Unmasking the Mind: Neurodiversity From the Classroom to the Front Line

My presentation will primarily focus on ongoing research exploring the experiences of neurodiverse people in education. It will begin with student-led, collaborative research on the importance of camouflaging neurodiverse traits and academic inclusion in predicting wellbeing and self-esteem in students. Then, I will discuss an ongoing project on women and ADHD, and how to co-design an inclusive space for staff and students alike. Lastly, I want to bring in my other interests, such as emotions, embodiment and music, and how seemingly disparate research areas can work together to help us provide accessible, everyday tools for improving wellbeing.

What does it take to train an Infantry recruit when their brain processes the world differently? Join Fair Metcalfe—veteran, educator, and PhD researcher—for a look behind the curtain at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick.

This is an interactive session on the psychology of learning under pressure, where you’ll experience a 'brain freeze' first-hand through a five-second challenge game, discovering why even the brightest people struggle when the tools aren't right. Discover how neurodiversity is changing the way we think about the modern soldier, and learn how you can start bossing your own brain.