Author

My name is Kerry Murphy, and I am an early years specialist, author, lecturer and trainer working in the field of neurodiversity-affirming and anti-ableist practice in early childhood education. I am the founder of Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood, a platform that supports educators, leaders, local authorities and families to critically rethink child development, play, behaviour, communication and regulation beyond deficit-based and compliance-driven models.

My doctoral research explores how neurodiversity-affirming approaches can mobilise early educators to question, resist and work ethically within and against the constraints of the current SEND system. This work sits at the intersection of practice, policy, social justice and professional identity, and is grounded in close collaboration with the early years workforce. I believe in a grass-roots approach to systemic change. 

I am the author of Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Early Childhood, and I deliver training, workshops, keynotes and consultancy across early years settings, schools, specialist provision and local authorities. My training is creative, provocative and practice-grounded, bringing together research, lived experience and real-world examples to support educators to build inclusive environments that honour children’s differences, protect autonomy and expand what is considered possible within early childhood practice. I do not teach educators to navigate the SEND system but to re-imagine it entirely. 

I am the author of several books and resources aimed at early childhood advocates. If you want to work with me, please contact me at kerry@diversepathways.org.