Oxford Neurodiversity Education

16/07/2025

If, like me, you respect the work of Laura Kerbey PAST - Positive Assessments Support and Training, then you might be interested in her latest venture with her brother and cousin.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/128iDz9CQi7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I don’t think there is anything more terrifying than knowing that someone you love doesn’t want to be alive anymore.

Last summer, I received a call from my GP practice asking me to call them urgently. When I did so, I was put through to a doctor who asked me to come to the surgery as quickly as I could to take my brother Chris to hospital. Chris had disclosed to his doctor that he wanted to die, and that he had planned a way to do it.

I was completely shocked and utterly heartbroken that my brother felt this way. Just ten days earlier Chris had supported me at a book launch and many of my friends commented on how well he looked and what a lovely, friendly guy he was. It became apparent that years of masking, addiction and undiagnosed ADHD had finally caught up with Chris.

The following days were a blur. My parents were devastated and at a loss at what to do. Although The Community Mental Health Team stepped in, I knew that their support would not be long term and that my brother needed more than they could offer. Despite my endless searches, I simply could not find anything that I felt was right” or relatable for him.

We pulled together as a family to support Chris and surrounded him with love and care.

When Chris began to feel better, we talked about working together to create an accessible and safe space for neurodivergent adults. Chris has worked in the music industry for a long time and had his own radio show for a number of years, so we decided to start a new radio show together called “The After Party.”

“The After Party” will combine talk of important matters related to neurodiversity, particularly the topics that impact late diagnosed adults. We will be inviting guests to share their experiences and of course playing some brilliant music too.

Chris now has his formal ADHD diagnosis and is training to be a qualified ADHD Coach. I am so proud of him and how he is sharing his experiences to help others.

You can never be too late to join The After Party, and no matter when you arrive, you will always be made to feel welcome.

Big shout out to Chris who is celebrating his 6 years sober milestone today!! 🎉

Click on the link below to be kept informed about details of the launch:

https://www.the-afterparty.org

30/06/2025

20/06/2025

We are aware of the changes to adult autism assessments in Oxfordshire.

🟣 Key findings
- Oxfordshire’s Adult Autism Diagnostic and Support Service (OAADSS), delivered by Autism at Kingwood, has stopped accepting new referrals due to the scale of its backlog.

- Exceptionally high demand, alongside static funding, has resulted in a waiting list of over 2,000 adults. At current rates, it could take until 2043 to complete all assessments.

- Increased public awareness of autism has led to more referrals—but without matching investment, services are stretched to capacity.

- Adults already on the list will still be seen, but new referrals are being directed to pursue NHS-funded private assessments via the “Right to Choose” (RTC) option through their GP.

- RTC means you may be able to access an autism assessment funded by the NHS—but please be mindful there is often still a wait, as demand is high nationally.

- Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board is aware of the situation and working with providers, but no new funding or additional support has yet been announced.

🟠 Our reflections
- Feelings of frustration, distress, or helplessness are valid. Waiting years to access something as vital as a diagnostic assessment is mentally and emotionally exhausting.

- Seeking an autism diagnosis is a deeply personal and empowering step. It supports access to workplace accommodations, mental health care, and greater self-understanding.

- This is not a personal failing—it’s the result of a system that hasn’t kept pace with need. The backlog affects thousands of neurodivergent adults across the region.

- Exploring the Right to Choose route is a proactive step, even if the process isn’t perfect. It may involve navigating shared-care agreements or finding the right provider—but it is a pathway forward.

- Collective advocacy is key. Change happens when we raise our voices—through community groups, engagement with MPs, and public conversations about the urgent need for properly funded services.

What can you do now?
✅ Stay on the current NHS waiting list—your place is preserved, and you will be seen in time.
✅ Speak to your GP about a Right to Choose referral for an NHS-funded private assessment (just be aware there may still be a wait).
✅ If considering a privately funded assessment, do your research—check that providers follow NICE guidelines and are CQC registered.
✅ Connect with peer-led or neuroaffirming support networks, including local autism groups, post-diagnostic services, and communities that offer guidance while you wait.

20/06/2025

This is not where my own children went to school; it’s the neighbouring school a stone’s throw away.

I found myself wondering how things might be different had they had this experience at primary.

And then I remembered that primary school wasn’t really where my own children struggled, but the jolt transition to secondary. A jolt that would’ve been even more jarring had they attended Tina Farr’a primary.

I wonder if any secondary schools are brave enough to make some age-appropriate changes in this direction?

Tina Farr has put play-based learning at the heart of lessons at her Oxford primary – with ‘phenomenal’ results

08/06/2025

🎉 Welcome to The Haven - A New Online Learning Space for Neurodivergent Learners! 🎉

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of The Haven, a brand new online learning centre created with neurodivergent girls and non-binary young people (aged 13-17) at its heart! Created by Autistic Girls Network, you can be sure of a neuro-affirming, nurturing environment where young people can learn in a way that works for them.

At The Haven, we believe in celebrating the unique strengths and brilliance of every learner. We're building a supportive and understanding online community where you can feel truly seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.

Think of The Haven as more than just an online school – it's a haven for learning, growth, and connection. We're passionate about providing a neuro-affirming environment where you can learn in ways that work best for you, connect with like-minded peers, and develop a strong sense of self-identity.

We're so excited to embark on this journey with you! Keep an eye on this page for updates, insights into our unique approach, and ways to get involved.

Ready to explore The Haven? Visit our website to learn more: https://thehavenacademy.school/

We can't wait to welcome you to The Haven community! 💖✨

03/06/2025

I was shocked to discover a former teaching colleague of mine (in mainstream but with an interest in SEND and with an autistic child themselves) had very little idea about this.

Please do share far and wide if you can, ideally directly with friends, family, colleagues to get the message out there.

Support in education is a vital legal right of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We ask the government to commit to maintaining the existing law, so that vulnerable children with SEND can access education and achieve their potential.

01/06/2025

Would you like to participate in some research? Jemma, a student on the MA Inclusion (Autistic Children) program at the University of Birmingham, and a parent to an autistic child with a PDA profile, is carrying out important research into the educational experiences of PDA young people, especially those who are unable to attend school.

Supervised by Professor Laura Crane, this project aims to gather strength-based insights into what works so there can be better understanding and support for young people with PDA in ways that truly meet their needs.

If you're a parent, carer or professional with lived or working experience in this area, Jemma would love to hear from you: https://ow.ly/w9o650W08um

20/05/2025

Yes Jess 💯 Send Family Magic

15/05/2025

This has come around quick!

🐼 If you are new to PDA and live locally, join me at Positive Measure - Parent-led support on Monday 19th May in Eynsham for an introduction to PDA for parents 😊

Positive Measure talk on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Join us on the 19th of May with our Special Guest and PDA Advocate, Anna Lawrence from Oxford, Neurodiversity Education.

14/05/2025

Sounds good to me 😊

11/05/2025

💯