Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood

Auteur

Kerry Murphy is an autistic and ADHD early years specialist in neurodiversity, SEN and disability. She adopts a neurodiversity affirming framework and is currently a lecturer in early education and SEN. She has worked for a range of local authorities, early years settings and schools offering training, consultancy and support. She has also written and worked with several early years organisations including Anna Freud, Nursery World, Early Education and Thrive.

Texte du rabat

It is not uncommon to hear the myths that young children develop in the same way, or that play does not come naturally to disabled or neurodivergent children. This essential guide challenges these myths and empowers early years educators to adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices which support all children.

Résumé

It is not uncommon to hear the myth that young children develop in the same way, or that play does not come naturally to disabled or neurodivergent children. This essential guide challenges these myths and empowers early years educators to adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices which support all children, emphasising the joy, wonder and possibilities of inclusive practice.

The book explores diverse development and learning through a variety of different lenses, including early years provision, specialist support, and speech and language therapy. The reader is introduced to a range of theoretical perspectives, alongside practical examples, audits, case studies, and strategies which explore the environment and the features and benefits of self-directed play. Topics include:

• An introduction to neurodiversity-informed practice
• Unpacking ableism and disablism in early childhood
• Approaching practice through a neurodiversity-informed lens
• Developing a curriculum that promotes equality and embraces diversity
• Advice for working effectively with parents and carers
• Creating inclusive learning environments that are accessible and enjoyable for all children. Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood challenges outdated assumptions and expands our understanding of child development and play, with inclusive practice at its heart. This is a key read for anyone working with young children, enabling them to actively move towards neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Contenu

Introduction

Put it into Practice: The Principles of Neurodiversity-affirming Practice in Early Childhood

Chapter One: Introducing neurodiversity in the context of early childhood

Chapter Two: The role of ableism in early childhood

Put it into Practice: Ableism Audit

Chapter Three: The Myth of Universal Child Development

Chapter Four: The role of self-directed play in neurodiversity-affirming practice

Put it into Practice: Environmental Foundations

Chapter Five: Play-full, Rest-full and Stress-less Environments

Chapter Six: Affirming curriculum, documentation and goal setting

Put it into Practice: Neurodiversity Affirming Documentation

Last words