Meet Kerry

My name is Kerry Murphy, and I am an early years specialist, author, lecturer, researcher and trainer working in neurodiversity-affirming and anti-ableist practice.

I am the founder of Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood, a platform supporting educators, leaders, local authorities and families to rethink child development, play, behaviour, communication and regulation beyond deficit-based and compliance-driven models.

My doctoral research explores how neurodiversity-affirming approaches can support early educators to question, resist and work ethically within and against the constraints of the SEND system. My work brings together practice, policy, social justice and lived experience, with a strong belief in grassroots, profession-led change.

I am the author of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood and several other books and resources for early childhood advocates. I deliver training, workshops, keynotes and consultancy across early years settings, schools, specialist provision and local authorities.

My approach is creative, provocative and grounded in practice. Rather than teaching educators simply how to navigate existing systems, I support them to question, disrupt and re-imagine them, creating environments that honour children’s differences, protect autonomy and expand what is possible in early childhood.