Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
@isabellefk.bsky.social
MEd MRes Interested in narratives of neurodiversity, inclusive education, double empathy, EOTAS, neuroqueering. She/her.
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
It's good to hear that the English government is investing in SEND training for teachers, but it matters enormously *what* they're being taught, and *who by*... and have they considered ensuring that kids learn about this stuff, too?
Here's one of my talks about this stuff:
youtu.be/kDVBkGEmvFw?...
Here's one of my talks about this stuff:
youtu.be/kDVBkGEmvFw?...
January 17, 2026 at 9:04 AM
It's good to hear that the English government is investing in SEND training for teachers, but it matters enormously *what* they're being taught, and *who by*... and have they considered ensuring that kids learn about this stuff, too?
Here's one of my talks about this stuff:
youtu.be/kDVBkGEmvFw?...
Here's one of my talks about this stuff:
youtu.be/kDVBkGEmvFw?...
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Far too often the barrier to supporting children with SEND is the system itself because of the pressure to do specific things for the DfE and Ofsted. If our approach was developmentally appropriate to the children, rather than externally enforced to meet targets, settings would be more able to flex.
January 17, 2026 at 8:46 AM
Far too often the barrier to supporting children with SEND is the system itself because of the pressure to do specific things for the DfE and Ofsted. If our approach was developmentally appropriate to the children, rather than externally enforced to meet targets, settings would be more able to flex.
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
With me!
We’re published in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School”.
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen, @autisticrealms.bsky.social, has a chapter in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org/2026/01/14/w...
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen, @autisticrealms.bsky.social, has a chapter in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org/2026/01/14/w...
We’re published in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School”
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen has a chapter in "It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School" on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:40 AM
With me!
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
A fabulous round up of autism research from the past few years collated by @annmemmott.bsky.social
annsautism.blogspot.com/2019/01/auti...
annsautism.blogspot.com/2019/01/auti...
Autism: Some Vital Research Links.
Updated January 2026 Autism. Here we are, 100 years on from the work of Sukhareva, and 80 years on from the original misunderstandings ...
annsautism.blogspot.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:50 PM
A fabulous round up of autism research from the past few years collated by @annmemmott.bsky.social
annsautism.blogspot.com/2019/01/auti...
annsautism.blogspot.com/2019/01/auti...
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
I am excited to announce a new book and course will soon be available from myself and @emergentdivergence.com
Re-Storying Autism. A Framework For Families, Parents and Carers: Reimagining Support For Autistic People
More updates coming soon!
Re-Storying Autism. A Framework For Families, Parents and Carers: Reimagining Support For Autistic People
More updates coming soon!
January 10, 2026 at 3:34 PM
I am excited to announce a new book and course will soon be available from myself and @emergentdivergence.com
Re-Storying Autism. A Framework For Families, Parents and Carers: Reimagining Support For Autistic People
More updates coming soon!
Re-Storying Autism. A Framework For Families, Parents and Carers: Reimagining Support For Autistic People
More updates coming soon!
Important, powerful research & thread on rights & justice for #autistic people.
Teachers, if you’re wondering why parents/carers of autistic YP might feel you ought to be making schools safer & more #neuro-affirming, you will find Gerald’s post super helpful.
#burnout
#attendance
#masking
Teachers, if you’re wondering why parents/carers of autistic YP might feel you ought to be making schools safer & more #neuro-affirming, you will find Gerald’s post super helpful.
#burnout
#attendance
#masking
As an aside, if you're wondering why autistic people can't just 'suck it up' and 'communicate like everyone else,' it's because doing so is literally killing us.
www.languageonthemove.com/im-dying-to-...
www.languageonthemove.com/im-dying-to-...
I’m Dying to Speak to You
In this post written for autism acceptance month, autistic anthropologist Gerald Roche discusses connections between the communication styles and life expectancy of autistic people, and encourages …
www.languageonthemove.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:03 AM
Important, powerful research & thread on rights & justice for #autistic people.
Teachers, if you’re wondering why parents/carers of autistic YP might feel you ought to be making schools safer & more #neuro-affirming, you will find Gerald’s post super helpful.
#burnout
#attendance
#masking
Teachers, if you’re wondering why parents/carers of autistic YP might feel you ought to be making schools safer & more #neuro-affirming, you will find Gerald’s post super helpful.
#burnout
#attendance
#masking
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Understanding Autism: The Ecosystemic Model Of Distress
Building on Luke Beardon's golden equation of 'autism + environment = outcome' this article proposes that distress and mental health problems are generated by the human ecosystem, highlighting that to improve the wellbeing of Autistic people…
Building on Luke Beardon's golden equation of 'autism + environment = outcome' this article proposes that distress and mental health problems are generated by the human ecosystem, highlighting that to improve the wellbeing of Autistic people…
Understanding Autism: The Ecosystemic Model Of Distress
Building on Luke Beardon's golden equation of 'autism + environment = outcome' this article proposes that distress and mental health problems are generated by the human ecosystem, highlighting that to improve the wellbeing of Autistic people we must take an approach of ecological conservation to make the ecosystem sustainable and safe for all people.
dghndconsultancy.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Understanding Autism: The Ecosystemic Model Of Distress
Building on Luke Beardon's golden equation of 'autism + environment = outcome' this article proposes that distress and mental health problems are generated by the human ecosystem, highlighting that to improve the wellbeing of Autistic people…
Building on Luke Beardon's golden equation of 'autism + environment = outcome' this article proposes that distress and mental health problems are generated by the human ecosystem, highlighting that to improve the wellbeing of Autistic people…
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
I've always felt that the term SEND minimises the reality of disability and specifically obsfucates the social model idea that the barriers created in education are not an inevitable consequence of impairment, or the 'fault' of the individual, but are instead structural and our responsibility to fix
December 31, 2025 at 11:15 AM
I've always felt that the term SEND minimises the reality of disability and specifically obsfucates the social model idea that the barriers created in education are not an inevitable consequence of impairment, or the 'fault' of the individual, but are instead structural and our responsibility to fix
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
The first installment of "Understanding Autism", a blog series that will explore concepts from Autistic lived experience. First installment looks at the theory of monotropism.
dghndconsultancy.co.uk/2025/12/19/u...
#UnderstandingAutism #Monotropism #Monotropic #ActuallyAutistic #autism
dghndconsultancy.co.uk/2025/12/19/u...
#UnderstandingAutism #Monotropism #Monotropic #ActuallyAutistic #autism
Understanding Autism: Monotropism - DGH Neurodivergent Consultancy
This first installment of the Understanding Autism series explores the theory of monotropism and what it actually means for Autistic people. This blog series will explore key concepts of Autistjc expe...
dghndconsultancy.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The first installment of "Understanding Autism", a blog series that will explore concepts from Autistic lived experience. First installment looks at the theory of monotropism.
dghndconsultancy.co.uk/2025/12/19/u...
#UnderstandingAutism #Monotropism #Monotropic #ActuallyAutistic #autism
dghndconsultancy.co.uk/2025/12/19/u...
#UnderstandingAutism #Monotropism #Monotropic #ActuallyAutistic #autism
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
It’s also misleading because a formal
diagnosis is not needed in law for a child to have SEND - needing provision which is additional to/different from.
diagnosis is not needed in law for a child to have SEND - needing provision which is additional to/different from.
I’m really surprised by this headline from The Sutton Trust. Children don’t get diagnosed with SEND. SEND is about provision. Children get diagnosed with ASD/ADHD/dyslexia/DLD etc which MAY lead to them having SEND.
🚨 Wide gaps in waiting times for a SEND diagnosis by socio-economic background 🚨
Middle-class parents have shorter waiting times for formal SEND diagnoses than working-class parents, we have found.
Read our report on the SEND system 👇
www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
Middle-class parents have shorter waiting times for formal SEND diagnoses than working-class parents, we have found.
Read our report on the SEND system 👇
www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
December 31, 2025 at 9:49 AM
It’s also misleading because a formal
diagnosis is not needed in law for a child to have SEND - needing provision which is additional to/different from.
diagnosis is not needed in law for a child to have SEND - needing provision which is additional to/different from.
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Resharing my starter pack of neuro-affirming Autistic advocates, orgs and charities if you are looking for a good list of people to follow
go.bsky.app/9N5UEUC
go.bsky.app/9N5UEUC
May 26, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Resharing my starter pack of neuro-affirming Autistic advocates, orgs and charities if you are looking for a good list of people to follow
go.bsky.app/9N5UEUC
go.bsky.app/9N5UEUC
Worth remembering:
“SEND is a construct.
It’s a convenient fiction. And it’s a neatly-boxed label designed to solve a problem the education system created, and refuses to take responsibility for.”
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
“SEND is a construct.
It’s a convenient fiction. And it’s a neatly-boxed label designed to solve a problem the education system created, and refuses to take responsibility for.”
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
December 30, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Worth remembering:
“SEND is a construct.
It’s a convenient fiction. And it’s a neatly-boxed label designed to solve a problem the education system created, and refuses to take responsibility for.”
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
“SEND is a construct.
It’s a convenient fiction. And it’s a neatly-boxed label designed to solve a problem the education system created, and refuses to take responsibility for.”
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham starts off strongly but then reveals he has no understanding of SEND or how EHCPs work…doh! www.politicshome.com/news/ar...
SEND Reforms Must Not Be About 'Taking Away', Warns Andy Burnham
Exclusive: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said that reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system must “start ...
www.politicshome.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham starts off strongly but then reveals he has no understanding of SEND or how EHCPs work…doh! www.politicshome.com/news/ar...
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
It's only a few weeks now until our interactive workshop, featuring talks by @thewoodbug.bsky.social, @petewharmby.com and more fantastic presenters.
It's free to attend and will be in hybrid format. Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focused-in...
It's free to attend and will be in hybrid format. Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focused-in...
![Workshop: Focused Interests, Identity & Autistic Communication Across Contexts. 8-9th January, Queen Mary University of London and online
This free workshop will explore how autistic people engage with focused interests in diverse communication settings. Featuring two keynote presentations, panel presentations, a roundtable discussion and a hands-on board game design activity.
Design session = Dr Liam Cross & Dr Gray Atherton will lead a design session creating a board game that highlights the strengths of neurodiverse teams (in-person only)
Keynote speakers = Pete Wharmby (neurodiversity advocate) and Dr Rebecca Wood (Glasgow)
Where? Microsoft Teams (Thursday and Friday), Bloc Cinema Mile End Campus QMUL (Friday)
How can I join? Sign up on Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focused-interests-identity-autistic-communication-across-contexts-tickets-1975957950421?aff=oddtdtcreator] or email j.aiston@qmul.ac.uk
All welcome. This workshop is funded by the Wellcome Trust.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:exlgpopengesgdw26qnvrtr7/bafkreigpgw3ra3w2mgsq2zdbfpryc3exgwnjos54w5egjpayn2vlq5xjoi@jpeg)
December 18, 2025 at 11:49 AM
It's only a few weeks now until our interactive workshop, featuring talks by @thewoodbug.bsky.social, @petewharmby.com and more fantastic presenters.
It's free to attend and will be in hybrid format. Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focused-in...
It's free to attend and will be in hybrid format. Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/focused-in...
Here we go!
“Diagnosis has become the unofficial currency of support, not because the law demands it, but because the system has outsourced its moral & legal responsibility to a clinical gatekeeper.”
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
“Diagnosis has become the unofficial currency of support, not because the law demands it, but because the system has outsourced its moral & legal responsibility to a clinical gatekeeper.”
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
December 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Here we go!
“Diagnosis has become the unofficial currency of support, not because the law demands it, but because the system has outsourced its moral & legal responsibility to a clinical gatekeeper.”
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
“Diagnosis has become the unofficial currency of support, not because the law demands it, but because the system has outsourced its moral & legal responsibility to a clinical gatekeeper.”
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
“SEND is not a framework for inclusion, but an administrative construct created to manage difference without requiring the education system itself to change. A way of locating the problem in the child, while protecting the structure that excludes them.”
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
#SEND
#inclusion
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
#SEND
#inclusion
New from @kieranrose.bsky.social
There is no such thing as SEND
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
There is no such thing as SEND
theautisticadvocate.com/there-is-no-...
There is no such thing as SEND - The Autistic Advocate
In this article Kieran Rose looks at why there is no such thing as SEND in UK Education and addresses the harm casued by SEND narratives.
theautisticadvocate.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:17 AM
“SEND is not a framework for inclusion, but an administrative construct created to manage difference without requiring the education system itself to change. A way of locating the problem in the child, while protecting the structure that excludes them.”
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
#SEND
#inclusion
TY @kieranrose.bsky.social
#SEND
#inclusion
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
They definitely do 'push' schools but it's worth remembering that some schools refuse to play the game. If nobody played it, the game wouldn't work. The profession needs to reflect on that imo along with 'outstanding' Ofsted banners while complaining about Ofsted.
December 13, 2025 at 9:23 AM
They definitely do 'push' schools but it's worth remembering that some schools refuse to play the game. If nobody played it, the game wouldn't work. The profession needs to reflect on that imo along with 'outstanding' Ofsted banners while complaining about Ofsted.
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Really to happy to hear from the publisher today that our book on inclusive, neurodiversity-affirmative education is a "hot new release" in education, according to Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-relea...
Flyer attached for a discount if you buy direct from the publisher - valid through January.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-relea...
Flyer attached for a discount if you buy direct from the publisher - valid through January.
December 12, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Really to happy to hear from the publisher today that our book on inclusive, neurodiversity-affirmative education is a "hot new release" in education, according to Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-relea...
Flyer attached for a discount if you buy direct from the publisher - valid through January.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-relea...
Flyer attached for a discount if you buy direct from the publisher - valid through January.
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
"If we truly want to support dysregulated students, especially neurodivergent ones, we need to stop putting the burden of managing big emotions solely on them & instead take a hard look at the environments we create." From @endseclusion.bsky.social:
endseclusion.org/2025/07/10/n... #neurodiversity
endseclusion.org/2025/07/10/n... #neurodiversity
Neurodivergent Students Don’t Need a Calm Corner, They a Whole Classroom Rooted in Calm, Connection, and Compassion
“Just make a calm-down space in your room!” they say, as if emotional regulation can be solved with a bean bag chair, a glitter jar, and a cute sign that says “breathe.” But here’s what so many people...
endseclusion.org
December 13, 2025 at 4:17 AM
"If we truly want to support dysregulated students, especially neurodivergent ones, we need to stop putting the burden of managing big emotions solely on them & instead take a hard look at the environments we create." From @endseclusion.bsky.social:
endseclusion.org/2025/07/10/n... #neurodiversity
endseclusion.org/2025/07/10/n... #neurodiversity
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Wonderful news and fantastic to see some of @thrivingautistic.bsky.social community members have contributed towards this book including @claruineill.bsky.social @autisticrealms.bsky.social & @fergus.oolong.co.uk !
An inspiring and accessible introduction to neurodiversity in educational settings
An inspiring and accessible introduction to neurodiversity in educational settings
Really to happy to hear from the publisher today that our book on inclusive, neurodiversity-affirmative education is a "hot new release" in education, according to Amazon:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-relea...
Flyer attached for a discount if you buy direct from the publisher - valid through January.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/new-relea...
Flyer attached for a discount if you buy direct from the publisher - valid through January.
December 12, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Wonderful news and fantastic to see some of @thrivingautistic.bsky.social community members have contributed towards this book including @claruineill.bsky.social @autisticrealms.bsky.social & @fergus.oolong.co.uk !
An inspiring and accessible introduction to neurodiversity in educational settings
An inspiring and accessible introduction to neurodiversity in educational settings
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Something that always strikes me about these reports is that parents withdraw their children when inflexible systems are put in place and they can't cope. So in the end it becomes a way of removing learners with higher levels of needs, whatever the original intention.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Pupils withdrawn from Mossbourne Federation schools in Essex - BBC News
Louise Butcher is one of many parents who say a federation's two schools are too strict with pupils.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Something that always strikes me about these reports is that parents withdraw their children when inflexible systems are put in place and they can't cope. So in the end it becomes a way of removing learners with higher levels of needs, whatever the original intention.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
People asking why there is an increase in pupils declaring SEND:
1. There is less stigma associated with admitting you are struggling
2. The 'academic' curriculum introduced by Gove does not meet the needs of lots of pupils
3. Many 'behaviour policies' make schools inherently SEND non-inclusive.
1. There is less stigma associated with admitting you are struggling
2. The 'academic' curriculum introduced by Gove does not meet the needs of lots of pupils
3. Many 'behaviour policies' make schools inherently SEND non-inclusive.
December 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
People asking why there is an increase in pupils declaring SEND:
1. There is less stigma associated with admitting you are struggling
2. The 'academic' curriculum introduced by Gove does not meet the needs of lots of pupils
3. Many 'behaviour policies' make schools inherently SEND non-inclusive.
1. There is less stigma associated with admitting you are struggling
2. The 'academic' curriculum introduced by Gove does not meet the needs of lots of pupils
3. Many 'behaviour policies' make schools inherently SEND non-inclusive.
“Rather than the myriad ‘social skills’ interventions that encourage autistic people to learn non-autistic social norms, it is time to consider how non-autistic people can meet autistic people halfway.”
#doubleempathy
#doubleempathy
Lovely article from my friend and colleague @cjcrompton.bsky.social exploring the intersection of the double empathy problem and autism diagnostic criteria:
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Autism diagnosis and the double empathy problem | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core
Autism diagnosis and the double empathy problem
www.cambridge.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:06 AM
“Rather than the myriad ‘social skills’ interventions that encourage autistic people to learn non-autistic social norms, it is time to consider how non-autistic people can meet autistic people halfway.”
#doubleempathy
#doubleempathy
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
Lovely article from my friend and colleague @cjcrompton.bsky.social exploring the intersection of the double empathy problem and autism diagnostic criteria:
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Autism diagnosis and the double empathy problem | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core
Autism diagnosis and the double empathy problem
www.cambridge.org
December 11, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Lovely article from my friend and colleague @cjcrompton.bsky.social exploring the intersection of the double empathy problem and autism diagnostic criteria:
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by Isabelle Finn-Kelcey
December 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM