The ‘insider’ perspective from Dr Annemarie O’Dwyer, Director of neurodivergent insider:

There is a paradox that exists in the education sector, one which hinders the inclusive practice of educational establishments.

Inclusive culture and practice are written in student policies to ensure that regardless of disability or neurodivergency, provisions are made to accommodate and to support students who require reasonable adjustments, with the purpose of assisting them through their chosen qualification.

However, the same inclusive policies and practices are often not extended, or indeed, even considered as necessary for neurodivergent teaching professionals.  This certainly was my own experience.  I was left to navigate through the performative expectations of what it is to be a teaching professional in an education sector governed by accountability measures.

In order to manage the demands, I developed resilient techniques and strategies, what I refer to as my ‘neurodivergent ways of knowing’, to make an often-untenable situation bearable and manageable. At both middle and senior management level there was a will to accommodate, but a lack of knowledge, or awareness of what to do, and how to go about addressing the deficit of support.

My own experience set me on an academic path, first in my master’s thesis, and later in my PhD degree to explore the paradox described.  The exploration of theory and practice, and my own ‘insider’ experience, equip me with a unique perspective, one which I demonstrate in the training and services I provide. The aim of ‘neurodivergent insider’ is to encourage organisations to recognise neurodivergent professionals, and to provide the tools and techniques for individuals and organisations to truly engage in neuro-inclusive practice.

Be a champion for inclusive practice. 

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“Be a champion for inclusive practice”

“I developed resilient techniques and strategies”