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.
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🕒 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!
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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
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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/
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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...