Neurodivergent-Friendly Classrooms

<p>In this episode, Clare is joined by Dr Pooky Knightsmith to discuss how practitioners can create neurodivergent-friendly classrooms.</p><p>They talk about how masking can affect children, young people, and staff members’ mental health, and identify some of the challenges presented by a typical school environment. They explore a range of practical strategies for adapting classrooms, communication style and expectations, to meet the needs of neurodivergent learners.</p><p>Dr Pooky Knightsmith is an autistic speaker, author, autism assessor, and educator who works across education and health settings in the UK and internationally. She holds a PhD in Psychological Medicine and supports professionals to better understand and include autistic and ADHD learners and colleagues.</p><p>Find out more about Pooky’s work <a href="https://www.pookyknightsmith.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">here</a>, and take a look at her new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steps-Neurodivergent-Friendly-Classroom-Pooky-Knightsmith/dp/1399837567/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FDXO9XTUOO9A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q53ZU-N_lBp0ULwERMGMwA.HiEGxTVPLOMtkvZ-pQqr7KdJjvcw2r-rkrfh_q0S4Nk&dib_tag=se&keywords=dr+pooky+knightsmith+neurodivergent+friendly+classrooms&qid=1789376928&sprefix=dr+pooky+knightsmith+neurodivergent+friendly+classrooms%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">10 Steps to a Neurodivergent-Friendly Classroom.</a></p><p>Pooky leaves us with 3 top tips in the episode:</p><ul><li>Aim for small, sustainable tweaks, as these can often be enough to make a real difference.</li><li>Be aware of the possible overlap of behaviour and neurodivergence. A child or young person who may appear defiant may be struggling to communicate what they need.</li><li>Always be curious and look for a student’s strengths. Celebrate these and seek to find out more about their interests.</li></ul><p>The Team Teach podcast shares the latest thinking in behaviour, all in handy 15-minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use in your setting.</p><p><a href="https://www.teamteach.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Find out how Team Teach can help your organisation.</a></p><p>The Team Teach podcast is created in the UK, adhering to UK law and guidance. Practitioners should exercise their professional judgment to determine the appropriateness of any Tea