My son thinks I am a "BOSS Mum!.."

I thought I would share with you what my son presented me with when he returned home from the specialist school that I fought hard against our Local Authority to win a placement in (via his Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) - That is watertight because I had to push back hard, time and time again with our Local Authority to make it so!), because mainstream was not the right option for him and I was not willing to compromise on what my son needed and was entitled to <3

This is my 8-year-old incredible Neurodivergent son with eyes so big and beautiful (like two big chocolate buttons), whose smile melts my heart, and his farts my eyes (I jest!) - My son would not touch a pencil in school, was fearful of failure, ridicule and the demands were just too great to deal with and he would consequently meltdown in distress at the mere mention of getting ready for school, and he would strip off his clothes, hide his shoes and for two days in a row he would attempt to lunge at the steering wheel to try and divert the car away from the place that was "his hell."

- Two days too many and so we de-registered him and home educated him for 3 years and then when he had healed and was ready, we moved across the country to secure him a place in a specialist school for children who are autistic/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and have some developmental language difficulties with small class sizes, suitably qualified, skilled and experienced teaching staff, specialist OTs, SLTs on-site and where for the first time he could be happy and comfortable being authentically him "in school" (no masking! - No trauma, no distress). A school where he would have a suitable peer group in the form of other Neurodivergent children whom he now calls "his friends" and "he theirs" (these are other incredible, funny, kind and empathetic Neurodivergent children "like him" who are more than capable academically with support but who struggle with mainstream environments, and the limited space, resources, staff, equipment, and whom especially struggle to make and maintain friendships/healthy relationships with Neurotypical children *muggles* who are difficult to understand (because they do weird NT things~!).

Understandably, the stigma in our society means that Neurotypical children do not often understand Neurodivergent children, or how they think, feel, react, behave and it is incredibly harmful to grow up in an environment where you never feel accepted or fit in because society has dictated "the norms" that shape people's perceptions and in particular their perception of neurodivergence.

Neurodivergent children often struggle in mainstream schools because the harder you try to "fit in" the less you actually fit in, the more these children and young people mask the more detriment it causes to their social and emotional health.. I am sure it is not the best-kept secret that Neurotypical children do not particularly like children who try too hard, or are overly excitable and 'in their faces' either which isn't a great incentive to unmask. This is just one example of the daily battle that is rarely won for our Neurodivergent children and young people. I know my son didn't win and it crushed him - My son frankly is a badass whose knowledge would blow your mind (especially about Pokemon! ??).

After seeing my son start to lose his sparkle, become withdrawn, aggressive, just plain "low" and having experienced this level of harm myself, I did not want him to grow up with the same emotional scars that I have. I set up Operation Diversity so no child associated with our community would have to grow up feeling how I did as a child needlessly and I am grateful that with my team of incredible SEN Law Advocates who work alongside me to fight parents/carers corners; securing the right SEND Support and placements, I was able to make things better for my own son too. To be handed this page today is huge for me and for him because he not only wrote this himself but I think he captured me quite well too! He even brought me home some tarts that he baked himself at school today which we ate together <3

...I wanted to wish all of the other amazing, strong-willed and determined women in our community today a happy "International Women's Day" - It is great to have you all here as a part of what has become a seriously strong, knowledgable and empowered community, a lifeline to many, an online family, a safe space which is generally a force to be reckoned with in itself because at OD we care, we look after our own, support and empower each other! Thank you all xx

Sarah Chapman, Founder and CEO, Operation Diversity - Specialist SEND Consultant, SEND Law Advocate, Specialist in Education, Health and Social Care, Neurodivergence and Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Community group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/operationdiversitycommunity

WINNER!!!!!! - BAPS AWARDS - November 2021 - "Making a Difference"

Winner – Derby and Derbyshire’s Inspirational Woman of the Year in the Community, Voluntary and Charity Sector (2015) – Vox Femme.

Shortlisted – Inspirational Role Model of the Year (2015) – European Diversity Awards.

Shortlisted – Campaigner of the Year (2015) – European Diversity Awards.

Shortlisted – Community Project of the Year (2015) – European Diversity Awards.

Winner – Positive Role Model Award – Disability (2014) – National Diversity Awards.

Winner – Volunteer of the Year Award (2014) – University of Derby, Student Union Awards.

Winner – Equality & Diversity Award (2014) – University of Derby, Student Union Awards

Winner – Community Project of the Year Award (2014) – University of Derby, Student Union Awards.

Winner – East Midland’s Adult Learners Week Award (2012), NIACE.

MOST IMPORTANTLY - "Mummy! to 4 ND minis "..

#TeamOD