Changing the Narrative Around Neurodivergence in Schools

With Prof Edmund Sonuga Barke and Dr. Susie Chandler.

This episode marks the end of the series of podcasts on the RE-STAR project. In this final episode we discuss the four-and-a-half-year research initiative supporting neurodivergent adolescents with ADHD and autism. The discussion covers how the project shifted focus from internal emotion dysregulation to the school environment's role in mental health, introducing the concept of "emotional burden." Key findings include the importance of teacher understanding, consistent accommodations, and moving away from deficit-based language. The episode concludes with an introduction to their intervention, Place Positive, designed to foster inclusive school cultures and reduce emotional burden for neurodivergent students.

More information about the RE-STAR project and Place Positive can be found here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/re-star

You can listen to the 8 other episodes in the RE-STAR series here: https://changingstatesofmind.com/re-star-project

The episode in bullet points:

• Overview of the RE-STAR Project and its focus on neurodivergent adolescents, particularly those with ADHD and autism.
• Discussion of the increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, among neurodivergent youth.
• Shift in research focus from intrinsic emotion dysregulation to environmental factors, particularly the school environment.
• Introduction of the concept of "emotional burden" and its implications for understanding neurodivergent experiences.
• Importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and community involvement in research.
• Insights on the needs of neurodivergent students in educational settings, including the need for understanding and consistency from teachers.
• Challenges faced by neurodivergent students in schools, including reliance on formal diagnoses for support.
• Development of the Place Positive intervention aimed at creating inclusive school environments.
• Discussion on the impact of language and terminology used in relation to ADHD and autism.
• Long-term goals for the RE-STAR Project and its potential influence on UK schools.