Key Learnings:
1. Practical ways to collaborate effectively: external providers and schools.

2. Rethinking how different supports can work together to be more effective for both the young person and their family


Despite the growing availability of support services for neurodivergent young people, and the dedication of their parents, teachers and clinicians, a disconnect persists between the existence of support and its effective implementation. Parents of neurodivergent children are reporting higher levels of exhaustion and isolation than ever before, struggling to navigate complex support systems while managing the day-to-day challenges of parenting. Teachers feel ill-equipped, lacking the necessary training to effectively support neurodivergent students in their classrooms. Clinicians, while expanding their services, often work in silos, disconnected from the daily realities of school and home life. This fragmented approach can leave everyone feeling unsupported and contributes to higher risks of burnout, stress, and inadequate care for neurodivergent students. This presentation explores innovative approaches to bridging these gaps through roles that foster collaboration and connection. Drawing on my professional experience as Head of Neurodiversity (Neurodivergent Specialist) in a mainstream school and as a Neurodevelopmental Educator in clinical practice, along with my lived experience as a neurodivergent individual raising three neurodivergent children, I will share how integrated care models can enhance outcomes for neurodivergent students, their families, and educators. By serving as a conduit between schools, families, and external care teams, this model ensures that all stakeholders feel supported and empowered. Attendees will gain practical insights into how collaboration can transform support systems, reducing isolation and burnout while creating environments where neurodivergent young people can thrive. Ultimately, this approach demonstrates that connection and understanding across all support systems are more powerful than even the best strategies delivered in isolation. Together, we can create a future where neurodivergent young people flourish, parents and teachers feel supported, and no child falls through the cracks.