In this episode Laura Gowers talks with Kelly Young, about her journey into neurodiversity advocacy. She discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the need for educational reform, and the significance of early screening and personalised support. Kelly highlights the importance of advocacy in navigating the educational system and offers insights into how parents can better support their children.

More about the guest:

Kelly Young is an ADHD, ASC, and neurodiversity coach, consultant and pre-assessor with over 20 years’ experience across mainstream education, specialist schools, and pupil referral units. She specialises in neurodiversity pre-assessments, SEND advocacy, and EHCP support, combining professional expertise with lived experience as a neurodiverse adult and parent.

You can connect with Kelly:

Instagram- @kelly.neurodiversitysupport
Facebook- @neurodiversity.support.NorthDevon

Website - https://www.neurodiversitysupport.co.uk

More about the host:

Laura Gowers is an award winning dyslexia assessor, neurodivergence coach, former teacher and SENCo with over 23 years of experience in education. She is the founder of This is Dyslexia - Dyslexia assessments & coaching and runs a specialist dyslexia assessment centre in Canterbury, Kent, supporting children and adults locally and across the UK through in person and online assessments.

Her work is strengths based, focusing on clarity, confidence and wellbeing, helping people move beyond labels and understand how their brain truly works.

Website: https://www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk

Instagram: @thisisdyslexiauk

Facebook: @LauraGowersUK

Facebook Page:@this.is.dyslexia.uk

Key Takeaways

Kelly's journey into advocacy began with her son Joshua's neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity is about recognising unique brain wiring and learning styles.

Education systems need to adapt to support neurodiverse children better.

Early screening for neurodiversity can lead to better outcomes for children.

Advocacy involves standing beside families and helping them navigate the system.

Building trust and confidence in children is crucial for their self-esteem.

Technology can be a powerful tool for supporting neurodiverse learners.

Teachers need more training in neurodiversity to better support their students.

Parents should celebrate their children's strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses.

Creating a nurturing environment in schools is essential for all children.

Keywords

neurodiversity, education reform, advocacy, early screening, self-esteem, learning styles, technology in education, parental support, mental health, special educational needs