Reimagining broader equity goals for neurodivergent children and young people
10 months ago, I embarked on my PhD journey at The University of Stirling in Scotland. This is something that I have always wanted to do and finally the timing was right and I started in September 2021.
My research topic is focused on ‘Reimagining broader equity goals for neurodivergent children and young people’.
This interest stems from a 20 year teaching and school leadership career predominantly with neurodivergent children and young people and more recently as a qualified and professionally accredited coach, supporting neurodivergent adults with their qualifications and careers.
The term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to describe the experience of neurological diversity (including brain structures, connections, and functions) that is a feature of all of us as humans.
The term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to describe the experience of neurological diversity (including brain structures, connections, and functions) that is a feature of all of us as humans. Neurodiversity means there is a wide variation in brain processes, and therefore in individuals’ experiences and behaviours.
From 2009 to 2019 there has been an increase from 5.5% to 40% of children and young people with a recorded additional support for learning need, in Scottish Schools.
From 2009 to 2019 there has been an increase from 5.5% to 40% of children and young people with a recorded additional support for learning need, in Scottish Schools. The global pandemic has had an even greater, disproportionate impact on children and young people as they have faced reduced access to vital care, education, and support and well as to valued activities.
I am using comparative case studies as part of my methodology. These will enable me to explore how we can bridge the gap and draw out the practices that are working effectively for neurodivergent children and young people across mainstream and special education in different countries. Moreover, my research aims to gather the views of as many neurodivergent families as possible on what they feel would work better in our education system.
The past 10 months have involved many new learning experiences, including navigating a vast range of opportunities available to post graduate researchers. This includes workshops on publishing research, positive habits for a PhD, joining the British Library, and clarity on the expectations of a PhD. There has been many wonderful discussions that have challenged and enriched my thinking and plenty of opportunity to reflect on my practical knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity.
A couple of my successes include;
Publishing my research on coaching in schools in the CollectivED working papers, issue 14
Being awarded a couple of small grants to study Danish at the University of Edinburgh. This has been a great start to my funding track record
There is no doubt that juggling a PhD with managing a business and everyday life needs some serious planning at times. Ten months into this journey and I can honestly say I am still enjoying every step of the way!
My top 5 tips if you are considering embarking on a PhD:
Invest some time connecting with those who have completed their PhD. Find out what they wished they knew before starting! A great place to start is Connect The Docs.
Spend time thinking about your research area. You will be spending a lot of time reading, writing and discussing this topic for at least 4 years and potentially double that time if you are part-time.
Organise your notes in a cohesive way. Start your thesis draft in the first couple of months and write under different chapters/sub-chapters as much as you can. Keep your annual progress review as a working document, putting supervision records, and training notes under the relevant sections of your draft as you go.
Actively communicate with your supervisors keeping them up to date with developments. If possible - send your agenda for a supervision meeting at least a week in advance.
Reach out to your wider network and ask about being connected with mutual friends or researchers. These conversations could impact your research in new and exciting ways.
If you would like to find out more about my work or would like to participate, please get in touch with me.
