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EP 130: Why are neurodiverse girls being ignored with Sara Donnelly, former headteacher
Manage episode 495751062 series 3434428
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.
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
Manage episode 495751062 series 3434428
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.
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
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