Preparing for adulthood: Staying healthy, well and active

Preparing for adulthood: Healthy body - Supporting physical wellbeing in young people with SEND

For children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), taking care of their bodies is more than just physical health, it is also a pathway to confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. With the right support, they can learn to make healthy choices that suit their individual needs and preferences.

Healthy eating

Nutrition plays a key role in energy levels, mood, and overall wellbeing. For young people with SEND, eating well may require adaptations to routines, sensory considerations, or support with understanding food choices.

Supportive strategies:

  • Use visual meal planners or food charts
  • Offer consistent routines around mealtimes
  • Be mindful of sensory sensitivities to textures, smells, or tastes
  • Involve them in food preparation to build independence

Helpful resources:

Did you know?

Nutrients like iron, B vitamins and Selenium can help reduce tiredness and irritability. Food that supports Serotonin production, such as oats, bananas, and eggs, can help your child or young person feel calmer and happier. Find out more at Health for Teens.

Sleep and tiredness in young people with SEND

Sleep difficulties are common among young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences. Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration, learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation, impacting overall wellbeing.

Tips for better sleep

  • Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help signal when it's time to wind down.
  • Use visual schedules or bedtime routines to support understanding and reduce anxiety.
  • Create a calm and predictable sleep environment, using sensory-friendly bedding, blackout curtains, or white noise if helpful.
  • Adjust lighting to suit sensory needs - some children may benefit from dim lights or night lights.

Helpful Resources

Sports and exercise

Physical activity supports physical health, but also mental wellbeing, social skills, and self-esteem. For young people with SEND, it’s important to find activities that match their interest, abilities, and sensory preferences.

Ideas to explore:

  • Team sport like football or netball
  • Individual activities like swimming, yoga, or dancing
  • Sensory-friendly movement like trampolining or walking in nature

What’s recommended?

The NHS suggests that under 18s aim for around 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This should include be a mix of moderate and vigorous exercise. For young adults aged 18 to 25, the advice is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity) each week, spread out over several days. It’s also important to include activities that strengthen muscles at least twice a week.

What is moderate exercise?

Moderate exercise is lower-intensity activities like walking, cycling on flat ground, skipping, riding a scooter, walking the dog or walking to school. Moderate exercise raises your heart rate and may cause light sweating. One way to tell if you’re working at a moderate level is if you can still talk, but not sing, while doing it.

What is vigorous exercise?

Vigorous exercise is more energetic activities like running, swimming, football, rugby, dancing, martial arts and more. Vigorous exercise builds strength in muscles and bones, and gives a powerful boost to mood and self-esteem.