Speaking on Neurodivergence: Supporting Children and Families in Schools and at Home
I recently joined Phoenix FM for a discussion on neurodivergence, nervous system awareness, and supporting children and families both at home and in school.
The conversation focused on taking a strengths-based approach to ADHD and autism — moving beyond labelling behaviour and instead understanding what a child’s nervous system may be communicating.
As a neurodivergent psychotherapist specialising in ADHD and autism in Ireland, I am passionate about bringing practical, evidence-informed insight into public conversations.
Media spaces allow these discussions to reach beyond the therapy room — into homes, classrooms, and communities.
Understanding Neurodivergence in Children
During the programme, we explored what neurodivergence actually means.
Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in how the brain develops and processes information. This includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and related profiles.
Rather than asking “What is wrong with this child?”, a strengths-based approach asks:
How does this child’s brain work?
What environments support them best?
What is their nervous system communicating?
Understanding neurodivergence early can prevent years of misinterpretation, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem.
“Coping at School, Collapsing at Home”
One key theme we discussed was the experience many parents describe: a child who appears fine in school but melts down at home.
This pattern is often misunderstood as behavioural difficulty.
In reality, it frequently reflects:
Sensory overload
Social masking
Emotional suppression
Nervous system fatigue
When adults understand this dynamic, responses shift from correction to regulation and support.
Nervous System Awareness and Emotional Regulation
A core message from the discussion was simple:
Regulation must come before reasoning.
When a child’s nervous system is in threat mode, the thinking part of the brain goes offline. Logical consequences or explanations will not land.
Supporting emotional wellbeing means:
Co-regulation before correction
Predictable environments
Sensory-informed adjustments
Strengths-based communication
This approach benefits not only neurodivergent children but entire classrooms and families.
Why Public Conversations About ADHD and Autism Matter
There is growing awareness of neurodivergence in Ireland, yet misunderstandings remain common — particularly around behaviour, anxiety, and assessment.
Radio and podcast conversations allow these ideas to become accessible and practical.
Families, educators, and professionals increasingly seek:
Clear explanations of ADHD and autism
Insight into emotional regulation
Practical strategies for home and school
Strengths-based mental health perspectives
Bringing these conversations into mainstream media reduces stigma and supports early intervention.
Media & Speaking Topics
I regularly speak on:
Neurodivergence in children and adolescents
ADHD and autism in everyday settings
Emotional regulation and nervous system awareness
Assessment vs labelling
Supporting neurodivergent students in schools
Strengths-based psychotherapy approaches
Anxiety and neurodivergence overlap
As a CPD trainer and psychotherapist, my focus is on translating clinical insight into grounded, real-world guidance.
Media & Podcast Enquiries
If you are a podcast host, journalist, radio producer, school, or organisation seeking an ADHD and neurodiversity specialist for interview or speaking engagements, I would be happy to contribute.
To discuss media appearances, podcast interviews, or speaking invitations:
📧 Contact: info@robertrackley.ie
🌐 www.robertrackley.ie
Let’s continue building informed, compassionate conversations around neurodivergence.
