Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

EP 130: Why are neurodiverse girls being ignored with Sara Donnelly, former headteacher

53:38
 
Share
 

Manage episode 495751062 series 3434428
Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Sara Donnelly, a head teacher of 14 years, shares why she's leaving education leadership after witnessing the system repeatedly fail neurodivergent children, in particular, girls. We also delve into why:
• Girls with neurodiversity are often missed because they present differently than the stereotypical profile
• Signs to watch for in autistic girls include subtle stimming, hypervigilance, and struggling to maintain (not make) friendships
• Many professionals still believe myths like "she can't be autistic because she makes eye contact" or "she has friends"
• Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) should be addressed by fixing the environment, not the child
• Creative solutions like normalising ear defenders for everyone can help neurodivergent children without singling them out
• The education system needs radical reform: smaller class sizes, less testing, and personalized learning
Join our private WhatsApp community to connect with other parents navigating their neurodiverse journey.
💬 Connect with Us

Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand.

And if you are ready to go deeper, join our ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, access to experts, support, connection, and calm.

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to Sarah Donnelly's Journey (00:00:00)

2. Recognizing Autism in Girls (00:04:25)

3. Early Signs and Masking Behaviors (00:09:35)

4. Emotional Based School Avoidance (00:18:15)

5. Breaking Point and Career Change (00:27:10)

6. Problems with Current Education System (00:35:55)

7. Reimagining Education for Neurodiversity (00:43:00)

8. Top Tips for Parents (00:48:30)

148 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 495751062 series 3434428
Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Sara Donnelly, a head teacher of 14 years, shares why she's leaving education leadership after witnessing the system repeatedly fail neurodivergent children, in particular, girls. We also delve into why:
• Girls with neurodiversity are often missed because they present differently than the stereotypical profile
• Signs to watch for in autistic girls include subtle stimming, hypervigilance, and struggling to maintain (not make) friendships
• Many professionals still believe myths like "she can't be autistic because she makes eye contact" or "she has friends"
• Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) should be addressed by fixing the environment, not the child
• Creative solutions like normalising ear defenders for everyone can help neurodivergent children without singling them out
• The education system needs radical reform: smaller class sizes, less testing, and personalized learning
Join our private WhatsApp community to connect with other parents navigating their neurodiverse journey.
💬 Connect with Us

Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand.

And if you are ready to go deeper, join our ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, access to experts, support, connection, and calm.

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to Sarah Donnelly's Journey (00:00:00)

2. Recognizing Autism in Girls (00:04:25)

3. Early Signs and Masking Behaviors (00:09:35)

4. Emotional Based School Avoidance (00:18:15)

5. Breaking Point and Career Change (00:27:10)

6. Problems with Current Education System (00:35:55)

7. Reimagining Education for Neurodiversity (00:43:00)

8. Top Tips for Parents (00:48:30)

148 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play