Understanding Neurodiversity

My experience

I have been working with children and adults with learning challenges for the last 12 years. As an educator, I have always used inclusive learning with students. Working in schools, and as a trainer, I have use my knowledge to promote inclusivity of neuro-divergent children, young people and adults for many years, promoting EDI and championing active, non-judgemental listening.

Since I have discovered that my boys are neuro diverse, I have been investing even more energy in helping other parents. My strong belief is that parents need to be supported when they start navigating in these “unknown waters” and I work with them to help them understand this new world.

I am experienced in working with different types of neurodivergence – Autism (Asperger’s), ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia. I also support families with Down’s Syndrome children.

Through my work, I support my clients to navigate all of these terms, understand what to do and how to build the resilience needed to help their children.

I also partner with different professionals – educational psychologists, SEND charities, Homeschooling companies, to name some.

How can I help you?

Neurodiversity Training

I deliver short courses, providing an initial understanding of neurodiversity and the steps employers can take to better support employees in the workplace. This can cover working with Dyslexia, ADHD or employees in the Spectrum.
We will cover a brief overview of what neurodivergence is and what the legal implications are.
Modules will cover how to support employees with learning challenges, the recruitment process, looking at the positive impact that supporting neurodiversity and inclusion can have on the workplace.

Access Arrangement Assessor

As a level 7 assessor, thanks to the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) I am able to use psychometric testing instruments effectively. This also allow me to apply these tests in exam access arrangements. I offer bespoke packages for schools and work with private families.

SEND Coaching for Parents

Coaching can help you to better your life in many ways. It can help you to identify and achieve goals or support you through a particularly challenging setting – understating where to start from, all of the different terms and scenarios you are now facing.

For parents of neuro-diverse children, coaching can provide a safe space of self-reflection and an opportunity to deal with the emotional implications of juggling different aspects of life and all its demands with your kids.

You will be able to comprehend how to support yourself better and enhance family life; reflect on work / life balance, educational challenges and much more by allowing some space to take positive practical steps or adjust your mindset around beliefs that you may have.

Raising children with additional educational needs or a disability can make you feel isolated and can be a difficult experience. In these sessions, you will find the information you need to feel positive about the way you are building a better relationship with your kids.

Youth Coaching and School Support

Youth coaching boosts personal development and offers a safe space to channel anxiety and stress. These sessions can be beneficial if you want your child to receive support, but feel that you are not the right person to give it to them.

Thanks to my experience in education, I also offer support to young people in dealing with challenges coming from their school work, offering study tips and focused tutoring.

Testimonials

Deborah is an empathic trainer, who has been able to explain neurodiversity in a really simple way, with examples and practical insights. Her experience in HR and recruitment are invaluable, as she can give first-hand examples; she has a hands-on approach and I have walked away with new tools in my toolkit.

Karen

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In the last 18 months, Deborah helped us to understand more about autism, she explained terms we could not understand and supported us during these months, giving us support in the difficult moment. She helped us to find clarity and gave us the strength to support our daughter and understand more how we could manage the every day challenges.

Charlotte

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Deborah has been working regularly with our son taking him through GCSE’s and A levels. She has literally been indispensable and encouraged our son to work through his dyslexia and all the challenges that brings. Deborah has a natural ability to connect with and understand young people, developing their strengths and giving them the tools to overcome any weaknesses. Impressively she brings subjects to life whilst simultaneously keeping sessions challenging and exciting.
With Deborah’s help and expertise our son has grown significantly in his academic abilities and is now able to apply for competitive courses at Russel group universities. If you have the opportunity to work with Deborah my advice would be to grasp it with both hands.

Arabella

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Deborah has been working with our daughter for over twelve months. Our daughter has accelerated her learning and her confidence has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Deborah has been an amazing, kind and positive role model to our daughter. She is exceptionally dedicated and highly skilled in working with kids with special needs or behavioural challenges. Deborah is very patient, but forthright and very well respected by our daughter.

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I have worked with Deborah for over 18 months now. Her ability to understand my daughter’s Neuro-diverse complex needs are fantastic. Other tutors would have run away, but Deborah embraces the challenges, is firm, fair and kind to ensure that my daughter is able to perform at her best. We also work hand in hand with the school to ensure that my daughter works with Deborah on subjects before they are introduced at school to ensure that she has the access to learning that she needs.