Joao Pereira

Independent ASD Specialist & Behavioural-Educational Therapist Self-Employed – Private Clients · Lisboa, Portugal April 2023 – Present ▪ Contracted directly by families to deliver bespoke behavioural and educational therapy and school- based ASD intervention in Lisbon's international school circuit. ▪ Design evidence-based intervention programmes tailored to each child's individual profile, within school environments including Kings College Lisbon and Park International School. ▪ Conduct structured assessments and develop detailed Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), reviewed regularly with families and school teams. ▪ Provide consistent in-class support, working alongside teachers to adapt curriculum delivery and promote meaningful inclusion. ▪ Deliver structured parent coaching, equipping families with evidence-based home strategies to reinforce therapeutic approaches across all environments. ▪ Apply TEACCH and PECS frameworks to build predictable, accessible learning environments that reduce anxiety and foster independence. ▪ Draw on educational psychology principles to address cognitive development, emotional regulation, and social integration holistically.

GrowKind World is an editorial and training initiative dedicated to building a shared language between families, educators and health professionals who support neurodivergent children. As founder, I lead the development of the RDF (Relational Development Framework), the creation of the first book — "Where the World is Born Between Us" (2026) — and the building of a community of adults committed to accompanying development rather than simply managing behaviour. The project is built on three principles: • Regulation before instruction • Relationship before correction • Process before performance

Therapeutic SEMH Teacher Lioncare School · Brighton and Hove, UK July 2019 – February 2022 ▪ Delivered a structured therapeutic curriculum for children with severe and complex SEMH needs, including developmental trauma, family breakdown, and disrupted educational placements. ▪ Developed individualised therapeutic education plans for students with EHCPs, addressing ASD, attachment disorders, and emotionally-based school avoidance. ▪ Collaborated with clinical psychologists, social workers, and family support teams within a coordinated, trauma-informed framework. ▪ Created safe, structured learning environments achieving consistent engagement from pupils who had previously disengaged from education.

SEMH Teacher Philpots Manor School · East Sussex, UK December 2018 – June 2019 ▪ Planned and delivered differentiated KS2–KS3 lessons integrating therapeutic approaches with national curriculum requirements. ▪ Supported students with ASD, ADHD, complex trauma, and significant behavioural needs using evidence-informed strategies. ▪ Contributed to a whole-school therapeutic ethos, promoting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour as core educational outcomes.

SEN Teacher & ICT Coordinator St. John's College Brighton · Brighton, UK May 2017 – August 2018 ▪ Taught accredited vocational ICT (Functional Skills – City & Guilds; Creative Media – Edexcel) to SEN students at college level. ▪ Coordinated SEN ICT provision, overseeing planning, resources, and assessment to ensure access and achievement for all learners.

SEN Teacher (EYFS, KS1 & KS2) · PE & ICT Primary Coordinator · EYFS & KS1 Mentor Turney School · London, UK July 2006 – September 2016 ▪ Delivered SEN teaching across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 for 10 years, building deep expertise in differentiated learning and inclusive primary practice. ▪ Led the primary PE and ICT curriculum across EYFS, KS1 and KS2; liaised with secondary colleagues to ensure whole-school curriculum consistency. ▪ Served as EYFS & KS1 Mentor Coordinator: coached early career teachers, managed NQT induction, and maintained assessment standards. ▪ Trained staff and families in PECS (Phases 1–6) for early language development in children with autism. ▪ Facilitated EYFS–KS1–KS2 transitions and submitted statutory Foundation Stage Profile data to the Local Authority.

Supply SEN Teacher Classroom Agency · London, UK January 2006 – July 2006 ▪ Covered SEN classes across primary and secondary settings, demonstrating adaptability across diverse learning environments. Supply Teacher – Autism Classes (KS2) Haymerle School – VIBE Agency · Peckham, London, UK December 2005 ▪ Delivered specialist teaching in dedicated Autism provision, applying structured approaches to support communication and learning.

PE Teacher (KS2 & KS3) SESI – Secretary of Education and Industry Service · São Paulo, Brazil January 1997 – April 1998 ▪ Delivered a balanced, differentiated PE curriculum covering theory and practice across a range of sports and physical activities. ▪ Monitored student progress and contributed to raising attainment standards and fostering personal development.