HELEN WHITE

Helen spent 20 years as the Manager of the first UK secondary school level Speech and Language Centre,
based in London. This Centre was opened because a family of three generations characterised by a specific
language processing disorder (later to be called Auditory Processing Disorder) moved to Hounslow in
London. Because the family group was large and multi-generational, they became part of a worldwide
study, based in Great Ormond Street, London, and another in the USA, to look in depth at their genetic
makeup and subsequently, they were able to identify the gene for the first time in the late 1980s as the
cause in this particular family’s case. The Centre became role model for other UK local authorities.
Helen and her staff developed a “toolbox” of strategies to help young people access the language skills
needed for education and life. They provided training for teachers and other professionals around the UK,
in the language of the classroom and thinking skills. She also developed one of the first listening skills
programme for a neglected subject - “Active Listening. What is it?” The Commissioner for London Schools
observed the lesson being taught in a classroom and requested that it be published. The book “learning to
Listen to Learn” was featured as the Book of the Month in the Times. It was placed in many London Schools
and libraries. Copies are available in many NZ schools and libraries.
Helen was asked to return to NZ to become the Director of Advanced Learning at a leading NZ private
school. She is an experienced facilitator of workshops on APD and Dyspraxia. She has now returned to a
role as a private SLT practitioner, helping young people cope with and achieve in their education which she
finds her most rewarding role.