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NeurodivergenceNews29/09/2026

Welcome, Chris Benson: Neurodivergence and Education Specialist

By Jacqueline Klemke

Cover illustration for the article: Welcome, Chris Benson: Neurodivergence and Education Specialist

Chris Benson joins Let's Be Real as our Neurodivergence and Education Specialist. Every HOLD training now includes a one-hour expert session with Chris on how neurodivergence can affect mental health and how to adapt supportive conversations.

We are delighted to welcome Chris Benson to the Let's Be Real team as our Neurodivergence and Education Specialist.

Chris brings a deep understanding of how neurodivergent young people experience school, and of how adults can adapt the way they notice, listen and respond so that support actually reaches them.

A one-hour expert session inside HOLD

From now on, every HOLD training includes a one-hour expert session led by Chris. HOLD is the Youth Mental Health Response tier for teachers, advisors and pastoral staff.

  • How neurodivergence can affect a young person's mental health
  • Why a typical supportive conversation can miss neurodivergent students
  • Practical ways to adapt language, pace and setting to each student's needs

Why this matters

A shared language about mental health only works if it includes every student. Chris's session helps staff make sure neurodivergent young people are not left out of the conversation.

If you would like to bring HOLD to your school, find your next step with us.

Originally published on letsbe-real.eu.

Where to go next

Book a 20-minute school discovery call

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