“Turn learning from shame making into thrill seeking.” - Andrew Fuller
Andrew Fuller, Clinical psychologist joins Meg Durham to reframe neurodivergence through a strengths based lens.
We explore why labels alone are not enough, how teachers can think like coaches, and practical ways to change the neurochemistry of a room on purpose.
Andrew explains myelination and unique strengths, shows how language shifts like today’s challenge lift engagement, and walks through the Attach Approach so we can move students from agitation to connection.
We talk school culture that connects, protects and respects, sensory aware classrooms, after lunch resets, and partnering with parents around a student’s strengths.
The goal is simple and profound: help young people feel valued for who they are and set them up for success in school and beyond.
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Chapter markers:

00:20 Welcome back Andrew and why this book
02:00 What neuroadvantage means and why strengths matter
04:45 Teacher as coach building bridges from strengths
07:19 Music and maths the brain bridge we often miss
10:43 How recognising strengths changes learning
12:20 School culture CPR connect protect respect
14:33 Simple classroom tweaks that help every brain
16:48 Language shift from learning objectives to today’s challenge
21:59 The Attach Approach activate agitate avoid attack attach
25:36 Dance rhythm puzzles and the dopamine lift
33:33 Physical environment and sensory experience
35:27 Designing varied break time options to reduce friction
36:59 After lunch strategies that change the mix in the room
43:31 Partnering with parents using a strengths profile
46:24 Calming strategies and learning each child
50:03 Joy the future and being a catalyst

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Deliberate Actions:

Open each lesson with a short challenge on the board to boost motivation quickly.
Give every major instruction both verbally and visually so more students can follow along.
Use quick fast thinking bursts followed by slow reflection to balance energy and focus.
Replace learning objective with today’s challenge in your lesson language for one week.
Introduce a three minute movement or music routine to start or reset a class.
Identify one calming strategy for each focus student and practise it before you need it.

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Episode 154 Shownotes - Click here.
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Andrew Fuller  Website | LinkedIn | Books | My Learning Strengths
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Meg Durham - Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
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** The School of Wellbeing is one of Australia's best health and wellbeing podcasts for teachers, educators and school leaders! **

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