Short description:

It is not uncommon to hear the myths that young children develop in the same way, or that play does not come naturally to disabled or neurodivergent children. This essential guide challenges these myths and empowers early years educators to adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices which support all children.

Long description:

It is not uncommon to hear the myth that young children develop in the same way, or that play does not come naturally to disabled or neurodivergent children. This essential guide challenges these myths and empowers early years educators to adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices which support all children, emphasising the joy, wonder and possibilities of inclusive practice.

The book explores diverse development and learning through a variety of different lenses, including early years provision, specialist support, and speech and language therapy. The reader is introduced to a range of theoretical perspectives, alongside practical examples, audits, case studies, and strategies which explore the environment and the features and benefits of self-directed play. Topics include:

• An introduction to neurodiversity-informed practice


• Unpacking ableism and disablism in early childhood


• Approaching practice through a neurodiversity-informed lens


• Developing a curriculum that promotes equality and embraces diversity


• Advice for working effectively with parents and carers


• Creating inclusive learning environments that are accessible and enjoyable for all children.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood challenges outdated assumptions and expands our understanding of child development and play, with inclusive practice at its heart. This is a key read for anyone working with young children, enabling them to actively move towards neurodiversity-affirming practices.

"This book is a vital step forward in ensuring neurodivergent children are truly seen and respected for the brilliant, capable, playful people they are. Radical, thought-provoking and deeply researched, it is a must-read for parents and practitioners alike. Murphy seamlessly blends social justice, education theory, and practical exercises to create a book which is at once challenging, inspiring, and profoundly hopeful, showing us how nurturing and affirming early-years education could be." - Eloise Rickman, author of It's Not Fair: why it's time for a grown-up conversation about how adults treat children

"With care, experience and a neuro-affirming perspective this book takes a stand against the pathologisation and suppression of the play of neurodivergent children in all its joy, creativity, mischief, normativity dismantling and beauty. Murphy writes with clarity and lays out actionable steps to enable supporting adults to improve the experience of neurodivergent children in their settings. She does this whilst holding onto the nuance required to grapple with complexity and perpetually unfinished nature of an inclusive practice. I look forward to referencing this text heavily when training early-years professionals on creating inclusive and authentically neurodiverse play and educational spaces." - Max Alexander, Play Radical

"It is refreshing to read a book specifically focussed on children in the early years that simultaneously centres neurodiversity and play but does not shy away from the essential lenses of so many other intersections of a child?s identity including race and the impacts of systemic racism. Kerry has the ability to make her books accessible in terms of her writing style which is so important for everybody who is involved in the education and care of children. The general lack of understanding about neurodiversity means that there are a number of children for whom a positive experience of early learning and play is not granted. This book is a brilliant aid in helping educators engage and increase their understanding about the urgency of such a topic." - Liz Pemberton, Early Years Anti-racist Trainer and Consultant and Founder of The Black Nursery Manager Ltd

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Put it into Practice: The Principles of Neurodiversity-affirming Practice in Early Childhood

Chapter One: Introducing neurodiversity in the context of early childhood

Chapter Two: The role of ableism in early childhood

Put it into Practice: Ableism Audit

Chapter Three: The Myth of Universal Child Development

Chapter Four: The role of self-directed play in neurodiversity-affirming practice

Put it into Practice: Environmental Foundations

Chapter Five: Play-full, Rest-full and Stress-less Environments

Chapter Six: Affirming curriculum, documentation and goal setting

Put it into Practice: Neurodiversity Affirming Documentation

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