iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

I'm looking forward to seeing some of your at tonight's webinar about demand avoidance. There's still time to sign up... See you there? www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pda-commun...

eventbrite.co.uk

PDA Communication: Staying Connected When Demands Are Necessary

Practical strategies for communicating with demand avoidant children when life has non-negotiables. For parents and professionals.

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

My first paid webinar: PDA Communication: Staying Connected When Demands Are Necessary For parents and professionals who've tried all the usual advice and found it doesn't always work. Thursday 22nd January, 7pm GMT £20, recording included www.eventbrite.com/e/pda-commun...

eventbrite.com

PDA Communication: Staying Connected When Demands Are Necessary

Practical strategies for communicating with demand avoidant children when life has non-negotiables. For parents and professionals.

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

𝗣𝗗𝗔 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗽𝘀 If you support a child with a demand avoidant profile, you might find this week’s free downloadable resource helpful. It’s a simple phrase bank designed to make things a little easier in those everyday tricky moments. www.patreon.com/posts/145334... (Please share)

DOWNLOAD: PDA Language Swaps | Pooky Knightsmith

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

I'm looking forward to delivering a webinar today for parents and carers of autistic children We'll be exploring a gentle, neuroaffirmative approach to parenting. Slides & notes are: www.patreon.com/posts/slides... If you'd like something similar, get in touch: pooky@inourhands.com

SLIDES: Parenting Autistic Children | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: why 'just switch tasks for a second' isn't as simple as it sounds. One minute that changes how you think about autistic attention 👇 youtube.com/shorts/5Fsx_... Please watch & share

Monotropism Explained: Why Autistic Attention Works Differently

YouTube video by Pooky Knightsmith: Neurodivergence & Mental Health

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

The school gate can be the hardest moment of the day. I've created a free resource with ready-to-use scripts for parents and school staff supporting children with morning anxiety. Download free: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... (please use & share)

DOWNLOAD: Scripts That Help at the School Gate | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

When we understand what makes a child feel safe, we can help them gradually widen that sense of security. Download this simple resource and supporting notes to explore safe people, places, and activities with anxious children. www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Helfpul? Please share

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

New resource: 𝗔 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. Not about whether you should unmask - about understanding yourself better. www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Includes worksheet + supporting notes - please share

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼: 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Our ability to sense what's happening inside our bodies. For many neurodivergent children (and adults), those internal signals don't come through clearly. www.patreon.com/posts/video-... Video and some supporting notes. I really hope it's helpful. Please share

VIDEO: Interoception - understanding & supporting | Pooky Knightsmith

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱: 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 A simple way to plan ahead for supporting overwhelm. Fill it in together; what helps, what doesn’t, and how to respond kindly when things get tricky. PDF & Supporting notes: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... >> If you like it, please share it <<

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Free audit checklist to help you identify and fix the sensory barriers to learning: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Please share (and feedback)

DOWNLOAD: The Sensory Audit Checklist for Teachers | Pooky Knightsmith

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

My latest video looks at understanding autistic communication, practical bridge-building tools, and transforming awkward moments into genuine connection youtu.be/JX1x9ujIOqg Please give a watch and a share

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

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DOWNLOAD: Low-Demand Communication Toolkit www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Perfect for anyone supporting PDA, anxiety, or trauma responses in education. The gentle scripts and practical strategies work because they preserve autonomy while achieving learning goals If you like it, please share it

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Apologies to anyone who hit the "sold out" page on my (free) webinar earlier today I've just upgraded my Zoom license and released more tickets. If you missed out before, you can grab a spot now. www.eventbrite.com/e/7-quick-wi...

eventbrite.com

7 Quick Wins for EBSA: Morning Anxiety

Join Pooky Knightsmith for 7 practical strategies to support children struggling with morning anxiety - no extra workload required.

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 Breakdowns in autism & communication aren’t one-way failures, they’re mutual misunderstandings. So how do we make it work? By creating more moments of authentic connection youtu.be/cFKKZhaYFwg Please watch & share

The Double Empathy Problem: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

YouTube video by Pooky Knightsmith: Neurodivergence & Mental Health

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

New downloadable for you: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Useful? (If so, please share)

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

New slides & notes: 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟𝗦: 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 Fresh from a recent INSET session - practical, heart-led strategies www.patreon.com/posts/134247... Please use, feedback & share (speaking enquiries - pooky@inourhands.com )

SLIDES: Autistic Girls – Unmasking, Belonging & Believing | Pooky Knightsmith

Ellie at Speaking of Books @speakingofbooks.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Reposted by Pooky Knightsmith

We hope the new school year has started smoothly for you all. It might be time to turn your attention to booking some exciting things for the year ahead? Take a look at our website www.speakingofbooks.co.uk or email ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk We’d love to hear from you

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Building Trust with School Anxious Students youtu.be/T41iv8x9sgo?... Simple ideas that work - maybe watching this could be 5 minutes well spent in your next team meeting? Please watch and share

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

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My weekly email took an unscheduled detour but it's finally landed in your inboxes... You can read it there or catch it here: open.substack.com/pub/pookykni... Lots of free resources - please read & share

open.substack.com

Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 117

Challenging behaviour, co-regulation strategies, and salty shoes

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 What to say when students are overwhelmed, can't enter class, want to go home, or are withdrawn. Conversation starters that validate & support. www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Please use & share

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Slides and resources from a popular session that looks beyond behaviour helping us to understand ands support our students www.patreon.com/posts/130789... Please feel free to use & share (for bookings please enquire via ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk )

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

EBSA: Supporting Students Back to School After Long Absences youtu.be/IadMV0SHXtU?... New video - please watch and share

EBSA: Supporting Students Back to School After Long Absences

YouTube video by Pooky Knightsmith: Neurodivergence & Mental Health

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

DOWNLOAD: 10 Classroom Changes That Keep Pupils in School These are simple ideas to prevent school anxiety / EBSA from a classroom PoV www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Please use & share if helpful

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 These slides explore 6 principles to make your school more ND friendly - maybe food for thought for your upcoming INSET sessions or team meetings? www.patreon.com/posts/slides... Hopefully helpful, please share if so

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... (Because your sensory needs matter just as much as your children's) Please share

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Interviews can be overwhelming - especially for neurodivergent young people. I’ve created a free, practical guide with 10 tips to help reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and support self-advocacy. www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Please use & share

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Autistic girls aren’t broken. They’re exhausted from trying to fit in. Here are 6 things they often wish you knew. youtube.com/shorts/wF4rJ... Please share.

She’s Not Broken - She’s Autistic: 6 Things You Need to Know

YouTube video by Pooky Knightsmith Mental Health

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Supporting a grieving friend can feel awkward or overwhelming. I’ve shared a gentle new resource with 10 simple truths that can really help, plus small, practical things you can do. Find it here: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... If you like it, please share it.

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

How to say no (even if you're a people pleaser) youtube.com/shorts/uMn9A... 60 seconds that may just save your sanity.. please watch & share

How to Say No (Even If You’re a People Pleaser)

YouTube video by Pooky Knightsmith Mental Health

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

My latest slideset is full of ideas for parenting teens. Feel free to use and share: www.patreon.com/posts/slides... enquiries via ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk

SLIDES: Parenting Teens | Pooky Knightsmith

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Brand new slides exploring parenting under 11s www.patreon.com/posts/slides... I loved developed and delivering this session, I hope you like it too Please use and share Speaking enquiries - ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk

SLIDES: Parenting through the Prep/Primary Years | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Working with a child who’s struggling and worrying you’re getting it wrong? These 6 things matter more than being perfect: youtube.com/shorts/GxIkQ...

Working with a struggling child? This matters more than being perfect...

YouTube video by Pooky Knightsmith Mental Health

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 New resource to help you find helpful words when a child is struggling: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... If you like it, please share it

DOWNLOAD: Prompts for Supporting Anxious Children | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

My latest newsletter full of resources is out pookyknightsmith.substack.com/p/pookys-wee... Please read, subscribe and share... Thank you!

pookyknightsmith.substack.com

Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 114

School-based anxiety, everyday inclusion, and windswept joy

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀: 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 www.patreon.com/posts/slides... Practical tools to help you look beyond behaviour and respond with compassion. Free to use/share. Bookings: ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Simple resource to help reframe challenging behaviour www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... What if “defiance” is anxiety? “Not listening” is overload? “Refusal” is fear? Designed for staffrooms & training chats - free to download Thanks for being curious, not just reactive Please share

DOWNLOAD: Reframing Behaviour | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

EBSA & Non-Attendance – What Schools Can Do www.patreon.com/posts/slides... Slides & resources Please use and share (bookings via ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk )

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Small changes. Big impact. This free resource shares 10 simple, high-impact tweaks that help every student succeed (especially neurodivergent learners). www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Please share

DOWNLOAD: 10 Small Changes That Help Every Student Succeed | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀? pooky-knightsmith-s-school.teachable.com/courses/0-st... I’ve made this short, practical lesson (plus notes) free to access It’s part of a bigger course, but this bit stands alone, no sign up, no fee >>𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲<<

pooky-knightsmith-s-school.teachable.com

Sensory Safety in the Classroom

Create a classroom where neurodivergent learners feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. This practical, strengths-based course shares 10 powerful changes that can make school feel calmer, more pred...

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

New slides: Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Friendly School www.patreon.com/posts/slides... Practical, idea-packed slideset to help schools better support students with dyslexia and/or dyspraxia Please use & Share (bookings/enqs: ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk)

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

New newsletter just landed This one’s got calm tools for anxious classrooms, a gentle visual for tricky moments, 8 strengths of neurodivergent minds—and the curious tale of why I order coffee under the name Jane… pookyknightsmith.substack.com/p/pookys-wee... Please read, subscribe, share...

pookyknightsmith.substack.com

Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 111

Anxiety in class, undercover lattes, and neurodivergent strengths...

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟳 A calm, practical guide for parents & carers navigating the jump to secondary school. 10 simple strategies to ease nerves & build confidence. Free to download & share: www.patreon.com/posts/downlo... Let’s make the transition feel doable

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 - 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 Slides + loads of practical resources: www.patreon.com/posts/slides... Feel free to use / share (Bookings via ellie@speakingofbooks.co.uk)

SLIDES: Inclusive Classrooms - Maslow's Toolbox | Pooky Knightsmith

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Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Tomorrow I'm teaching a webianr about anxiety - here are the slides and a tonne of resources (you're welcome) www.patreon.com/posts/slides... Feel free to use / share (Bookings via elliepowling@speakingofbooks.co.uk )

SLIDES: Anxiety in Class | Pooky Knightsmith

Pooky Knightsmith @pookyh.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

My latest newsletter’s live: pigs, checklists, stimming, and my very first solo course (eep!). Practical tools, thoughtful ideas & a gentle smile or two: pookyknightsmith.substack.com/p/pookys-wee... Please read, share, subscribe...

pookyknightsmith.substack.com

Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 110

A new course, a checklist win, and a pig called Colin