Neurodiversity and School Avoidance:  A framework for considering underlying causes and intervention 

 Webinar Aim

This webinar has been specially designed to help colleagues better understand and handle school avoidance effectively for the neurodivergent students in their care with a focus on ADHD, Autism and Specific Learning Differences such as Dyslexia and Development Coordination Disorder (often referred to as dyspraxia).  We especially invite staff from Senior Schools and those working with students in the 14 – 18 age range, where they are approaching a critical point in their education.

This course is suitable for a wide range of staff, especially those supporting neurodivergent students directly such as SENDCos, attendance staff, inclusion leads, teaching & pastoral staff and school nurses.

The session will initially focus on significantly deepening understanding around neurodiversity and the occupational functioning, executive functioning and sensory challenges that are faced in attending school.  In addition to sharing extensive anecdotal examples from her daily practice to help shed light on the true nature of this difficulty for many neurodivergent students, Jessica will explore evidence of what works, and methods that can be adopted to best manage and support students.

This workshop will also offer a period of extended Q&A and enable practitioners to bring “live” material and case studies they may wish to explore.

Key learning objectives:

• Understanding the current working definition of Autism, ADHD, specific learning difficulties (SpLDs)
• Understanding school avoidance from a neurodivergent student perspective
• Recognising associated mental health barriers for attendance
• Supportive techniques for encouraging and improving attendance
• Proactive strategies
• Tips to help improve communication with neurodivergent students as well as school staff