Learning Support
At Koyani Education, we understand that every student has unique learning needs. Our learning support specialist is a highly trained SENCO and qualified Speech and Language Therapist who offers personalised consultations to help students and families overcome any challenges they may face. From neurodivergence, to learning disabilities to language barriers, we have the tools and expertise to support every student on their academic, social and emotional journey. In a landscape where families often face lengthy waits for specialist doctors and psychologists appointments, we offer a timely and cost-effective solution. Our consultations provide invaluable support and practical techniques to navigate challenges while awaiting formal diagnosis, as well as strategies and support once any diagnosis is confirmed or ruled out.
SENCO Consultation
Language & Speech Therapy
Learning Disabilities
Neurodivergence
Dedicated Specialistl
Abigail Taylor
SENCo & Educational Consultant
Koyani Education
UK qualified Speech and Language Therapist and SENCo. I started my career working in the UK NHS, developed my skills by completing my PGCE and SENCo award and have been working internationally since. I am a neurodiversity affirming and accepting individual, passionate in spreading information and education. I am also currently Wellbeing lead at my school which is an exciting (busy!) and very important role.
As an educator I strongly advocate for acceptance and inclusion, equitable education and inclusive learning environments. Beyond the classroom, I am also an active public speaker and deliver training on topics relating to education, learning differences and neurodiversity, as well as speech and language development, resources and therapy approaches. I have spoken at local Bangkok Teach Meets as well as across individual schools.
As a neurospicy individual with a neurospicy family I believe I offer a unique perspective and first hand views, along with over 15 years of working in this field supporting children and their families, as well as providing education and support for school and health professionals.
Neurodiversity
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term describing the concept that there is natural variation in the way people’s brains work. There is no one superior type of brain, way of thinking, learning or behaving.
"We didn’t have that in my day"
The number of neurodivergent people is not growing. It is becoming more recognised with continuous research. Did you know - people used to be burned at the stake for being left-handed! Once left handedness was accepted, the percentage of left-handed people ‘magically’ increased.
"Can neurodivergence be cured? "
Autism, ADHD or any other type of neurodivergence is not a disease and so can not and does not need to be cured. Different therapies can support and help individuals and all people have a responsibility to be kind, accepting and inclusive to all.
"It can’t be autism because… (they make eye contact, they communicate well, they have friends...)"
Around 50% of diagnosed people were told by a previous professional that they were not neurodivergent because of a stereotype they believed in. It is important to remember that every individual is different, regardless of their neurotype.
20% of the Population
Neurodivergence is when people have a different brain type than the ‘neurotypical’ brain most people have. It is currently estimated that 20% of the population is neurodivergent. Neurodiversity is important because we are all different which is a wonderful thing. We celebrate to recognise people’s strengths and to show it is okay to be ourselves, we do not have to change to fit in. Differences are celebrated, rather than viewed as deficits.
"Can you be a little bit autistic?"
No! Current understanding is that you have a certain brain type, so you are or you are not neurodivergent. It is a spectrum, it is not linear. Every individual will have their own unique strengths and areas they might find difficult, just like neurotypical people.
"Are there any positives?"
Yes! Some neurodivergent people experience high energy, hyperfocus, spontaneity or courage. Others may be able to process information differently, pay attention to complex details and have superior memory or speciality skills. NASA values the unique problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills often associated with dyslexia on their workforce.
"Do autistic people prefer to be alone?"
No! Autistic and other neurodivergent people may have different social skills, eg. they may be very literal, honest, they may over or under share personal info, they may have a close circle of friends or a wide group, they may mirror other people’s social communication skills. They may like to be social or alone, just like neurotypical people.
“How absurd it would be to label a calla lily as having ‘petal deficit disorder’ or to diagnose a person from Holland as suffering from ‘altitude deprivation syndrome’. There is no normal flower or culture. Similarly, we ought to accept the fact that there is no normal brain or mind.” (Armstrong 2015)