A substantive selection of the material produced by the children - photographs, stories and comments, is in the process of being digitized. The intention once it has been carefully edited is to make it available to be viewed by others who might be interested in the work which informed the Custtad approach.
After uploading this statement the main photograph at the top of the page will consist of a detail from the newly scanned documents.
For me personally, the process is being experienced as a reminder, and sometimes an uncomfortable one, of the deficit in our knowledge and understanding of what we were involved in, at the time the material was being produced. It is also a reminder of the range and detail of information which was accumulated and which underpinned the development of the approach.
Sheila K Cameron April 2026
DISCOVERED IN THE PROCESS
THE CUSTTAD LOGO
ABOUT CUSTTAD
CUSTTAD had its beginnings on HAIDA GWAII, a group of islands off the north west coast of Canada. It was developed in the east end of GLASGOW and achieved its present form in a community-based NHS clinic in the north west of that same city.
CUSTTAD is about creating conditions which are conducive to children sharing their concerns if and when they feel able or inclined to do so. And, having accessed those concerns, CUSTTAD is about making all possible efforts to support the child in the task of addressing them, as speedily and as effectively as possible.
CUSTTAD draws on some of the well-tried and tested practices of art, play and child psychotherapy. It places particular emphasis on the inter-related use of sand trays and a procedure called Talk and Draw. CUSTTAD is an acronym for the Combined Use of Sand Trays and Talk And Draw.
The practice of CUSTTAD takes place with a child and a trained worker in a room specially resourced and dedicated for the purpose.
CUSTTAD is particularly suited to children between the ages of five and eleven but some older and some younger children also find it useful.
CUSTTAD's development and implementation are overseen by a group which includes a Head Teacher, a Principal Teacher, a Behaviour Support Worker and a Senior Family Therapist.
THREE of the original CUSTTAD WEB SITE IMAGES