Webinar: Understanding how to support neurodivergent children and young people

At 12:30pm today bMindful Psychology are hosting a free webinar to explore the ways in which teachers, parents and other professionals can best support neurodivergent young people.

The event is being hosted by Doctor Louise Knox, senior child, and educational psychologist at bMindful – one of the UK’s leading specialist child psychology services. The session, which is due to start at 12:30pm today and last one hour, is set to cover the concept and importance of neurodiversity and what adults can do to support the wellbeing of children and young people who have it.

Neurodiversity is a broad and inclusive term used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. While everyone’s brain develops similarly, no two brains are alike. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, and developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) all come under being neurodivergent.

‘We know that many neurodivergent children and young people can experience poor mental health due to societal factors,’ Dr Knox said. ‘Neurodiversity at its core is about recognising the rich and varied ways of thinking and experiencing the world.’

Dr Knox added: ‘Many of the neurodivergent children and young people I work with want to be accepted and celebrated for who they are bit are not afforded the same privileges as the neurotypical population. Through this talk I want to introduce others to this important topic.’

According to recent statistics it is currently estimated that in the UK, 15-20% of children, and young people and one in seven of the overall population are neurodivergent. This suggests that educating yourself on how best to support these individuals is more important than ever.

Against this backdrop, research from Mentally Healthy Schools shows that due to societal expectations and a lack of support and understanding, neurodivergent pupils may be susceptible to mental health problems.

In August Healthwatch reported that seven in ten autistic children and eight in ten autistic adults have a mental health condition.

To register for today’s event, please follow the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/webinar-neurodiversity-tickets-750865999417?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

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