Dr Daniel Weisberg, Episodes
We need to talk about the neurodivergent teachers in our schools with Chris Benson
SENDcast Episode
We need to talk about the neurodivergent teachers in our schools
with Chris Benson
We will never have true inclusion in our schools while neurodivergent teachers remain hidden.
In this episode, Dale is joined by Chris Benson, founder of Headfirst Consulting and ND Chat, to discuss the neurodivergent teachers in our schools – and why it’s a conversation that the profession shouldn’t ignore.
Chris was one of the first serving headteachers to publicly disclose his own ADHD diagnosis. The response – hundreds of private messages from educators across the country – spoke volumes about just how many teachers are quietly living with the same experience.
Together, Dale and Chris explore:
– Why around 25% of teachers are estimated to be neurodivergent, yet there is almost no data, no formal recognition, and no consistent support in place for them.
– What it really means to receive a late diagnosis, and why a neurodivergent identity should never become a glass ceiling.
– The gap between awareness and genuine belief – truly believing that a child’s behaviour is not a choice – and why this remains one of the biggest challenges in education today.
– Why ADHD doesn’t even have its own data category on school management systems, unlike autism.
– What it means for a school to claim inclusion whilst its own neurodivergent staff feel they must mask.
– Why the teaching profession’s increasing compliance culture is making it harder – not easier – for all professionals to thrive.
“We will never have true inclusion in schools whilst those in the teaching profession who are neurodivergent themselves remain hidden”
— Chris Benson
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Guest
Chris Benson
Neurodiversity in Education Specialist – Former Head Teacher – Education Lead for ADHD UK – Tes Author
Watch on YouTube
About the guest
Chris Benson
Chris Benson is an education leader, writer and consultant specialising in ADHD, neurodiversity and inclusive systems. With over 25 years in education and more than 15 years in senior leadership—including headship in the UK and leadership roles in leading international schools—he brings deep insight into how schools, organisations and systems enable people to belong, contribute and thrive.
Chris is the founder of Head First Consulting and NDChat. NDChat is a social initiative focused on improving communication between families, educators, and young people. It brings together academics, clinicians, educators and parents to build shared understanding and improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.
His work sits at the intersection of behaviour, neurodiversity, mental health and identity, and is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience as a leader with ADHD and a parent of neurodivergent children.
A published TES author and emerging national voice in education, Chris is known for challenging deficit narratives and advocating for high expectations, agency and system change. His work focuses not on lowering standards, but on redesigning environments so that more people can meet them.
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