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SEND, Ableism & Neurodivergence in Education: Rethinking 'Standard'

Season #4

In this powerful episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley sit down with author, educator and neurodivergent advocate Helen Daniel to unpack ableism in the education system through the lens of SEND and neurodivergence.

Drawing on Helen’s experience as a teacher, academic and author of Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages, they explore how a system built on standardisation often fails autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children – and what more equitable, sensory-aware education could look like, both in school and in home ed.

Together they dive into:

  • How curriculum changes and raised targets (times tables, Shakespeare, early formal writing) pushed more neurodivergent children “outside the norm.”
  • Why standardisation is the enemy of equity – and why one-size-fits-all schooling doesn’t work for diverse brains.
  • EHCPs, SEND provision and why the system feels broken for so many families.
  • Sensory profiles, overload and meltdowns: what’s really going on beneath “behaviour.”
  • Practical examples of small, powerful accommodations (movement, video learning, headphones, flexible seating.)
  • How home ed groups can unintentionally replicate ableism – and how to design more inclusive spaces.
  • Teaching all children (ND and NT) compassion, curiosity and respect for different needs.

This is a validating, eye-opening listen for:

  • Parents of autistic, ADHD, PDA or otherwise neurodivergent children.
  • Home educating families navigating SEND needs.
  • Teachers who feel the system is wrong but don’t know how to change it.
  • Any parent wanting to raise more compassionate, neuro-affirming kids.

Guest Spotlight: Find Helen’s book Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages in all the usual places for a deeper dive into sensory processing, autistic communication and building truly equitable lives for autistic children. Find Helen at https://outsidetheboxsensory.com/ or on social media @otbsensory. (New website coming soon though!)

Join the conversation: Has this episode resonated with your family’s experience of SEND or neurodivergence? Share your stories or questions with us on Instagram or TikTok @bighomeedpodcast, or head to the blog www.offroadingmotherhood.co.uk/blog for more resources and episode notes.

Keywords: SEND and ableism, neurodivergent children, autism and education, EHCPs UK, sensory needs in school, home education UK, inclusive home ed, trauma-informed education, alternative education, autistic-friendly learning, neurosensory divergence