Teach the Brain You Have: Part 1-Flow, Focus and Learning.

How do we teach the brains we have, in a neurodiverse landscape?

Mar 19, 2026

Academy21

Teach the Brain You Have: Part 1-Flow, Focus and Learning.

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In part 1 of this 2-part edition with guest Jessie Hewitson, we unpack monotropism and why some learners dive deep into one interest while others split attention and what that means for classrooms. We look at executive function, working memory, and sensory load, and why “learning” only sticks when cognitive bandwidth is freed up.

Most importantly, we share ways to harness special interests to cultivate flow, build trust, and improve retention: reduce peripheral noise, offer choice and clear goals, allow uninterrupted focus, and use interests as bridges to curriculum. A practical, compassionate reset for educators and parents Our speakers:

Jessie Hewitson is the SEND agony aunt at The Times and Sunday Times and author of Autism, How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child and ADHD, How to Raise a Happy ADHD Child. She is also a director of NeuroUniverse, a company supporting neurodivergent people and their families at home, in education and at work.

Amy Husband is the Executive Head of Academy21. Before joining Academy21, Amy worked in several leadership positions in both Primary and Secondary settings. She also held MAT-wide responsibility for Safeguarding, Inclusion and School Improvement and was awarded 'Evidence Lead in Education' status in 2020.

Academy21

Academy21 is proud to be the UK’s leading provider of live, online, alternative provision. We offer DfE Accredited Online Alternative Provision that works with you to support reintegration.

We work in partnership with schools and local authorities to provide students who have additional learning needs or challenging circumstances, access, to the high-quality they need and deserve. Our fully qualified teachers deliver adaptive teaching through our 100% live lessons, building students’ confidence, with accessibility in mind.

Academy21 offer a range of short, optional courses and individual support to provide a comprehensive solution for students who need more help to thrive at and beyond school. These optional short courses equip students with the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.

Areas we can support:

- Provision for Key Stage 3 and 4 students

- In-house support for inclusion unit or ‘hybrid’ provision

- Enhanced courses for students with additional needs

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- Wellbeing mentoring

- Maths support (KS4)

- English as an additional language

- Literacy support

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