Sidcot School hosted a deep-dive discussion of neurodiversity with industry professionals from all over the South West.

The event, which took place on October 7, saw around 50 representatives from various schools gather to discuss how best to support neurodivergent pupils.

It featured speakers from Neurodiversity Uncovered, Sidcot Parents' Neurodiversity Network, and Fin O'Regan, who presented to an audience of educational professionals, parents, and friends.

The directors of Neurodiversity Unravelled, Louise Lawrence and Dr Rebecca Varrell, opened the conference with a session that emphasised the importance of a neuro-affirmative approach in schools.

They shared statistics on neurodivergent overlap, highlighting that many individuals with one diagnosis may have other presentations too.

They stressed the importance of creating a whole-school, neuro-inclusive environment capable of person-centred adjustments to maximise learning potential.

With 20 per cent of the population being neurodivergent, Mr Lawrence and Ms Varrell acknowledged the diversity within this group, stating that while they share traits, they are not the same.

They emphasised the importance of supporting individual children to speak up about how they best learn and engaging them to improve their self-esteem.

The session also covered key diagnoses, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, outlining the recurring elements of these conditions and ways in which teachers and education professionals might best support them.

The speakers reiterated that a neurodiversity affirmative framework focused on inclusion results in pupils who are better engaged with education and maximise learning potential.

Delegates were then invited to hear from a group of Sidcot parents who have developed a supportive network that meets regularly to share stories and their own experiences of having neurodiverse children.

They spoke to the conference delegates about their own experiences, particularly around masking.

The conference concluded with expert speaker Fintan O’Regan encouraging teachers and education staff to look at "traits rather than terms".

He gave helpful insights into increasing learning and maximising potential, highlighting that "ADHD is a developmental difference – not a ‘deficit’ and not a ‘disorder’."

Mr O'Regan outlined his ‘SF3R’ process for supporting neurodiverse pupils, encouraging structure, flexibility, rapport, responsibility, and regulation.

He also highlighted statistics showing that children with SEND requirements are three times more likely to be bullied than those who do not.

By increasing awareness and acceptance by all—by creating "upstanders, not bystanders"—we create a more productive learning environment and, ultimately, society for everyone.

Mr O'Regan also spoke to over 70 Sidcot parents on the same topic in an evening session arranged as part of the school’s ‘21st Century Parenting’ series.

Joanna Leite, deputy head – pastoral at Sidcot School, said: "I’d like to thank all the schools who attended the conference today for joining us in learning about the most recent techniques and research around neurodiversity.

"Our expert speakers gave us fascinating insights and practical techniques to explore in our schools and with our colleagues to ensure we maximise learning potential for all.

"My thanks also go to our own Neurodiversity Parent Network, who all spoke so passionately about their own experiences and reminded us of the importance of this key topic, the latest in our 21st Century Parenting programme."