“Every Teacher Is a Teacher of SEND” — Why this common phrase means NOTHING without action!

Stumble onto almost any school website in the UK and you’ll probably spot this old beauty…

“Every teacher is a teacher of SEND.”

It’s a powerful statement that signals inclusion and suggests a whole-school commitment.

But here’s the sad truth:

A slogan without action is just website decoration. Oooooph…. I know!!! A few very well-chosen words on a website mean nothing unless they translate into everyday practice, real change, and lived experience for the children who need it the most and, sadly, we are seeing that all too often, they don’t.


When Inclusion Becomes a Buzzword Instead of a Practice

Schools rarely want to fall short. Many care deeply, but good intentions aren’t the same as meaningful support.

What commonly happens is this:

  • Staff understand SEND in theory but they haven’t necessarily had practical training. They haven’t FELT the harsh reality of a child in crisis.
  • Equality is confused with equity (“we treat everyone the same, so it’s fair!”). I HATE THIS!
  • Systems rely on posters, policies, and taglines instead of consistent classroom strategies and regular up to date, emotionally intelligent training.
  • Neurodivergent children are supported reactively, not proactively.
  • A child’s sensory, learning, or communication needs are “known” but not embedded into daily teaching.

So, guess what happens?

Children mask, parents chase, teachers firefight… and the phrase “every teacher is a teacher of SEND” becomes nothing more than marketing language or self protection when the inevitable complaints come in!

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. We really want to change the narrative and make that change a long lasting one!


Equality vs. Equity: Where So Many Schools Still Get Stuck

Equality is giving every child the same thing.
Equity is giving every child what they need to access learning.

From a disability perspective:

  • Equality says: “Everyone gets 30 minutes to complete the worksheet.”
  • Equity says: “You can have extra thinking time, use a laptop, or a reduced task so you can show your learning in a way that works for you.”
  • Equality says: “Everyone sits still and listens on the carpet.”
  • Equity says: “You can use a wobble cushion or work standing up if that supports your regulation.”

Schools often believe they are promoting fairness by treating everyone the same, but fair does not mean identical. Fair means accessible, achievable, and humane.

We have always told our children that “fair isn’t everyone getting the same, it’s everyone getting what THEY need!

Understanding this is the foundation of true inclusion.


So What Does a Truely Neuroaffirming School Look Like?

A neuroaffirming school doesn’t try to “fix” neurodivergent children or make then fit into the same routines and learning styles. It adapts the environment so the children can thrive, as individuals! In practice this may look like…

Sensory needs being acknowledged and not dismissed

  • Ear defenders available without needing a permission slip
  • Access to quiet corners
  • Flexible seating
  • Movement breaks used when needed, not just stuck onto a schedule at a teachers convenience.

Visual tools are used across the whole school As Standard

Not just for “SEND children,” but for everyone.

  • Now/Next boards
  • Visual timetables
  • Colour-coded instructions
  • Task breakdowns
  • Emotion wheels

Staff FULLY understanding that behaviour is communication

Meltdowns aren’t “naughtiness”.
Shutdowns aren’t “defiance”.
Fidgeting isn’t “poor attitude”.
Instead, staff look for the unmet need underneath.

Language is supportive and affirming, not shaming

No more:

  • “You just need to try harder.”
  • “You need to sit still.”
  • “Everyone else can do it.” (Hard to believe but I have heard all of these!)

Instead:

  • “What do you need so I can help you get started?”
  • “Do you want this broken into steps?”
  • “Would a quiet space or class den help you?”

Adults model emotional regulation

A dysregulated adult cannot regulate a dysregulated child.
Training matters — but so does culture. No neurodivergent child thrives under a “shouty” or quick to temper teacher!

Parents are partners, not problems

Meetings should be collaborative, not confrontational. These parents are probably terrified for their children’s future and have been consistently let down by a broken system. Believe me when I tell you… It’s ALOT!

Concerns are listened to, not dismissed.
Support plans are co-created, not imposed. Peer support is EVERYTHING!!!!


So How Schools Can Turn That Famous Buzz Phrase Into Real Action ?

Here are practical ways that schools can ensure that saying “every teacher is a teacher of SEND” is a genuine statement and not just a cool thing to say!

Whole-school CPD that is practical, not theoretical

Teachers need real strategies they can use tomorrow morning — not 50 pages of PowerPoint definitions. Anyone can Google, it’s lived experience where the real learning happens.

Consistent tools in every classroom

Imagine if every classroom used:

  • Visual timetables
  • Clear task breakdowns
  • Sensory-friendly options
  • Predictable routines

This transforms inclusion.

Student profiles used daily, not gathering dust in a file

Teachers and TA’s should be able to glance at a child’s profile and know exactly how to support them. We have created you an example for this a little further down 🙂

Neuroaffirming policies, not punitive ones

This means rethinking:

  • Zero-tolerance behaviour systems. It’s not the 80’s! If I hear “we have a one size fits all policy” – I may need wine!!!
  • Break detentions. That’s their regualtion time. Be more proactive and less reactive!
  • “No movement during lessons” rules. Movement needs don’t follow a schedule people!!!
  • Blanket bans on sensory tools. Again… WHY?!

Regular communication and RESPECT between staff, SENCOs, and parents

Support should evolve with the child — not be set once and forgotten. For heavens sake, LOOK AFTER AND LISTEN TO YOUR SENCO’S… THEY ARE EVERYTHING!!!!!!


Individual Student Profile, Our Student One Pagers

Below is our example of a student profile that a teacher could keep to hand or have easily accessible for new TA’s or supply teachers. We call it the “one pager” because it hits the key points FAST!


This is the type of tool that turns inclusion from intention into impact.


Because Inclusion Isn’t a Tagline — It’s a Culture

A school cannot call itself inclusive because it says the right words. It becomes inclusive when children feel safe, understood, supported and valued for who they already are.

“Every teacher is a teacher of SEND” should be more than a trending phrase, it should be a promise — backed up by action, training, compassion and a willingness to rethink the old systems.

Neurodivergent children deserve nothing less. School is tough enough, when you are neurodivergent… its a whole other level!


When we support our awesome students and staff properly, the whole school benefits.


Parenting on Hard Mode: My 20 year Journey as a Neurodivergent Mum

This weeks blog has essentially been in the making for almost 20 years….no joke!

For years, I thought I was simply “bad at adulting.”
Bad at keeping the house tidy. Bad at remembering appointments.
Bad at staying calm when three things happened at once.

I’ve had years of giving one negative self talk after the other. Why can’t I parent like Jen? Why is Maggie’s home always so tidy and mine is a disaster? What’s wrong with me?

I didn’t realise I was a neurodivergent mum trying to navigate life and parenting with unsupported ADHD. I’ve always been told that I’m “loud, crazy, great for a laugh” but people didn’t see the inner turmoil that I had lived with all my life. Feeling different and perceiving that difference as nothing but negative and trying to force myself to be like everyone else.

Thankfully , those days are long gone, but it has taken work, research and self kindness to get me here.

When You Don’t Know You Have ADHD, Everything Feels Like a Personal Failure

Looking back at my early parenting years, I can now see the impact of my undiagnosed ADHD in every aspect of my early mum years.

  • A messy home that I could never seem to get on top of, no matter how hard I tried.
  • Regular overwhelm from the constant noise, schedules, responsibilities, and expectations.
  • Missed appointments, forgotten forms, lost school letters, which left me feeling like I was always ten steps behind everyone else.

At the time, I thought these struggles meant I wasn’t trying hard enough.
But the truth was so much simpler: I didn’t yet understand my brain awesome neurodivergent brain.

Understanding My Brain Was the Turning Point

My late awakening to my neurotype wasn’t a surprise — it was a relief, a game changer.
A clarity I didn’t even know I needed. BUT FLIP, I NEEDED IT!

I suddenly had words for experiences I had carried alone for years.
I understood why everyday tasks felt so draining, why motivation came in unpredictable and unreliable wafts, and why the simplest chores would feel like climbing a nevr ending mountain.

And knowing this didn’t just help me — it reshaped how I supported my children, rwo of whom who share some of these traits too.

Learning to Support Myself AND My Kids

Over the years, I’ve learned that supporting my children starts with supporting myself.
I can’t pour from an empty cup, and I definitely can’t organise a family calendar if my own executive function is running on fumes.

Some of the things that have helped me include:

  • Breaking big tasks into tiny, compassionate steps. Who knew that you are allowed to start tidying the lounge and stop when you have had enough? Not when it was perfect, a job I knew I didn’t have time to finish so I just ignored!)
  • Using visual cues, charts, and routines that take pressure off my memory…I LOVE making planners and I have them for EVERYTHING! I even make them for family members to help them before they go on holidays 🙂
  • Creating systems that fit how MY brain naturally works, instead of forcing myself into systems that don’t!
  • Accepting that consistency doesn’t mean perfection… I still have to work everyday on this one!
  • Allowing rest without guilt, because burnout helps no one.

These strategies don’t magically stop my many moments of overwhelm, but they do give me the tools I need to handle it a whole lot better.
They help me to keep my home running, even on the messier days — and trust me, there are still a good few messy days but its manageable! We always have clean clothes, clean dishes, food in the fridge and I rarely forget appointments nowadays so I feel like I’m winning! So much better for my mental health.

Why “Simple” Chores Aren’t Simple for All of Us

As part of this journey, we’ve created a little graphic to share some of the biggest lessons we’ve learned about ADHD and everyday life.

It explains why tasks that others see as “easy” — things like laundry, dishes, forms, phone calls — can feel almost impossible for ADHD brains to start.

It’s not laziness!
It’s not lack of care!
It’s our unique brains executive function — the part of the brain responsible for planning, prioritising, organising, and initiating tasks. Mine is needing a bit of something extra, a support buddy, a kick up the bum 😉

And when that part of your brain plays by different rules, your daily life does too.

Moving Forward With Understanding and Compassion

Being a neurodivergent parent is both challenging and truly beautiful.
It forces you to learn yourself deeply, to adapt creatively, and to parent with a deep and powerful empathy that only grows from lived experience.

I am not, nor will ever be a “perfect” mum, there is no such thing — but I am an aware one.
A learning one. An advocating and neuroaffirming one.
A mum who understands her brain and her children’s brains better than ever before.

And that, to me, feels like a totally awesome victory.

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Our Kind of “Normal”: Living Neurodivergently with Pride

In my last blog I stated that I hate the word “normal”. This prompted me to do a bit of research and you may be surprised as to what I discovered!

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “normal” means:

“Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.”

For most of our lives, we’ve been told that normal looks a certain way — tidy routines, predictable behaviors, quiet mealtimes, and neatly organized days. But in our awesome neurodivergent family, that definition doesn’t fit. And honestly, we’re okay with that.

Because our kind of normal looks very different — and it works beautifully for us.


In our home, what might look unusual to outsiders is simply everyday life for us.

We build our routines around our neurotypes, needs, and energy levels, not around what others think we “should” be doing. Some days we start more slowly, with quiet corners, soft lights, and time to regulate before tackling the day. Other days, our living room becomes a sensory play zone, full of music, movement, and laughter.

Our flexible structure gives us the freedom to meet everyone’s needs — including our PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) son’s need for autonomy and choice. We know that choice and flexibility help him to feel safe, and when he feels safe, we all thrive, not just survive


Neuroaffirming, Not ‘Fixing’

We don’t see anyone in our family as needing to be “fixed” or “changed.” We are not broken.
Instead, we approach each day with a neuroaffirming mindset — one that recognizes every brain as valid and valuable. Each of us has a part to play and is an integral place in our family.

When someone needs quiet time, we honor it. When emotions run high, we focus on connection before correction. We celebrate stims, special interests, and creative communication.

Ourmain aim isn’t to make our children (or ourselves) fit into a “neurotypical world”, but to create a home where everyone belongs exactly as they are. No masking needed!


So, our home may look abit different from others — we have soft lighting instead of harsh overhead bulbs, cozy sensory corners, weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, and fidget toys all over the place!

This isn’t indulgence; it’s accessibility.
A sensory-friendly environment allows us all to regulate and reset — to feel safe, comfortable, and capable.

This is what normal looks like for us.


So We Are Redefining Normal

If “normal” means “usual, typical, or expected,” then our life is normal — for our family.

What’s usual for us might seem unusual to others, but that’s the beauty of neurodiversity: there isn’t one right way to live, parent, learn, or love. Every family has its own rhythm, and ours happens to be built on understanding, acceptance, and flexibility.

So yes, we’re a little different. PROUDLY SO!
Our days don’t follow a traditional path and never have.
But our home is full of unconditional love joy, creativity, and compassion — and that, to us, is perfectly normal.

Why Can’t I See the Storm Coming for me?!

Ian and I have been together for almost 25 years and although our marriage hasn’t been plain sailing (no marriage ever is) I know that he knows me so well that often he see’s things in me that I cant!

These last two decades have proven to me — I’m often the last to notice when I’m starting to struggle. It’s not that I’m ignoring it on purpose; it’s just that the signs creep in slowly and quietly. I start moving less, my motivation dips, I stop replying to messages, and yet, somehow, I convince myself everything’s fine.

It’s usually my lovely husband who spots it first. He seems to know before I do when I’m heading into a low patch. He’ll notice the little things — my tone, my energy, the way I retreat into myself — and gently ask, “Are you okay?” Sometimes I brush it off, often I get defensive. But deep down, I know he’s right.

I genuinly really value that about him — the way he can see me even when I can’t see myself. It’s a reminder that sometimes we need the people who love us to hold up a mirror. And while it can be hard to face, that mirror can also be what helps us find our way back.

So, Why It’s So Hard to Notice Our Own Struggles?

Looking back, I think part of the reason it’s so difficult is that our minds are good at adapting, for me masking is a part of my everyday and often I forget who I really am. When things start to get heavy, we tell ourselves it’s just stress, tiredness, or hormones. We normalise feeling off because it happens slowly — one small compromise at a time. Sadly , if you spend months or years feeling like this , it becomes your ” normal”… Sorry, I HATE that word!!!

For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent like me, this can be even trickier. We so expertly learn to “mask” our difficulties — to keep going, to blend in, to cope quietly. After years of doing that, it becomes second nature to push through instead of pause. So when we start slipping, we don’t always recognise it as something more than a bad day.

I’ve also learned how important it is to reach out when we notice someone else struggling — even if we’re not sure. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or intrusive. It can be as simple as sending a message or saying, “You don’t seem quite yourself lately, how are you doing?”

The truth is, sometimes people don’t know how to ask for help, or they don’t even realise they need it. A small gesture can make a huge difference. And honestly, even if you’re wrong and they’re perfectly fine, it doesn’t matter — you’ve still shown that you care. You’ve still done your part.

But… There Is Also The Denial We Don’t Talk About

Denial can be sneaky. I’ve caught myself thinking, “I can handle this,” or, “I’ve been worse before.” It’s easy to minimise your own feelings because admitting you’re struggling feels like weakness, fixing things is too big a task — or because you’re afraid of being “too much.”

But I’ve learned (and am still learning) that acknowledging you’re not okay doesn’t make you weak. It’s actually one of the strongest things you can do. It’s also one of the kindest — because it gives the people who love you a chance to show up for you.

I’m a big believer that we all have a role to play in each other’s wellbeing. Here are a few things I’ve found helpful — both as someone who struggles and someone who tries to support others:

  • Notice the changes. Trust your instincts when something feels off — yours or someone else’s.
  • Ask gently. A simple, “How are you really doing?” can open the door to an honest conversation.
  • Respect space. If someone isn’t ready to talk, let them know you’re there when they are.
  • Share your own experiences. Vulnerability invites vulnerability — it makes others feel less alone.
  • Don’t be afraid to care. Even if you misread the situation, kindness never goes to waste.

These days, when Ian tells me he senses I’m dipping, I try not to dismiss it, although my initial reaction is usually defensiveness. I take a breath and check in with myself. Sometimes he’s wrong — but more often than not, he’s right. ( Dont tell him though please 😉 )

And I’ve realised that’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a reminder that we’re not meant to go through life alone. We need those people who can see the clouds gathering before we do — and we need to be that person for others too. Sometimes that feels awkward or like an overstep, but you never know, you could save a life!

Because in the end, even if you reach out and they’re fine, you’ve still reminded them that they matter. And that simple act — seeing someone, really seeing them — might just be what gets them through.

Visuals created by neurocreative Media.

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This years tes SEND show and our much needed night away.

Ian and I have never made a secret of the fact that being parent carers is tough at times. Don’t get us wrong, we ADORE our children and know how lucky we are to have them, but it’s not easy.

Firstly, the whole “18 summers” thing is not our reality. Archie will need our full care for his whole life and that can occasionally terrify us (although we also love that he’ll never leave home 😉 ). Occasionally, people will say things like “you dont know that” to which we reply “we do!”. That’s because we have fully accepted. We have traveled through all the emotional phases of acceptance, denial being the first one for us and we now see our role. A role that we are truthfully proud to play! However, we do still need the odd “Beckie and Ian time” and last weekend was just that.

This weekend, Ian and I slipped away for a much-needed break in London: a blend of work, fun, and proper “us” time. We headed into the city for the tes SEND Show (and yes – we balanced the “educational/professional” bit with the “have fun as a couple” bit).


The tes SEND show 2025 – In LBDC

The tes SEND Show is one of the UK’s leading events for special educational needs and disability (SEND) — bringing together educators, parents, carers, practitioners, and suppliers to connect, learn and explore inclusive practice. It is my work version of Disneyland… I LOVE IT!!


It was held at the Business Design Centre in London and offered a rich programme: CPD-certified seminars, a “Parent, Carer & Teacher Forum”, and over 150 exhibitors showcasing resources, technologies and services aimed at supporting children & young people with SEN.


For us, it was the perfect mix of being professionally curious and personally connected: we wandered the exhibitor stands, chatted with folks and grabbed ideas. We caught up with friends we have made over the years of attendance, like the brilliant Dale Pickles, made new connections but left enough enegry for us to just be us!


London – Just Us

After the show, we carved out some proper couple time. Now dont worry, we havent gone all mushy 😉 We had a lovely stroll, did some sightseeing and a little bit of indulgence — and it felt so good to shift from carer mode into “Ian & Beckie” mode. It was nice to remeber all the fun things I like about my husband, it’s sometimes all too easy to forget when you are both run off your feet in the day to day!

First stop, the iconic Harrods for a browse (and maybe a little treat 😉 ). The grandeur of the building, the little hushed luxury corners, the food hall — all of it felt new and fun. I even got a moment on the catwalk… never thought that would happen!

We also visited the quirky and immersive Paradox Museum London: full of illusions, fun photo opportunities and just a bit silly and carefree — the perfect contrast to our professional start to the day. Interestingly though, the photo’s we took look like they are going to be used for my newest venture www.neurocreativemedia.co.uk. The fun, brightly coloured and often confusing nature of the museum seems to fit so well with me personally so, that worked out well!

We then spent time just wandering London — coffee stops, people-watching, talking about everything except “what needs doing” or “work we have to catch up with back home”.

It was a reminder that these rare breaks really matter. Because, being a parent carer is wonderful, but it’s also constant… and having a moment where we don’t have to think primarily about caring, logistics, managing things for someone else — really gives you a reset.


When you’re a carer (especially a parent carer) you’re always “on”. You’re endlessly managing the needs of someone else, balancing work, support, home life, and more. It’s meaningful work, wonderful work— but exhausting, and the value of stepping away is huge.

It gives perspective: you realise that you are allowed to be Ian & Beckie too — not just “carer” or “parent”. It restores energy. Even a short break can fill your emotional tank, help you reconnect, laugh, recharge. It strengthens your relationship time together, just for you two, reminds you of what you share beyond the caring role. It improves your well-being, for both of you. That bit of “normal life” helps you show up better in your carer/parent role too.

And yes — we came back refreshed, motivated, and glad we made the time.


So if you’re reading this and you’re thinking “we should take a break” — do it. Even if you’re deeply involved in caring, even if it feels “impossible right now” — the benefits are real. Taking time for you doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your caring role. It means you’re sustaining it.

And if you ever get an invite or chance to attend the tes SEND Show (or something similar) — go. Combine purpose with pleasure. Learn, explore, and then let yourself off the hook to just be.

Here’s to next years weekend escape, Ian & Beckie-style.

The Proud Launch of NeuroCreative Media.

For the past five years, I’ve poured my heart into running a non-profit that proudly supports autistic individuals and their families. That work — the community we’ve built, the voices we’ve uplifted, and the awareness we’ve raised — will always be part a huge of me. It’s so much more than a project; it’s Archie’s legacy.

But as anyone who walks this path knows, growth often comes with new directions. And now, it feels like the right time to take a deep breath, trust what I’ve learned, and branch out into something new.


Introducing NeuroCreative Media.

After 17 years of continuous learning, creating, and advocating, I’m so proud (and slightly terrified!) to launch my new venture: NeuroCreative Media. For details, day rates and services info check out our brand new website by clicking the link below.

https://www.neurocreativemedia.co.uk/

This new and exiting chapter brings together everything I’ve come to love — consultation, advocacy, and digital creation — all grounded in my neuroaffirming ethos. My mission is to collaborate with big hitting charities, schools, companies, and individuals whose values align with ours: inclusion, understanding, and respect for all kinds of minds.

Whether it’s through digital storytelling, awareness campaigns, training, or creative projects, NeuroCreative Media is here to help share the message that our brains — in all their remarkable diversity — deserve to be celebrated.


A New Purpose

For me personally, this is a big step. It’s scary to move into something new, but it’s also deeply exciting. Over the years, I’ve gained so many skills — from public speaking and advocacy to creative design, digital media, and connecting with communities.

Its finally MY time to grow and to achieve my own personal goals. Goals that as many parent/ carers will testify , have had to be placed on the back burner for almost two decades!

Now I get to use all of my life experiences and education in a new way — to help others tell their stories, raise awareness, and create real, lasting change.


Neurodivergence and mental health isn’t just a topic for me — it’s my whole life. It’s my family, my community, and my own identity. With every project, I bring not only professional experience and training, but also lived experience and a genuine passion for representation that feels real.

Because when we talk about autism, ADHD, and mental health, we’re not just talking about challenges — we’re talking about creativity, resilience, brilliance and connection.


Starting something new for me is always a mix of nerves and excitement, but I know this next step will open doors to even more meaningful work assisting in real change from the top!

NeuroCreative Media is built on the same foundation that’s guided me from the start: compassion, authenticity, and a belief in the power of storytelling to make the world a more inclusive place.

Here’s to the next chapter — to new collaborations, creative projects, and continuing to celebrate the incredible diversity of the human brain.


🖋️ Written by Rebecca Clapcott — Writer, Digital Creator & Neurodivergent Advocate
Owner of NeuroCreative Media.


Protecting the future mental health challenges of autistic adults like me NEEDS to start in childhood.

Now before you panic, we want to reassure you, it is NEVER too late to make positive changes. If you are worried that the childhood period has passed so you cant support, you can take a breath. This is simply the ideal from my own lived experience.

We know that across the world, autistic adults (like me) are experiencing high levels of mental health struggles—often linked not to neurotype itself, but to how the wider society has misunderstood and treated them. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and isolation are super common outcomes for people who grow up feeling unseen, misunderstood, or pressured to “mask” who they are. If we want to change the ending to this really sad story, the solution has to begin much earlier: in schools.

It seems as though the children who are supported, educated, and advocated for in their early years are more likely to grow into self-assured, self-aware adults. Assured adults are not accidental—they are nurtured by environments that recognise their value, listen to their voices, and affirm their differences.

For us as an organisation, we feel that for many autistic children, the experience of being “seen” is transformative. When educators, peers, and families take the time to understand their individual needs and perspectives, they learn that their feelings matter. Validation gives them the courage to express themselves and the resilience to navigate those daily challenges. On the other hand, being ignored or dismissed can plant seeds of self-doubt that can follow them into adulthood.

Archie and I truly believe that a child who feels safe sharing their emotions in school is more likely to grow into an adult who can regulate, reflect, and advocate for their mental wellbeing in adulthood.

So what can schools do NOW?

Schools are uniquely placed to prevent future mental health struggles among autistic adults. What a gift that is! Schools can:

  • Provide education about neurodiversity to staff and peers so that difference is understood as natural and valuable, not as a deficit.
  • Offer a tailored support that meets children where they are, from flexible learning approaches to sensory accommodations. This doesn’t have to break the budget.
  • Model acceptance and advocacy so children see adults standing up for their needs and, eventually, learn to do the same for themselves.
  • Encourage self-awareness by teaching children to name and understand their emotions without judgment.

These steps won’t just create a more inclusive classroom; they can create lifelong protective factors against poor mental health in adulthood. That is LIFECHANGING!

Why WE Encourage Advocacy Beyond the Classroom.

Support also means advocating for children within systems—whether it’s securing the right educational support, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions, or challenging stigma in our wider society. When kids grow up with champions in their corner, they are more likely to internalize the belief that they deserve respect and care. We at Awesome Archie want to champion YOU!

From “Seen” Children to Thriving, Mental Health Aware Adults

For us it seems that assured and self-aware autistic adults will come from autistic children whose feelings were heard, whose differences were honored, and whose identities were celebrated. Schools and parents have the power to reduce the number of autistic adults struggling with their mental health—not by “fixing” them, but by building environments where they are safe to be wholesomely themselves.

The path to healthier autistic adulthood is clear: support, education, and advocacy today creates resilience, confidence, and self-acceptance tomorrow.

Lifelong change begins by truly seeing the child that is right in front of us now!

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What made me and 2 of my sons Autistic?!

There’s a lot of noise out there about what “causes” autism. You’ve probably seen headlines linking it to medicines, diet, or even parenting styles. Let’s clear this up right away: autism is not caused by taking paracetamol, eating the wrong snack, or any other tripe you may hear in the media right now. Autism “happens” because two people come together, pass on their genetics, and create a wonderfully unique new human being. It’s hereditary, woven into the beautiful blueprint of who you are. Even if you didnt realise that these genes are in your family….THEY ARE IN THERE SOMEWHERE!!!

Your brain doesn’t suddenly “become” autistic because of something you did or didn’t do. You are born the way you are meant to be — autistic brains are just wired uniquely. And that uniqueness is natural, valid, and SO worth celebrating.

Here’s the thing: autism is not a disease. It’s not an illness to be afraid of, or something that needs to be “cured.” It’s a neurotype — simply another way for a brain to experience and interact with the world. Some brains thrive on routine, some see patterns others miss, some dive deep into passions with incredible focus. These differences add such a richness and diversity to humanity.

So instead of worrying about what “caused” autism, let’s focus on what makes life better for autistic people: understanding, acceptance, and compassion. The real medicine isn’t found in a pill — it’s in creating environments where autistic people can be themselves, feel safe, and be celebrated for who they are.

Because at the end of the day, every autistic person is exactly as they were always meant to be: beautifully and uniquely made. 💙

Our Autistic brains are NOT Broken – They Are Beautifully Unique!

Every so often, I scroll through the news or social media and see conversations about “fixing” autism, about “curing” it, or about how it’s some kind of problem to be solved. And every time, I feel that horendous ache — because this couldn’t be further from the truth. Today was so hard for me personally with all that is in the news .

Let’s say it clearly: autism is not an illness. Autistic people ARE NOT BROKEN! There is no cure, because there doesn’t need to be one. Autism is a neurotype — a different way of thinking, of processing the world, of communicating and socialising. The autistic brain is not wrong or faulty; it’s simply wired uniquely.


Being autistic means experiencing the world through a unique lens. Yes, there are huge challenges — navigating a world built for neurotypical people is really exhausting. Sensory overloads, social misunderstandings, or the endless need to “mask” can make life tough. We live life like this every day! But those challenges don’t mean autism itself is wrong.

It just means society hasn’t quite caught up yet in terms of accessibility, understanding, and acceptance.


Our Awesome unique Autistic strengths as a neurodivergent family.

In our family, autism brings so many blessings. Here are just a few:


  • Honesty & Authenticity – Like many autistic people, we often say what we mean and mean what we say. There’s no pretence, no hidden agenda — and that honesty is refreshing in a world that can be full of masks.
  • Passion & Focus – When an autistic person finds their special interest, the depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication is awe-inspiring. That passion can turn into expertise, careers, and innovations that benefit us all. That exactly why we do what we do here!
  • Unique Problem-Solving – Our thinking differently means approaching problems from fresh angles. Some of the most creative solutions and original ideas come from neurodivergent minds like ours.
  • Deep Empathy & Fairness – Despite the stereotype, many autistic people feel emotions intensely and care deeply about justice, fairness, and kindness.
  • Joy in the Small Things – From noticing tiny details others overlook to finding comfort in routines, our autistic brains have brought a richness to everyday life that many people miss out on. This is why we are neuroaffirming!

Stop Trying to “Fix” What Isn’t Broken

The idea of “curing” autism or ” fixing autistic people”suggests something is wrong, when in fact, autistic people are whole, complete, and valuable exactly as they are. What needs changing is not autistic people, but the barriers, stigma, and lack of understanding they face.

We don’t need to “fix” autistic people — we need to fix the systems that exclude them, the attitudes that shame them, and the myths that misrepresent them.


Being a neurodivergent family isn’t always easy. There are hard days, yes. But there are also moments of pure magic: the pride of watching our children thrive when they’re accepted, the joy of learning from their perspectives, and the deep sense of community we’ve found by connecting with other families like ours.

Autism is woven into the very fabric of who we are as a family — and we wouldn’t change that for the world.


If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this: autism is not something to be feared, pitied, or cured. It’s a different way of being human. A valid, valuable, and beautiful way.

So let’s stop trying to fix what isn’t broken — and instead start celebrating the gifts, strengths, and unique voices that autism brings to our world.

Supporting Awesome Archie – Why Your Kindness Matters So Much!

At Awesome Archie, everything we do is built on kindness, community, and a shared belief that every autistic/ neurodivergent child deserves to feel understood, supported, and celebrated.

Over the last 5 years, we’ve been able to provide so many families and schools with free resources – from activity packs to helpful guides – all designed to make life a little easier and a lot more joyful. We also now run Awesome Archie’s Connection Club, giving children a safe and welcoming space to connect with others, and we deliver free teacher training, helping schools to create truly neuro-affirming classrooms.

But here’s the truth – none of this would be possible without the generosity of people like you. 💙


🙏 Why We’ve Launched Our GoFundMe

Running Awesome Archie takes time, energy, and resources. From printing materials, to creating new packs, to funding our Connection Club sessions, it all adds up. We want to keep these things free for families and schools, because we know how much of a difference that makes.

That’s why we’ve launched a GoFundMe page – to give our community a chance to support us in continuing this important work.


💌 Why Donate?

When you donate, you’re not just giving money – you’re giving:
✨ A child the chance to feel proud of who they are.
✨ A teacher the tools to better understand their students.
✨ A family the relief of knowing they’re not alone.

Every single pound goes directly into keeping resources free, running groups, and expanding the support we can offer.


🌈 How to Donate

It couldn’t be simpler:

  1. Head over to our GoFundMe page 👉 https://gofund.me/c9480e86b
  2. Choose the amount you’d like to give – big or small, every donation makes a difference.
  3. Share our link with friends, family, or colleagues who care about creating a more inclusive world.

💙 Thank You

We are endlessly grateful for the kindness shown by our community. Together, we’re building something really special – a world where ALL CHILDREN feel accepted, valued, and celebrated exactly as they are.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

👉 https://gofund.me/c9480e86b

With love and gratitude,
The Awesome Archie Team 💙✨