If you are a parent worrying whether self-directed education will work for your child, because you have been told that they have special needs which can only be met in the school system - think again
Neurodivergent children experience and interact with the world differently to many of their peers. Standard educational systems often fail to adapt to their unique strengths and ways of learning. School, and even the act of learning, can become a source of great anxiety and trauma. Self-directed education offers an alternative to traditional schools that can help neurodivergent children develop at their own pace and thrive.
Blending theory, practical advice and lived experience, clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher introduces the world of self-directed learning and tailoring the learning environment to your child.
This comprehensive overview of self-directed learning is packed with ideas on how to implement it at home and includes interviews from parents of neurodivergent children on how you can make learning differently work for you and your child
Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist with a PhD in autism. She works clinically with families whose children do not go to school or who are unhappy at school. She is the mother of two young people who have never been to conventional school and is a recognised expert in neurodiversity and self-directed education.
A book for parents to explain why self-directed education for neurodivergent children works and how to do it.
•Professional and Lived Experience Perspective: Naomi has a wealth of experience and is perfectly placed to write this book, she is also keen to promote the book.
•The authors first book has done well and has sold well since publication: Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning, February 2021, 1,794 print copies, 174 ebooks
•Influence of pandemic on parents seeing home-schooling as a positive force for child
•Self-directed education is a perfect fit for ND children who learn differently
Artemis D. Bear, Head of Freedom to Learn & Director of The Garden
With Changing Our Minds Naomi Fisher established herself as the voice of reason in a sea of misinformation about an education system in existential crisis. This new book cements her reputation as a champion of young peoples rights by giving a voice to those who are most impacted and yet too often silenced.
Kezia Cantwell-Wright, BA Hons, Founder of East Kent Sudbury, Administrator at Sands School
A really important book giving a platform to the many SEND families who have been largely unheard in the education debate. As always Naomi offers us a fresh perspective on intersection of neurodiversity, learning and environment. A must read for anyone interested in education, psychology or the wonderful diversity of humanity. Highly recommended.
Derry Hannam, retired Deputy Headteacher, Inspector, international campaigner/researcher for Student Voice - author of Another Way Is Possible: Becoming a Democratic Teacher in a State School
In "A Different Way To Learn" Naomi Fisher builds on the scientific base of her earlier work "Changing Our Minds." She illuminates routes to self-directed learning that are effective in eliminating the coercion and anxiety generated by much conventional schooling. I wish that I had read this book before becoming a parent and a teacher! She is a passionate voice for all children not just those defined as neuro-diverse.
Dr James Mannion, Director, Rethinking Education and co-author of Fear is the Mind Killer with Kate McAllister
Everyone knows the mainstream education system doesnt work for everyone, but most people dont realise there is an alternative. In this invaluable book, Naomi Fisher guides us through the world of self-directed education. It should be required reading for all educators, young people and their parents and carers - anyone who has ever wondered if another way is possible. Because its not just possible. Its already happening...
