MORNING KEYNOTE TOPIC –
Neuro-diversity and affirming practice within kindergarten
SPEAKERS
PAIGE – DIRECTOR
Paige is a mother of two and a neuro-affirming allied health professional, who hopes for a world where everyone feels welcome and safe to be themselves.
Professionally, Paige has a long history of working across both private and community health sectors in a clinical setting and in inclusion and diversity project roles. Paige has always been a fierce advocate for inclusive change and has completed her Master’s of Public Health with a specialisation in Advanced Practice, focusing on inclusion in healthcare.
Paige’s passion for neuro-affirming education and support comes from lived experience with a neurodivergent sister and son. Paige hopes for a world where inclusion prevails, where individuals can
live without barriers, and she is driven to be a part of that change.
EMILY – DIRECTOR
Emily is passionate about creating a world in which neurodivergent communities are not just accepted for their authentic selves but embraced and valued for their unique perspectives.
With a focus on inclusion, Emily leverages her extensive knowledge gained over a decade of teaching in education settings and working closely in the classroom with Autistic and neurodivergent students, as well as children with diverse learning needs. Her commitment to inclusion goes beyond professional spaces, with lived experience.
This personal connection fuels her advocacy, infusing it with empathy and a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced within neurodivergent communities.
In her ongoing work to promote and build education around authentic acceptance, and positive change for neurodivergent communities, Emily is currently pursuing a Diploma in Counselling. This not only underscores her dedication to her personal connection to building more inclusive spaces, but also reflects a commitment to evolving her skills to better serve the diverse needs of her community.
Topics Included in the Morning Keynote address are as follows –
- What is neurodiversity? Neurodiverse vs Neurodivergent. The Neurodivergent umbrella.
- Autistic identity.
- The paradigm shift in how we view Neurodivergence and how this applies to kindergarten children.
- Affirming language when working with Neurodivergent children and parents/carers.
- Neurodivergent traits in girls vs boys.
- Myths about Neurodivergent children
- The importance of Kindergarten teachers in early identification of Autism and ADHD.
- Accommodations needed for Neurodivergent children within kindergarten settings.
- Environmental barriers and supports to facilitate engagement. (Sensory, toileting, eating, play, friendships)
- Strategies to ensure equitable access to the kindergarten experience.
Tickets and Information is coming soon!