SENDcast Episode
Supporting Neurodiverse Girls Through Puberty and the Transition to Secondary School
with Kim McCabe
Puberty can be a challenging time, but for neurodiverse girls, it can feel like navigating a storm without a map. As they move from the relative safety of primary school to the larger, more complex world of secondary school, they face heightened challenges – from sensory sensitivities to social pressures, including managing periods. Â This crucial phase often makes them vulnerable to anxiety, school refusal, and dips in self-esteem.
This week Kim McCabe, the founder of Rights for Girls CIC, joins Dale to delve into the unique challenges neurodiverse girls face during puberty and their transition to secondary school. Kim, an expert in child development and author of From Daughter to Woman, covers:
- The struggles neurodiverse girls encounter during this transformative period.
- The importance of proactive support to help them thrive.
- Strategies for parents and educators to foster healthy conversations and promote self-acceptance.
With over 30 years of experience working with girls, Kim shares key insights on what truly makes a difference in helping them navigate this time with confidence. With the right support, it can lead to incredible growth and resilience. Open conversations about these challenges help parents and professionals understand what’s happening and provide effective responses, rather than leaving girls to struggle alone.
Watch on YouTube
About the guest
Kim McCabe
Kim McCabe is the author of From Daughter to Woman, a parenting guide praised for its wise and practical support through the teen years. A child development expert featured on BBC and Sky News, Kim is also the founder of Rites for Girls CIC, an organisation dedicated to making growing up kinder for girls – and saner for parents. With warmth, clarity, and decades of experience, Kim helps parents rediscover their confidence and connection, knowing they hold the key to raising grounded, resilient children.
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