AND ATTENTION HYPERACTIVITY DEFICIT DISORDER (ADHD) cause children with these conditions to be inattentive and easily distracted. The difficulty they have in concentrating and focusing on a task frequently leads to problems with learning and behaviour. The additional element of hyperactivity in ADHD might be revealed by excessive talking, constant movement or impulsive actions. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperkinetic disorder.
AUTISM is a non-progressive developmental disorder. It usually appears before the age of three and persists into adulthood. Children with autism have difficulties with social interaction, communication, imagination and behaviour.
Although autism was first identified in 1943, little is known about its causes. It is known as a spectrum disorder, which indicates that the condition can vary from mild to severe. There is no cure, but it is possible to manage some of autism’s effects.
AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD) - According to the National Autistic Society, over 500,000 people in the UK have an ASD. A study published in 2006 shows that as many as one in 100 children may have an ASD. Recent research suggests there is a similar rate of the condition in adults.
Two of the key conditions of ASD are Autism and Asperger Syndrome
FOETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER (FASD) is to a degree still an unknown in the UK, with little research carried out on the subject. But for young women who drink excessively, if they hadn’t been planning to get pregnant they will often not know they are until they’re up to 12 weeks gone – and they will have continued drinking during this time, and sometimes beyond. What we do know is it affects many children (as many as 1 in 100), especially those who are in the care system and are waiting to be adopted and fostered.
PATHOLOGICAL DEMAND AVOIDANCE SYNDROME (PDA) is a pervasive development disorder. As with Autism and Asperger syndrome, to which it is related, PDA is caused by a dysfunction of the brain. However, it differs significantly from those conditions in that people with PDA appear to be socially skilled. They are able to use these skills to avoid the ordinary demands of everyday life and distance themselves from responsibility for their actions.
PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS (PDD) are a group of disorders (of which autism is the most well known) that feature delays in the development of social and communication skills. The symptoms of PDD may include problems with the use of language, difficulty in relating to people and changes of surrounding, and repetitive patterns of behaviour.
SEMANTIC-PRAGMATIC DISORDER (SPD) is characterised by the delayed development of language skills. It has particular features such as muddling the use of words ‘I’ and ‘you’ and learning to speak by memorising phrases. People with SPD have difficulty in using speech appropriately and in understanding the meaning of what other people say. It has been suggested that semantic-pragmatic disorder should be considered to be part of the autistic spectrum and that children with SPD to be described as ‘high functioning autistic.’
The table shown below highlights many of the relevant organisations or charities that work in the BESD field.
If the particular organisation or charity that you're looking for is not shown here, but you feel that it would be helpful if it was, then please do let us know.
| Addiss | Autism UK | Engage | ESPA | FAB Research |
| HACSG | Incentive Plus | National Autistic Society | NORSACA | |
| Sebda | Shire Plc | Treehouse |
Back to Main Links Page Back to Top Home
Welcome to ADDISS, The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service. ADDISS provides information, training and support for parents, sufferers and professionals in the fields of ADHD and related learning and behavioural difficulties. All our activity is supported by our Professional Board of expert advisers.
We support a multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment protocol, including education and behavioural interventions, with or without medication. We always keep an open mind and try to help families find their own most appropriate approach to intervention.
The ADDISS Resource Centre has a large range of books and videos covering all aspects of ADHD and related conditions, as well as a reference library where you can look up articles. Please feel free to visit us and explore our facilities for yourself.
We hold a 3-day national conference each year, bringing together professionals and people living with ADHD - see our Conference section for more details.
ADDISS is a registered charity, run by volunteers and staff. Income from our Bookstore and conferences directly funds our work, together with donations and grants. You can receive our regular newsletter, as well as updates to our catalogue of resources and news about forthcoming events in the world of ADHD, by subscribing to ADDISS.
Contact:
Tel: 020 8952 2800
Fax: 020 8952 2909
e-mail: info@addiss.co.uk
Web: www.addiss.co.uk
Autism Independent UK (formerly known as The Society for the Autistically Handicapped) exists to bring an increased awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment of autism.
The office provides a Diagnosis & Assessment Resource Centre, used by visiting consultants, combined with a library of books and videos and DVD's containing information about many aspects of autism.
Autism Independent UK also organises international training events for professionals.
Contact:
Tel: 01536 523 274
Fax: 01536 523 274
Email: autism@autismuk.com
Web: www.autismuk.com
- engage in their future is the National Association of School Leaders within the Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties sector (BESD) of Special Educational Needs. Our principle aims are to provide peer support, training and the sharing of good practice, to improve the standards of our schools and the education and welfare of our children.
The organisation (which was formerly known as NAES), was formed in 1999 to enable head teachers within the BESD (Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties) sector to influence BESD issues locally, regionally and nationally.
The Association’s principle aims and objectives have been to ‘express a collective BESD voice’, to provide peer support and training for managers and to promote the sharing of good practice at all levels within the BESD sector.
THE National Association is available to all BESD School Leaders
Objectives:
- Primary Objectives:
- provide peer support for leaders of schools for pupils experiencing BESD needs
- to promote the sharing of good practice in order to improve the education and welfare of pupils
- to influence policy and practice by providing a collective voice and representing the views of BESD school leaders locally, regionally and nationally.
engage in their future niche is to:
- Specifically support BESD school leaders in education, most of whom are school Headteachers / Principals
The School Leader’s role in our context, is seen as:
- helping children with BESD to achieve in education at the highest level
- helping children to improve their social skills in order to be able to make the transition forward into society.
Through all School Leaders learning from each other, we can bring up the standards of all BESD schools and therefore improve the welfare of pupils.
- engage in their future is the effective association which allows for this to take place.
- engage in their future are keen to develop practice and policy in a child centred way in terms of what works well
- engage in their future is a network of professionals who, between them, are likely to have the answer to any child or staffing related issue
Through their specialist expertise in BESD, engage in their future aim is to also work with the Government to identify behaviour models that work in BESD schools that could be transferable into mainstream and support raising standards and achievements. This also supports the Governments inclusion agenda plus Every Child Matters (ECM) initiative (Be healthy, Stay safe, Make a positive contribution, Enjoy and achieve, Economic wellbeing).
This is an area of vital importance to our members.
Contact:
Tel: 01508 549320
Web: www.engageintheirfuture.org
Chairman: Jon Lees
Email: jon.lees@specialisteducation.co.uk
ESPA Limited provides a continuum of high quality specialist residential, further educational, day and domiciliary services designed to meet the needs of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
The Charity has over 20 years experience of supporting individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, many of whom have additional or associated complex needs, to achieve positive outcomes in all aspects of their life.
Contact:
Head Office
2A Hylton Park, Hylton Park Road
Sunderland, SR5 3HD
Tel: 0191 5165080
Fax: 0191 5498620
Email: enquiries@espa.org.uk
Web: www.espa.org.uk
Food and Behaviour Research (FAB Research) is a charitable organisation dedicated both to advancing scientific research into the links between nutrition and human behaviour and to making the findings from such research available to the widest possible audience.
FAB Research aspires to be a local and international leader of scientific research into how nutrition affects the human brain and mind, and an intellectual and strategic force for improving public education and professional practice in this domain.
FAB Research is committed to improving current knowledge and awareness of the effects of nutrition and diet on human behaviour, learning and mood.
Contact:
Tel: 01463 667318
Email: info@fabresearch.org
Web: www.fabresearch.org
The Hyperactive Children's Support Group (HACSG) has been successfully helping ADHD/Hyperactive children and their families since 1979. The HACSG is Britain's leading proponent of a dietary approach to the problem of hyperactivity.
The Group has helped thousands of children over the years and has substantial documentary evidence, supported by scientific studies, which show that a dietary and nutritional approach to ADHD/Hyperactivity is well worth trying.
Contact:
Tel: 01243 539966
Email: hyperactive@hacsg.org.uk
Web: www.hacsg.org.uk
Welcome to INCENTIVE plus - the online shop, featuring more than 2,750 resources, to promote social, emotional and behavioural skills... including over 250 new resources for 2010.
Teach to Inspire Better Behaviour will help to empower all school staff to deal more effectively with aggressive, disruptive or unpredictable behaviours across the primary and secondary age ranges.
The author focuses on the causes and the impact of traumatic life events linked with different stages of neurological and psychological development (including separation, illness, bereavement, neglect, abuse and inadequate limit setting in early childhood) in addition to the cumulative effects of classroom disruption on the mental health of both peers and adults.
Scientific understanding and the experience of those working to help traumatised children are drawn together as the author considers:
- The classroom environment
- Positioning of staff
- Routines and changes
- Quiet times and relaxation
- Learning from mistakes
- Rewards and sanctions systems
Contact:
Tel: 0845 180 0140
Outside UK: 01908 326 940
Web: www.incentiveplus.co.uk
The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism. We were founded in 1962, by a group of parents who were passionate about ensuring a better future for their children. Today we have over 18,000 members, 80 branches and provide:
- information, advice, advocacy, training and support for individuals and their families
- information and training for health, education and other professionals working with people with autism and their families
- specialist residential, supported living, outreach and day services for adults
- specialist schools and education outreach services for children
- out-of-school services for children and young people
- employment training and support and social programmes for adults with autism.
A local charity with a national presence, we campaign and lobby for lasting positive change for those affected by autism in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and aim to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon and which can make a positive difference to their lives.
Our website includes information about autism and Asperger syndrome, the NAS and its services and activities.
Contact:
Tel: 0845 070 4004
Email: nas@nas.org.uk
Web: www.autism.org.uk
- NORSACA is a charity that enables people with autism to live their lives with dignity, choice and independence.
The charity was established in 1968 by a group of parents who wanted to ensure that there were appropriate educational facilities for children with autism in the Nottinghamshire area. The school they set up, Sutherland House, is now located across five sites. The charity also offers residential and day care services for adults. In addition, Family Services offers help and support to the families of people with autism.
Contact:
NORSACA
Park Hall Autism Resource Centre
Park Road
Bestwood Village
Nottingham
NG6 8TQ
Tel: 0115 976 1805
Fax: 0115 976 1356
Email: norsacaadmin@btconnect.com
Web: www.sutherlandhouse.org.uk
For over fifty years, the Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Association (SEBDA) has represented the 'behaviour', disaffection and mental health difficulties field at regional and national level, contributing to government consultations and to research initiatives.
SEBDA's membership consists of teachers, educational psychologists, education officers, social, care, youth and mental health professionals who work with or for children and young people said to have SEBD (or in DCSF language 'BESD'), who are disaffected (with behavioural difficulties) or who have mental health difficulties.
SEBDA provides its members with up-to-date information, support and professional development through its magazine/newsletter, research journal, networking and web-site.
SEBDA provides accredited specialist training at master's and first degree level in partnership with the University of Leicester and stages well-received professional development events across Britain.
Contact:
Tel: 0161 240 2418
Email: admin@sebda.org
Web: www.sebda.org
- Shire plc is a rapidly growing global specialty biopharmaceutical company. It has offices in the major pharmaceutical markets. Its UK offices are in Basingstoke and its US offices are in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Shire has a global sales and marketing infrastructure with a broad portfolio of products and its own direct marketing capability in the US, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
"We're proud to be one of the world's leading specialty biopharmaceutical companies, but we're even more proud of the difference we make to the lives of people with life-altering conditions.
Shire started life as a company with a special expertise in treating ADHD, or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Over 13 years on, we’re still one of the leaders in this field, with a portfolio of therapies which are available in different markets across the world."
As one of the world’s leading specialty biopharmaceutical companies, Shire has emerged as a company fully focused on a single purpose: to enable people with life-altering conditions to lead better lives.
Through our Shire Human Genetic Therapies (HGT) business, we pursue opportunities on behalf of patients and families facing such rare diseases as Fabry disease, Hunter syndrome, Gaucher disease, hereditary angioedema, and metachromatic leukodystrophy—patients whose very lives often hinge on the discovery and delivery of extraordinary medicines.
Through our Specialty Pharma business, meanwhile, we develop and distribute an innovative portfolio of treatments for patients with ADHD, ulcerative colitis, and end-stage renal disease. Our commitment throughout is on symptomatic diseases, treated by specialist physicians. We take the risks we need to take so that we might change lives for the discernible better.
Strategic partnerships have fueled Shire’s rapid growth—acquisitions and mergers designed to fortify development as well as marketed portfolios. In the twenty plus years of Shire’s short history, the majority of our new products have joined our stable of existing medicines via an acquisition or partnership. The only exception being our HGT business, where development of enzyme replacement therapies from early phases is lower risk than the discovery of small molecules and we have an active in-house early research capability. Today nearly two dozen projects are in full development in Shire’s HGT and Specialty Pharma pipeline and 30 percent of our revenue is derived from products launched within the last two years.
We also care, at Shire, about the communities in which we live and work—about who we are and the legacy we leave behind. Through countless Corporate Responsibility initiatives, we’re making a difference by supporting programs ranging from the education of young scientists and the beautifying of natural landscapes to the reduction of CO2 emissions and the development of a green-oriented employee family.
At Shire we are perpetually planning for the future. We’re exploring new markets. We’re conversing with thought leaders. We’re listening to patients and families, to innovators and inventors. We’re asking ourselves what more we can do to make this world a healthier place and in doing so, we’re mindful of our overall cultural ethos; to be as brave as the people we help.
Contact:
Shire Plc
Unity Place
Hampshire International Business Park
Basingstoke
RG24 8EP
Tel: 01256 894107
Web: www.shire.com
- TreeHouse is the national charity for autism education. We believe that education is key to transforming the lives of children and young people with autism, and the lives of their families.
TreeHouse runs a special school for children and young people with autism; provides information and training for parents and professionals; commissions research and campaigns for change. Our vision is that children and young people with autism achieve their potential and live the life they choose.
Contact:
TreeHouse
The Pears National Centre for Autism Education
Woodside Avenue
London
N10 3JA
Tel: 020 8815 5444
Fax: 020 8815 5420
Email: info@treehouse.org.uk
Web: www.shiretreehouse.org.uk