My Story

Dear Parents,

As a mother of three children myself, it is heartbreaking for me to see children try so hard, but despite their best efforts, continue to struggle with learning.

It can be an extremely frustrating and emotional journey to finding answers or help for any parent.

As with most children with learning difficulties the underlying causes were still there and they would continue to be a barrier to learning in their future.

I knew there had to be more that could be done for students who found learning difficult.

So, I began to ask ‘why’ these difficulties occurred and questioned whether the impact of these challenges could be lessened, prevented or even eliminated?

This is what I found. For a long time researchers thought the brain couldn’t change – you were born the way you are.

Research has now proven that is not the case!

Early experiences affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behaviour, and health (Harvard University, Developing Child).

After many years of providing specialist literacy intervention for children and training teachers, I have seen the widespread need for an approach that focuses on a child in a holistic manner – not just one area.

Each area of a child’s development is interconnected and weaknesses in one area will impact another.

Even if parents do find different professionals that cater for their child's needs, working independently can be a frustrating approach, as no one person is combining or overseeing a child’s progress from a whole child approach.

As a parent of three children, age 5, 10 and 14, I empathise with the frustration of chasing solutions and in many cases not achieving the desired results.

Many health and professional services do not necessarily address the underlying weaknesses, but use a stand alone, top down approach and focus solely on the environment.

I've been through behaviour, emotional, literacy and numeracy challenges, messy handwriting, difficulties getting thoughts onto paper, letter reversals, foggy brain moments, comprehension struggles, fussy eating, anxiety, clumsiness, motor coordination, attention and concentration, social challenges, hyperactivity etc.

If I knew HOW to get a child's brain and body working at their best level, strengthen areas of weakness, then we could help children overcome these and I was right.

There is no ‘cure’ for specific learning difficulties, developmental delays, ADHD, sensory processing or anxiety but by approaching the child's support in a holistic manner, together with the right targeted intervention and accommodations, research has shown that you can enhance your child's potential to overcome the challenges they encounter.

How did I do it? I pulled together 15 years of experience, 8 years of study, 2 years equivalent of additional training, continuous reading of textbooks and research articles, engaging regularly with health professionals and finally I developed the PLECS Approach for all children in the same boat.

Join me in helping your child thrive and become a successful learner. Your child can achieve more. Let me show you how.

Natalie Nicholls
BEd.PGDip.SpLD.Dip.MEd.CogPsych 
Learning and Education Development Specialist

Qualifications:


• Masters In Education in Cognitive Psychology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties
• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Diploma in Neuropsychology

• Integrated Listening System Practitioner
• Safe and Sound Protocol Practitioner
• Move To Learn Trainer
• Assessment Practicing Certificate (previously held)

Memberships (current and previous):


International Dyslexia Association (IDA), International Alliance of Holistic Therapists, British Dyslexia Association (BDA), Professional Association of Students with Learning Difficulties (PATOSS), DSF SPELD, Learning Difficulties Association Australia (LDA) and Dyslexia Action.