S2 - EP2 - Special Educational Needs: Understanding the System with Juliana Nichol

Extra-Ordinary People

In this episode of Extra-Ordinary People, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Juliana Nichol, a special educational needs (SEN) expert with over 30 years of experience. Together, they discuss the complexities of the education system, particularly for children with neurodiversity and additional needs. Juliana shares her insights on how schools handle special educational needs, the challenges of diagnosis, and the importance of tailored support.

Key Highlights:

• Navigating special educational needs in schools
• The challenges of getting an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP)
• How children with autism and ADHD are often misunderstood in the current system
• The impact of undiagnosed or unsupported neurodiversity on children’s mental health

Why You Should Listen: If you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in understanding how the education system supports children with additional needs, this episode provides valuable perspectives. Juliana offers practical advice on advocating for children within the system, while Rosie shares her personal experiences as a mother of neurodivergent children.

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Disclaimers: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. The experiences and opinions expressed by the guest are personal and should not be taken as general advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional support for similar issues. The producers and host are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this episode.

Capítulos

1. Introduction and Rosie's personal experience with neurodivergence and special needs education (00:00:00)

2. The importance of holding children accountable for actions and the stress of exams (00:00:06)

3. Discussion on the male-oriented diagnosis of autism and the rise in ADHD diagnosis (00:01:17)

4. Introduction to guest Julianna Nichol, a special needs education expert (00:02:38)

5. Julianna Nichol's background in special needs education and the diverse presentation of autism (00:05:16)

6. The negative impacts of overlooking quiet, underachieving children (00:10:22)

7. Understanding the journey of parents with neurodivergent children and navigating the system (00:14:26)

8. Celebrating the growth and changes in a neurodivergent child (00:20:06)

9. The need to change adult interpretations of neurodivergent children's needs and the importance of fiddle toys (00:28:14)

10. The challenges of transitioning to secondary school for neurodivergent children (00:32:35)

11. The role of funding in supporting neurodivergent children in schools and the need for tailored teaching strategie (00:41:04)

12. The consequences of misconduct and the struggle of managing a diverse classroom (01:07:15)

13. Practical training for staff to understand children's feelings and the importance of empathy in teaching (01:14:21)

14. Dealing with a child's meltdown in a school setting (01:25:17)

15. Personal experience with public humiliation and being trapped, and neurodiversity and societal perceptions (01:39:26)

16. Increase in diagnosis - more awareness or more cases? (01:50:15)

17. The role of parents in the education system and the importance of consistent strategies at home and school (01:57:37)

18. The significance of observations during non-structured times and sensory issues in school environments (02:04:52)

19. Wrapping up and contact information (02:07:10)