In 2010 Simone de Hoogh of St Martin's Lane, Crediton, founded PowerWood with help of an "UnLtd" award "to raise awareness around overexcitability and offer support to families with overexcitable children and/or teenagers".

Having worked with many families and children, Simone graduated from the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme in 2013 and is now working with 40+ volunteers to increase PowerWood's reach and the services offered.

She explained: "In the United Kingdom overexcitability is mostly unknown or misunderstood, often it is misdiagnosed as ADHD or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

"There is a significant lack of information and support for families, children and teenagers with overexcitability; PowerWood aims to change this.

"Overexcitable children, teenagers and even adults can be extremely overwhelmed by strong urges to move and talk, intense physical feelings, vivid positive and/or negative thoughts, a thirst for knowledge, and profound emotions.

"Children with overexcitabilities tend to be over-sensitive, easily overwhelmed and display over-excited behaviour. They may be nervous or shy, or they may show strong emotional reactions. Their behaviour may be inappropriate or challenging and they are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed and labelled.

"If it isn't recognised and supported overexcitability can have a negative effect on quality of life.

Even at a young age, affected children can become extremely unhappy, display symptoms commonly associated with depression and even express suicidal thoughts. Unsurprisingly, parents of overexcitable children often feel isolated and inadequate - they blame themselves for their child's behaviour and unfortunately society tends to blame them too.

"In fact, parents are faced by many challenges because overexcitability children and teenagers need a different style of parenting, teaching and counselling."

PowerWood has found a base on 16 acres of beautiful countryside in North Devon, where the highlight of the year is the week-long PowerWood Summer Camp.

The camp gives families the chance to meet others with similar experiences, take part in lots of fun activities and increase their understanding of the condition in face-to-face workshops run by Simone de Hoogh.

PowerWood offers support and workshops and the next event will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at the Mill on the Exe, Exeter.

It will be a chance to have questions answered and meet other parents facing similar challenges with their children and/or teenagers.

A workshop will be held in Exeter on March 8.

For further information visit the website: http://www.powerwood.org.uk">http://www.powerwood.org.uk .

You can get further information or book to attend this workshop online or by telephoning 079 263 66511 or by email [email protected]">[email protected] .

Alan Quick