Implementing a Neuroaffirming Approach

The Neuroaffirming Educator: Tools and Insights to Support Every ADHD Learner

To understand what it means to be a neuro-affirming educator and how to implement neuroaffirming practices in the classroom.

Key Concepts

• Taking a brain-aware approach to supporting ADHD
• Examine the value of using neuro-affirming language in the
• Implementing ADHD-brain aware frameworks to aid motivation
• Empowering ADHD students to harness their strengths

About Aoife Hughes

As an ICF-accredited (ACC) life coach specialising in ADHD, my late diagnosis in both ADHD (2021) and Autism (2024) and extensive experience in mental health education inspired my transition into this fulfilling career.

It was through my role as a primary school teacher for 20 years, where I developed a deep understanding of the importance of emotional literacy and taking a brain-aware approach to teaching. Due to the lack of training in this area for teachers, this led me to pursue my Master of Arts in Child, Family and Community Studies and to set up Be Well Do Well, a mental health education consultancy (2017-2022). During this time I worked with schools, community groups, and organisations across Ireland and online.

Now as an ADHD coach, I have found that by blending this mental health education with my coaching skillset, elevates the experience for my clients significantly. As one client said "you create a nest for my brain".

As an advocate and active member of the neurodivergent community I truly believe that mental health education is key. This includes developing the skill of emotional literacy which can unlock many challenges that people face, in turn helping them to communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships with themselves and others.