{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"We need to talk about the neurodivergent teachers in our schools with Chris Benson","description":"We will never have true inclusion in our schools while neurodivergent teachers remain hidden. In this episode, Dale is joined by Chris Benson, founder of Headfirst Consulting and ND Chat, to discuss the neurodivergent teachers in our schools \u2013 and why it\u2019s a conversation that the profession shouldn\u2019t ignore. Chris was one of the first serving headteachers to publicly disclose his own ADHD diagnosis. The response \u2013 hundreds of private messages from educators across the country \u2013 spoke volumes about just how many teachers are quietly living with the same experience. Together, Dale and Chris explore: \u2013 Why around 25% of teachers are estimated to be neurodivergent, yet there is almost no data, no formal recognition, and no consistent support in place for them. \u2013 What it really means to receive a late diagnosis, and why a neurodivergent identity should never become a glass ceiling. \u2013 The gap between awareness and genuine belief \u2013 truly believing that a child\u2019s behaviour is not a choice \u2013 and why this remains one of the biggest challenges in education today. \u2013 Why ADHD doesn\u2019t even have its own data category on school management systems, unlike autism. \u2013 What it means for a school to claim inclusion whilst its own neurodivergent staff feel they must mask. \u2013 Why the teaching profession\u2019s increasing compliance culture is making it harder \u2013 not easier \u2013 for all professionals to thrive. \u201cWe will never have true inclusion in schools whilst those in the teaching profession who are neurodivergent themselves remain hidden\u201d \u2014 Chris Benson   About Chris Benson Chris Benson is an education leader, writer and consultant specialising in ADHD, neurodiversity and inclusive systems. With over 25 years in education and more than 15 years in senior leadership\u2014including headship in the UK and leadership roles in leading international schools\u2014he brings deep insight into how schools, organisations and systems enable people to belong, contribute and thrive. Chris is the founder of Head First Consulting and NDChat. NDChat is a social initiative focused on improving communication between families, educators, and young people. It brings together academics, clinicians, educators and parents to build shared understanding and improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals. His work sits at the intersection of behaviour, neurodiversity, mental health and identity, and is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience as a leader with ADHD and a parent of neurodivergent children. A published TES author and emerging national voice in education, Chris is known for challenging deficit narratives and advocating for high expectations, agency and system change. His work focuses not on lowering standards, but on redesigning environments so that more people can meet them. Do neurodivergent teachers get support in schools Supporting neurodiverse staff ADHD UK   B Squared Website \u2013 www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https:\/\/calendly.com\/b-squared-team\/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale \u2013 dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https:\/\/www.thesendcast.com\/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school. ","author_name":"The SENDcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.thesendcast.com","html":"