Myth Busting Neurodivergence in the Early Years

In this insightful webinar, Dr Joanna Grace and Zoë Austin explore autism and SEND in the early years, focusing on what neurodiversity really means for young children and those who support them. They challenge common myths about autism seen in the media, unpack the neurological basis of autism and ADHD, and discuss why behaviours such as stimming are not problems to fix, but meaningful forms of regulation and communication. Ideal for early years practitioners, SEND professionals, and educators, this conversation supports a more inclusive, neuro-affirming approach to practice. What you’ll learn: • What SEND can look like in the early years • Why children stim and how to respond supportively • The overlap between autism and ADHD • Why autism is not something children are “doing,” but part of who they are • How to challenge misconceptions and support neurodivergent children effectively A must-watch for anyone working in early years settings who wants to better understand autism, inclusion, and neurodiversity. --------------------------------------------------- Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to join important conversations and gain access to free early years industry advice and guidance --------------------------------------------------- Stay in touch! 📌Instagram:   / theparentagroup   📌Facebook:   / theparentagroup   📌LinkedIn:   / theparentagroup   📌Twitter: https://x.com/TheParentaGroup 📌TikTok: https://x.com/TheParentaGroup 📌Website: https://www.parenta.com 📌Email: [email protected] 📌Phone: 0800 002 9242 --------------------------------------------------- 🕒 Timestamps 0:00 Introductions and housekeeping 2:04 What is stimming? 4:08 When should you stop a child from stimming? 4:55 There's nothing wrong with stimming! 6:13 ADHD and Autism overlap 7:48 Stimming sets us free 5:57 Examples of good stims 8:30 Chris explains stimming 9:36 The 8 senses 9:47 What stimming can look like 11:05 Enabling safe stimming 15:31 Autistica statistics 16:17 Quotes from autistic adults 16:30 Links and resources from Zoë 16:50 Mythbusting autism in the media 22:36 Being autistic has epigenetic roots 24:15 Autism and neuroscience 30:14 "My mummy is autistic" by Dr Joanna Grace 31:26 Autistic early years analogies 42:47 Resources from Joanna 43:15 Final Q&A and key takeaways 52:51 Thank you Zoë and Joanna! --------------------------------------------------- Our monthly Parenta webinars are FREE to attend for all childcare professionals AND you receive a professional CPD certificate if you attend. Register for our next free webinar here – www.parenta.com/webinars --------------------------------------------------- About Parenta Parenta is an early years solutions provider that started back in 1999. Over the last 25+ years, we’ve developed comprehensive solutions to dynamic problems commonly experienced in the early years sector. Some of these solutions are: Government-funded childcare training provider www.parenta.com/our-childcare-courses Free recruitment services www.parenta.com/recruitment Nursery management software www.parenta.com/all-in-one-software-solutions Childcare websites www.parenta.com/website-design Marketing solutions for childcare businesses www.paremta.com/marketing-solutions/ -------------------------------------------------- Free Resources Dr Joanna Grace Presentation: https://www.parenta.com/wp-content/up... Zoë Austion Presentation: http://www.parenta.com/wp-content/upl... H2G Looking at Neurodivergence and SEND with fresh eyes: https://www.parenta.com/wp-content/up...