Black and Autistic or Neurodivergent with Suzy Rowland, Keisha Swaby and Lauren Fernandez
Release Date: 04/13/2023
Supporting Neurodiverse Students: Insights from Awesome Archie with Rebecca Clapcott
The SENDcast
Last month, Archie Clapcott joined Dale in the studio to share his transition from mainstream to special education. Today, his Mum, Rebecca Clapcott, draws on her extensive experience as the founder of the Awesome Archie nonprofit to discuss how to support neurodiverse students and why schools must embrace change. Rebecca emphasises that many teachers lack the understanding and training needed for effective neurodiversity support, advocating for a compassionate approach that values individuality and fosters understanding among educators. She addresses relatable topics, such as school uniforms,...
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Why does the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle matter? with Sara Alston
The SENDcast
Since the 2015 SEN Code of Practice SEN support has been based on a graduate response that includes an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle. Unfortunately, this cycle is becoming fragmented, with each component operating in isolation. Assessments are not being linked to children’s needs or plans to support them. Plans are made but not implemented and reviews are just a recap of what a child can or cannot do. Sara Alson, SEND and Safeguarding Consultant and Trainer, joins Dale in the studio to discuss why the APDR cycle matters. Sara stresses that it is an ongoing process that should...
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Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning
The SENDcast
In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students. Kate highlights what good practice looks like when thinking about establishing an informal SEND provision and what the potential dangers and unintended consequences are. Key points include: Growing Inclusion Needs Parental Choice vs. School Capability ...
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Universal Approaches to Support in Education with Clare Ward & James Galpin
The SENDcast
I just finished listening to this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Dr Jamie Galpin and Clare Ward! They join Dale to discuss ‘Universal Approaches to Support in Education’, at a time when we're seeing rising levels of emotion-based school avoidance, teachers struggling with mental health challenges or leaving the profession altogether, and increasingly scarce resources are being channelled into identifying difference. Their conversation raises important questions: Have we gone too far focusing on difference? Shouldn't autistic, dyslexic, and ADHD children be considered a part of...
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How Dealing with Mental Images and ‘re-wiring’ the Brain Can Create Breakthroughs for Dyslexia with Lou Barnes
The SENDcast
In our latest episode, we dive into the challenges faced by children struggling with reading and writing. It's crucial for us as educators to recognise the signs that indicate a child's brain may not be processing text in a way that allows for easy reading and spelling. Dale is joined in our new studio by Lou Barnes, a trainer and founder of Unlock Learning. Lou discusses the role of . She introduces Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), which focuses on understanding and changing subconscious patterns that affect behaviour and learning. Lou shares her experience working with dyslexic children...
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nasen awards - Clare Brun Teacher of the Year
The SENDcast
In this final special episode of our nasen award winner series, Clare Brun shares her experiences and insights as the Teacher of the Year, highlighting her work at Holyrood Academy and the transformative impact of their enhanced learning provision. Throughout the discussion, Clare emphasises the importance of support, collaboration, and strong relationships within the school community. She explains how her dedication to inspiring both students and colleagues has led to a successful learning environment for all, particularly for students with special educational needs. Clare recounts her...
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*Special Episode* Autism Europe International Congress 2025
The SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome the team behind Autism Congress on the SENDcast. In this special episode of the SENDcast, Dale Pickles discusses the upcoming . The event team join Dale including Adam Harris, Peter Vermeulen and Zsuzsanna Szilvasy. They highlight that the Congress aims to create an inclusive space for autistic advocates, family members, and professionals to address common barriers faced by the autistic community. Now its 14th event, the theme this year is “quality of life” with discussions on topics ranging from mental health to advocacy - guided by a scientific committee...
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Awesome Archie's Journey from Mainstream to Specialist Education with Archie Clapcott
The SENDcast
I'm excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring our youngest guest, 16-year-old Archie Clapcott. Archie travelled to our studio to discuss his journey from mainstream education to a specialist setting. As an autistic individual with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, he offers a unique perspective that we can all learn from. I was really taken aback hearing how much Archie’s physical well-being improved as a result of lockdown. This highlights the significant impact that educational environments have on both the physical and mental health of students. It's a powerful reminder of the...
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nasen awards - Jane Fearnley & Faye Ebbs, Alternative Provision of the Year
The SENDcast
Jane Fearnley and Faye Ebbs from the LEAF Centre, discuss their work and recent recognition as winners of the nasen Alternative Provision of the Year award. The Leaf Centre, located within Willow Tree Academy, focuses on providing therapeutic intervention support to improve student attendance, reduce exclusions, and foster early intervention, leading to academic progress. Over the past two years, their initiative has resulted in a 7% increase in attendance rates, despite the initial low attainment of students. They highlight the importance of collaboration among the staff, parents, and...
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Relationship Dynamics with Children with PDA with Beth Elkins & Ian Thorsteinsson
The SENDcast
I am delighted to share the latest episode of our podcast, where Beth Elkins and Ian Thorsteinsson from Gretton School join Dale to explore the relationship dynamics with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Beth is a parent to a young man with PDA and brings a unique perspective that combines both personal and professional insights. Her candid reflections on the highs and lows of parenting a child with PDA provide emotional support and encouragement, showing other parents that it can get easier with a shift in thinking and communication. Beth and Ian explore various aspects...
info_outlineDid you know that children from ethnic minority groups are excluded at a rate that’s 4 times greater than their white peers? Adding neurodivergence into the equation further increases the chance of being excluded.
“When you know you're already different, and then you're different within different, that's something that I feel acutely aware of.”
Suzy Rowland
Today Suzy Rowland, Lauren Fernandez and Keisha Swaby join Dale for this podcast ‘Black and Autistic or Neurodivergent’. Listen to hear the first-hand experiences of 3 black women and how neurodiversity affects different ethnicities and cultures in unique ways.
About Suzy Rowland
Suzy Rowland is the author of S.E.N.D. in the Clowns, a poetry collection and “I can’t go to school!” – a children’s workbook for school non-attenders, an ADHD & Autism Spectrum Condition Specialist, Mindful Cognitive Behaviour Therapist & Speaker.
She founded the #happyinschool project to provide interactive, bespoke training and consultancy, rooted in lived experience. In this capacity, she works as an agent of change with families and young people, mental health professionals, educators, local authorities, charitable and corporate organisations, to build knowledge, connections and positive narratives about educating and employing neurodivergent thinkers. Suzy is also a presenter for Women’s LIK UltravisionTV.
About Keisha Swaby
Keisha is a wife and mother to four beautiful children. She is an International Inspirational Speaker and a Presenter on Radio Diamond. Keisha gave up her job of 12 years in 2016 to continue her education and pursue her dreams.
Keisha completed a 3-year degree and achieved a First-Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. During the last few weeks of her studies, she was diagnosed with severe Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at the age of 41. Keisha went on to achieve Merit in her master’s degree in health psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Keisha is passionate about helping others and creating more awareness of Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Her eldest daughter was also diagnosed with Dyspraxia making her mission even closer to her heart. As part of her awareness work, she has given several people with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia the opportunity to share their own stories on her radio show.
Keisha is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Jamaica Dyslexia Association. Her lived experience of these conditions has given her several opportunities to share her story on various platforms and events. She is a regular speaker at events for international women's day and was a speaker at the recent Dyslexia Show 2022. Keisha has been chosen as one of the top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022.
Keisha launched Empowering Dyslexics to inspire and be an example to others that they too can achieve anything her motto is "If I CAN do it so CAN you”.
About Lauren Fernandez
Lauren is a Neurodivergent Consultant and Trainer with a focus on Autism amongst marginalised communities. Late diagnosed, she found a lack of services, support, and representation available. Lauren’s experience highlighted changes that desperately needed to be made, after spending brief time as an inpatient and struggling to navigate access to appropriate services, she founded Mask Off C.I.C.
Through her organisation, she advocates as an ambassador for Neurodiversity, providing her own training and hosting discussions across several mainstream services and organisations.
Lauren endeavours to be the representation that is often missed, and to provide experience informed solutions.
Contact Suzy
Website - www.happyinschoolproject.com
Email - [email protected]
Twitter - @SchoolHappyin
Facebook - www.facebook.com/happyinschool
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/milknosugarcomms/
Instagram - @happyinschool
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B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
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Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
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Email Dale – [email protected]
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Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe