S6E08 - Supporting neurodivergent children and families in a neurotypical world w/ Cheryl Warren

POD-CACHE

Join us this week as we chat to Cheryl Warren, an award-winning trainer and consultant from Aperion Training, specialising in neurodiversity in the early years.

In the episode, Cheryl discusses her career journey and personal mission, sharing how her lived experience has shaped her professional approach. As a parent, Cheryl offers valuable insights into supporting neurodivergent children and their families, understanding the pressures they face.

As an educator, Cheryl understands the importance of applying a neuroaffirming lens in practice, recognising that each child's needs are unique and embracing their differences. She emphasises the role of the curious educator, seeking to understand the 'why' behind every action, and having a strength-based approach that focuses on what children CAN do.

We also explore the strategies for creating inclusive and supportive environments, including conducting environmental audits that address sensory distractions and sensitivities, and encouraging movement.

We'll be back with a whole new episode on 21 August.

Chapters

0:00- Introduction to Cheryl and her career journey

4:35- Cheryl’s personal mission and experience with neurodivergence

7:57- Understanding different individuals’ needs and that it is a spectrum

13:50- How families and educational settings recognise the signs

18:20- Ad break

18:40- How Cheryl’s lived experience informs her professional approach

20:35- Supporting families to navigate a world that doesn’t understand neurodivergence

24:50- Understanding that ALL brains are different

28:05- What is the neuroaffirming lens and why is it important to use it in practice

31:40- Being the curious educator and looking for the ‘why’

32:40- Letting children be their true authentic selves whilst also providing support

36:16- Practical ways of creating inclusive spaces for all children

40:46- Ad break

41:44- The sensory distractions in the environment and sensory sensitivities

44:55- What motivated Cheryl to start Aperion Training

47:05- Feedback from training

49:20- Making the environment better for everyone

51:48- Advice to anyone starting their career in education and final notes

New here?

You've joined us in season 6 and, if you've enjoyed this conversation, you might want to visit our episode feed and subscribe to POD-CACHE for more. New episodes are published once a fortnight and there are lots of great conversations to catch up on.

Want to hear more from our guest?

You can learn more about Cheryl and her work by visiting her website: https://www.aperiontraining.co.uk/

You can check out Cheryl's podcast 'Not Your Typical Podcast' here:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cheryl-warren7

You can also find Cheryl on her social media channels:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-warren-aperion-training-11568b11b/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aperion_training/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077734505075
• X/Twitter: https://x.com/cherylJ_warren

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with your colleagues and remember to like, subscribe and leave us a review.

Visit cachealumni.org.uk to join 25,000+ members from across care, health, early years and education. Membership starts at free, and you'll gain access to our member magazine, events, resources and a member discount and benefits scheme.