Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood: An Empowering Guide to Diverse Development and Play

Author:   Kerry Murphy
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN:  

9781032346526


Pages:   250
Publication Date:   10 July 2025
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

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Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood: An Empowering Guide to Diverse Development and Play


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Overview

It is not uncommon to hear the myths that young children develop in the same way, or that play does not come naturally to disabled or neurodivergent children. This essential guide challenges these myths and empowers early years educators to adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices which support all children, emphasising the joy, wonder, and possibilities of inclusive practice. The book explores diverse development and learning through a variety of different lenses, including early years provision, specialist support, and speech and language therapy. The reader is introduced to a range of theoretical perspectives, alongside practical examples, audits, case studies, and strategies which explore the environment and the features and benefits of self-directed play. Topics include: An introduction to neurodiversity-informed practice Unpacking ableism and disablism in early childhood Approaching practice through a neurodiversity-informed lens Developing a curriculum that promotes equality and embraces diversity Advice for working effectively with parents and carers Creating inclusive learning environments that are accessible and enjoyable for all children. Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood challenges outdated assumptions and expands our understanding of child development and play, with inclusive practice at its heart. This is a key read for anyone working with young children, enabling them to actively move towards neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kerry Murphy
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
ISBN:  

9781032346526


ISBN 10:   1032346523
Pages:   250
Publication Date:   10 July 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

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Reviews

""This book is a vital step forward in ensuring neurodivergent children are truly seen and respected for the brilliant, capable, playful people they are. Radical, thought-provoking and deeply researched, it is a must-read for parents and practitioners alike. Murphy seamlessly blends social justice, education theory, and practical exercises to create a book which is at once challenging, inspiring, and profoundly hopeful, showing us how nurturing and affirming early-years education could be."" - Eloise Rickman, author of It's Not Fair: why it's time for a grown-up conversation about how adults treat children ""With care, experience and a neuro-affirming perspective this book takes a stand against the pathologisation and suppression of the play of neurodivergent children in all its joy, creativity, mischief, normativity dismantling and beauty. Murphy writes with clarity and lays out actionable steps to enable supporting adults to improve the experience of neurodivergent children in their settings. She does this whilst holding onto the nuance required to grapple with complexity and perpetually unfinished nature of an inclusive practice. I look forward to referencing this text heavily when training early-years professionals on creating inclusive and authentically neurodiverse play and educational spaces."" - Max Alexander, Play Radical ""It is refreshing to read a book specifically focussed on children in the early years that simultaneously centres neurodiversity and play but does not shy away from the essential lenses of so many other intersections of a child’s identity including race and the impacts of systemic racism. Kerry has the ability to make her books accessible in terms of her writing style which is so important for everybody who is involved in the education and care of children. The general lack of understanding about neurodiversity means that there are a number of children for whom a positive experience of early learning and play is not granted. This book is a brilliant aid in helping educators engage and increase their understanding about the urgency of such a topic."" - Liz Pemberton, Early Years Anti-racist Trainer and Consultant and Founder of The Black Nursery Manager Ltd


Author Information

Kerry Murphy is an autistic and ADHD early years specialist in neurodiversity, SEN, and disability. She adopts a neurodiversity affirming framework and is currently a lecturer in early education and SEN. She has worked for a range of local authorities, early years settings, and schools offering training, consultancy, and support. She has also written and worked with several early years organisations including Anna Freud, Nursery World, Early Education, and Thrive.

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