Sharon Craighead is transforming lives in Easterhouse by supporting kids with sensory issues, drawing from her unique past in a notorious prison.
Easterhouse: Sharon Craighead is quite the character. She used to work in one of the UK’s toughest prisons. Now, she’s on a mission to help local kids with sensory issues.
After leaving HMP Strangeways, she wanted to understand why some people turn to violence. Her research revealed that many violent offenders struggle with sensory challenges. This hit home when her son Sean was born with Down’s syndrome and vision problems.
Sharon shared, “I faced threats from prisoners, and it pushed me to learn more about violence.” She found that schools often don’t know how to support kids with sensory issues. This lack of help can lead to kids self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
When she returned to Scotland, she started working in pediatrics. But when Sean showed signs of sensory issues, she felt unprepared. “As an occupational therapist, I should have known better,” she said.
Frustrated with the NHS, she began training in Ayres sensory integration. This training helped her and her family, and soon, other families wanted her help too. That’s how Chattersense was born.
Now, Sharon is dedicated to helping kids who face discrimination due to their behavior. She believes the root causes are often deeper than what people see on the surface.
Chattersense aims to fill the gaps in healthcare. They support any child in need, even if they haven’t received a formal diagnosis. Sharon wants to help kids who’ve been excluded from school due to violent behavior.
She shared a success story about a boy who used to throw chairs. Now, he practices Taekwondo and has learned to manage his anger better.
Sharon also highlighted the struggles of siblings of kids with disabilities. They often feel overlooked or burdened. “My son Sean was my fourth child, and I had to balance everything for my family,” she explained.
Swimming became a family activity, and now Sean enjoys it with his cousins. But many families wait years for autism diagnoses, and that’s just not right.
Chattersense currently works with 27 kids, from toddlers to young adults with autism. They rely on donations to keep going. Recently, Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity, donated £10,000 to help them create a new facility for kids to try out equipment.
Sharon is excited about the new equipment, which will provide a safe space for kids to play, no matter their challenges. Wooden Spoon has supported many projects, helping thousands of children in need.
To support more initiatives, you can book a table at their upcoming fundraising dinner. It’s a great way to make a difference!
