"Sarah Chapman's persistent, passionate and dedicated nature against all odds has allowed her to climb mountains. I have had the privilege of personally knowing Sarah for almost four years and have always admired her kind nature and her ability to overcome hurdles. If you are looking for someone who is brave, kind-hearted, determined and passionate about helping others then I highly recommend Sarah Chapman. A young lady that can look defeat in the face and accept the challenge and work diligently to succeed whilst encouraging others along the way. Sarah has embraced the true understanding of accomplishing anything if you just believe. "

"Sarah has proved what can be achieved regardless of what challenges an individual may face. She has worked extremely hard throughout her education and is now working hard to show others what can be achieved. My son has struggled with dyslexia and ADHD in much the same way as Sarah in her early stages and her story has inspired both myself and my son to move forward positively. Her story, enthusiasm and passion is very motivating for many children and parents."

"I think what Sarah has achieved personally, but even more so that she is achieving and fighting for to highlight the issues and raising the profile of Neurodivergence is absolutely fantastic. The fact she is a busy mum of four and only 36 is amazing! My son is 12 and dyslexic and suffered throughout his primary school years until he was finally diagnosed at age 11. He is an intelligent boy and was getting terribly frustrated because he couldn't do 'the simple things' like the majority of his classmates could. His self esteem was so low and was really beginning to affect him until we finally figured out what could be the problem. Sarah's most recent campaign is absolutely marvellous involving the children themselves that aims to remove the stigma around Neurodiversity and help their peers understand both their strenghths and weaknesses. Keep up the good work Sarah!"

"Sarah is an inspiration to neurotypical and neurodivergent people alike. Sarah is living proof that anyone can reach the top, no matter their situation. I completely admire the work that she has done to raise awareness of dyslexia,Autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, and I've seen first hand how passionate she is about the cause. It's unbelievable that she has come so far in such a short space of time, proving everyone who put her down wrong along the way. She's one of the most passionate people you could ever come across. She is a role model for all. "

"As I'm dyslexic I almost didn't write this. As anyone with dyslexia knows, putting words on to paper can be a very daunting task. However hard, I decided I had to because not only has she gained about a dozen qualifications since I've known her, she's said yes to every opportunity that's come her way either to better herself or to help others. Sarah is making it her life's work to help other young neurodivergent children and adults and is tirelessly campaigning through media and anything else that will raise awareness. I too left school with few qualifications and very little confidence, but because of what Sarah has achieved and is helping others achieve I now feel I could further my own education. I'm currently looking into starting a nursing degree. Why not?! I'M NOT STUPID! Thank you for the inspiration Sarah. "

"Sarah has been to two of our schools in The Redhill Academy Trust this week to talk to our students during National Careers Week. She gave the students an insight into what her work involves and shared some of the experiences she has had during both her education and career. We found Sarah to be very encouraging and motivating and I am sure she has inspired many of our students to follow their dreams and aspirations. With many thanks for giving up your time to inspire our students."

"Wow, Sarah!! Having grown up with dyslexic brothers and sister, I know what it's like to struggle with a learning disability. I watched them being labelled as troublemakers, stupid and 'not putting in enough effort'. Now, I'm watching one if my own children struggle with school due to dyslexia. The lack of support and encouragement at senior school has meant she no longer wants to try. She doesn't think she's good enough. There needs to be more people like you, who have a passion for not only supporting those with disability, but making them feel they CAN do it...and do it WELL!! Well done, for not giving up. Well done, for wanting to change people's lives. I applaud you. Good luck x"

"I fist heard about Sarah when she organised a huge national conference as part of a Management & Leadership Award. I saw it on the BBC and felt very excited that at last someone was doing something to support parents and educators of Neurodivergent children with special educational needs, to promote Neurodivergence & the positive aspects/strengths, the benefits of creating Neurodivergent friendly schools, organisations & to improve career opportunities/ inclusive employment practices. We met for Lunch when I attended the University of Derby open day and I was so impressed I did a feature on Sarah for GloTIME.TV. Sarah is motivated, determined and cares."

No words can express how truly grateful I am for all your amazing work over the last couple of weeks, you have gone above and beyond what I was expecting when I signed up as a member of your group and for the first time in 9 years I have been able to relax and know that my children’s needs, thoughts and wants will be truly identified and documented to the highest standards. I did feel guilty that I was enjoying the beach on Monday though while you were pulling apart my chicken carcass. You truly are amazing ❤️

"Sarah had lots of knocks and blocks during her formal education at school. As an adult we at The CORE Centre introduced her to the benefits of learning and she avidly took every opportunity to learn. Sarah has persevered against adversity to achieve such a lot. It is her nature to embrace every new experience with gusto. She is an excellent role model for disabled and disadvantaged people especially children and young adults to help them realise their potential and not let difficulties overcome them. She is absolutely determined to achieve her own goals and give back to society - that once failed her! I work at The CORE centre where Sarah first enjoyed studying."

"I have always found Sarah to be of a cheerful disposition who is always thinking of how she can get the message across to professionals and families who need her help. This empowers her into a hardworking individual who always shows commitment in all she does. I would have no hesitations endorsing Sarah and her work. Her heart is in helping people battle any insecurities. Through her own experience, she proved that a negative can be turned into a positive and has illustrated that by turning her own life around. It’s calming to know that she is now sharing that path with others who ultimately could experience her enlightenment, knowledge and know-how - ensuing a better outcome in their life! I can see/feel that she has a dedicated drive, whilst maintaining thoughtfulness, still being mindful of the butterfly affect her work creates. Her compassion is admirable."

"I attended a national Neurodivergence: A successful journey through university & into the workplace event organised by Sarah Chapman, which I found interesting and informative. In the limited time that I have known Sarah I have noticed how enthusiastic she is for her subject area. Her desire to break down barriers and change attitudes is based on her own lived experience and I believe that this makes her a particularly inspiring role model for others. She won several awards during her time with us and all were thoroughly deserved for her hard work in the area of education and Neurodiversity, showing her commendable personal commitment in the area of disability."

"Coming from a STEM background a large proportion of my university lecturers claim to be dyslexic and have stories about struggling with their own education in the past decades. Even now in today’s modern inclusive education and employment society there are still issues of prejudice and discrimination towards those who cannot be successful when measured in the same way as their peers. Sarah has been campaigning to raise awareness and organise events within university, locally, regionally and nationally for a cause that she feels extremely strongly about due to herself having suffered the stigma of un-diagnosed special educational needs in her formative years. I believe the work that Sarah is doing is highly beneficial to society as a whole."

"Sarah Chapman is a great example of what all people should be and aspire to. She has a broad range of knowledge, skills and she shows great initiative...but most of all Sarah is a person who sincerely wants to help people, to pick them up when they have been beaten down through ignorance and misunderstanding. A feeling she is all too familiar with."

"Sarah has helped give my nephew Henry the must needed positive attitude. Through her work she has helped him really come to terms with his Neurodivergent conditions to the point that he had the courage to stand up to in front of his school and explain what Neurodivergence is. To me this is such a milestone as I am myself Neurodivergent but was not diagnosed until i was 19 and was constantly considered stupid. Sarah has given my nephew the chance to be proud of who he is and not what others think he is or should be. She kind caring and very knowledgeable in her field. If someone like Sarah had been around when I was younger, maybe my life would have been so different and I may actually have reached my potential. She has given my nephew that chance."

"I met Sarah at Derby College when she arrived with a group of her peers and supported us to start the development of a good practice guide on differentiating staff development to ensure it's accessible. Throughout the meeting Sarah shone as a superb example of a person embracing their own skills and attributes and using them to achieve. After being thoroughly impressed with Sarah's introduction to herself and the team she went on to support her colleagues during the more formal parts of the consultation day. She skilfully supported them to identify their own disabilites and then drew out what impact that each of their challenges had during their education. I was so impressed with Sarah's calm, patient and mature approach that I asked her to come and share her experiences with some of our staff."

"Sarah has an inspiring story. As a person who struggled going to school everyday, it matters to hear that it does get better. Sarah can inspire anyone at any age, from a young person struggling at school or a young parent who had to put their education or career on hold to help their child, or simply someone who just wants to start over. Sarah is a role model to us all because she has taught us that you can make a better life for yourself, you can be successful despite what anyone else has told you."

"I have known Sarah since primary school. However, very few people knew the real Sarah as a lot of the time, her bravado entered the room before her, and was a constant disguise for the girl underneath that we now know was struggling on a daily basis. When she discovered she was pregnant, I know how important it was to Sarah to change the course of her life, to benefit herself and her child. And once this girl decides on something, there is no chance in hell of stopping her!! That is what I admire the most about this woman! The fact that she had the most awful time in the education system and yet, instead of dwelling on the fact, or just wishing for a change, she is actually doing the most amazing things to make sure that a change actually does occur!! thus ensuring that no child ever feels the way she did, that the education system has failed them. She is finally using the feisty, determined, mouthy 😉 aspects of her personality (that we, her friends love!!) and putting it to good use instead of hiding behind it! She has embraced being Neurodivergent, and as you can see from her qualifications, will never let it stand in her way again. Sarah has already helped so many children, who are or may have ended up hating their time in education, just like she did. And I know that her mission to secure more inclusive practices and adjustments into every school in the UK WILL succeed, therefore reaching thousands more children that desperately need a voice, or the confidence to get their voices heard. Ultimately Sarah is an amazing woman, with a unique drive that will stop at nothing to get her message heard. And all of this is being done whilst looking after her hubby and four beautiful children! She should be extremely proud of herself, as I know I am :)"

"Sarah has made a huge difference, inspiring others with the confidence she has gained and her creative organisational skills that are world class. She is a string campaigner for Neurodivergence Acceptance an I am so impressed with all her energy and achievements. Quite simply, 'she makes things happen' and has changed the lives of so many others for the better. I am privileged to have met her."

"Sarah was a guest on my show on BBC Radio Derby as part of a special focus on Dyslexia. On paper her story really stood out as truly inspiring and we wanted her to share that story with our listeners. Sarah was understandably anxious about speaking her story out loud to such a massive audience so was very nervous when she arrived in the studio. The whole experience of telling her story on the radio was extremely emotional for her and for the listeners from whom we got a terrific response. Mostly the messages and phone calls were to say how proud Sarah should feel of herself for having the courage to go on live radio and share such personal experiences and also the fact that her blunt honesty was a real inspiration for others who have had similar experiences and felt Sarah was speaking for them too! I think that is what stands out most about Sarah, against all the adversity and put downs she has faced she is a fighter and won't be dissuaded from following her dreams and her beliefs! Thank goodness there are truly inspirational people like Sarah in this world who stand up for themselves and for thousands of others in showing that anything is possible with or without disability! I couldn't think of three better words to describe her......she really is a POSITIVE ROLE MODEL who is surprisingly still not fully aware of why the people who have met her and know her are so proud of her (and I include myself with that) and ultimately how very proud she should be of herself!"

"I have know Sarah for just over a year now. Sarah has an entrepreneurial flair and a steely determination that will help her accomplish anything she sets her mind on. She is particularly good at influencing people and regularly challenging and questioning peoples thinking on particular topics. She has overcome a considerable number of challenges and has come through these challenges with flying colours. She is always passionate, enthusiastic and full of energy when she talks about her work and the families she supports. I heartily endorse Sarah and her work!."

"I recently met Sarah who was working as a facilitator of a Leadership Course for students with a disability at Lancaster University. I was impressed by Sarah's energy and commitment to raising awareness of the challenges faced by Neurodivergent individuals and also by her own personal journey. Managing a specific learning difficulty which was undiagnosed during her early education, Sarah refused to believe that she could not improve her knowledge and skills and went on to graduate from university and take on the role of advocate for those who face similar challenges. Sarah is deeply passionate about her work. This enthusiasm and tenacity was evident in just one meeting with her. I look forward to working with Sarah in the future and identifying opportunities for students at Lancaster University to develop their confidence, skills and knowledge."

"I am a lecturer at Derby College and this year was lucky enough to meet Sarah whilst running the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Disabilities. Sarah came and delivered a powerful presentation about Dyslexia and how being undiagnosed until adulthood effected her schooling and childhood. Sarah gave an inspirational talk straight from the heart and every lecturer was captivated. As most of the lecturers work with dyslexic learners everyday Sarah's experience seemed overly shocking. It must have been so difficult for Sarah to talk in front of a room of strangers and to be able to do with passion and positivity was testament to her. I believe Sarah is an inspirational young lady and an excellent positive role model for anyway with a disability."

"Sarah is very passionate about her work and various roles she has had. People who may be unable to stand up for themselves need a an experienced, fierce and knowledgeable leader. Someone who is selfless, caring, passionate and a strong advocate who can steer them in the right direction. Sarah possesses these characteristics and more. I am a senior nursing sister and wish more people were like this, we need more people like this, to work as a team and break down any barriers that modern society has blindly created."

"I attended one of Sarah's Neurodiversity professional conferences with one of the members of my team who is Neurodivergent. As a Manager and a worker in Adult care I came away from the open day with a much more in depth view and understanding of neurodiversity, it's effects on a persons home life, working environment, ability to achieve, and how it affected clients that we work with in adult care. I found the time we spent at the open day, informative, innovative and interactive. The briefing sessions we attended were pitched just at the right level, as there were people who had some knowledge like myself, those who had a great deal, and those who had been diagnosed themselves. All in all it was a good use of time, and a really good learning opportunity"

"Having a son with learning difficulties, I can really relate to Sarah's experiences. My son was crushed by school and ultimately I withdrew him as he had become so demoralised and I could not bear to see him suffer any longer. Having seen this I appreciate Sarah's experience and admire her determinations. I was lucky enough to attend one of Sarah's events and saw the wonderful work that is doing to help and support suffering neurodivergent children and adults. I learnt about the many available tools that can be accessed to help all. I strongly believe that if all children were screened for neurodivergence during their normal school career then a great deal would be gained as some of the teaching techniques that have been identified for the support of Special Educational Needs (SEN) would benefit many more learners and lead to more positive outcomes for learners and educators alike."

"I am the Attendance & Wellbeing Champion for Leicester Group within HMRC. There are presently around 700 staff in the Group and I assist Managers with staffing issues around sickness absence, EA2010 and reasonable adjustments. When I saw one of Sarah's Neurodiversity events, I thought it would be useful for me in my role as we have staff who are already diagnosed with various neurodivergent conditions and some who are in the process of diagnosis, so I though in order to support them I should learn more about it myself. The event was brilliant, it was well organised and Sarah was really helpful and kept me informed of what I needed to do. The speakers were fantastic, knew their subject extremely well. I went thinking I knew what neurodivergence was and I really had my eyes opened. I actually came away feeling really enlightened, just a little bit ashamed that I was so ignorant of the effects, alongside the impact these condition can have on people's lives. I have been able to share this new found knowledge across the group and explain to Managers the need for patience and understanding and making reasonable adjustments."

"THERE ARE NO WORDS........ AWESOME, AMAZING, FAULTLESS, JUST BLOODY INSPIRATIONAL!! #WIN 😍😍😍 Reading my son's updated Education, Health and Care Plan was hard, not because it was bad but because it was like reading a report which showed the understanding that only a mother should have of her child in relation to their difficulties/struggles. I feel ashamed to say that Sarah has understood him far more than I have managed so far. Her support and the accuracy and clarity of the revised Education, Health and Care Plan have empowered me to keep going and push harder to teach myself to understand and support him. As parents, we only want the best for them, but sometimes we can feel out of our depth. This was me. His whole being was so alien to me and how I had tried to teach him. I felt like I had failed him by simply not understanding. Sarah and Team OD threw me a lifeline. And by god, I grabbed it with both hands!! I have watched and listened and asked and answered. I am a better person for what I have learned and a better parent to all 3 of my children. And \I will continue to learn and to do better. I am so angry that we have to fight so hard but so grateful for people like Sarah and Team OD. Together we are stronger. You have literally changed our lives #MeetingAttendance #SENDConsultancy #sendlawadvocacy #TeamOD #NeurodivergentLed #NeurodivergenceAppreciation #NDPower #BigGirlPants

"Sarah has drawn upon her own life experiences to recognise how she can help those following along behind her. She has dug deep to find the strength and resource to make a difference and turned that into positive action for people who need help. Sarah's school story is all too common and is being played out by children and teenagers in every school as I write. I run a campaign with Henry "The Fonz" Winkler OBE called My Way! to raise awareness of barriers faced by children with learning challenges - nearly always suffering from low self-esteem - which goes on to affect every area of their lives. Our prisons are populated by a disproportionately high number of neurodivergent people who have been failed by education. Sarah kicked back and has turned her despair into positive action for others."

"My son has always loved books from the first time he was able to pick one up. So it was really hard to watch him start school and then not be able to read any where near as fast as his mates. So school has been a struggle. His lack of self confidence, belief in himself has always been a problem at home. Since researching and presenting his video he has blossomed we still have a few ups and downs but he is now a kid with a bit more inner confidence which helps him over come some of his problems especially with other people. He holds his head up high and is proud of himself. The fact that other people have watched his video, not just school friends and family, but people from all over the world has just put a spring in his step! Without your vision my son would still be unhappy and we would not be aware at how unhappy he really was - I thank you so much for this Sarah."

Sarah's standard of work is amazing and supper proactive, my sons SALT report was ok but had many holes in and was not specific enough for tribunal standard. Sarah went through the report and took out wording that either wasn't needed or was irrelevant to my son, she also asked questions under the provisions so it could be made specifically as the EHCP document should be. Also, Sarah added in the zones of regulation as they had not been added to my son's SALT report. Sarah also arranged a zoom call with the lady who wrote the report so she could explain why and how it needs to be changed (I learnt a lot) and why it should be in the now and then as it needs lifting off the SALT report onto the Education, Health and Care Plan document. The lady agreed to amend her report and I'm so so thankful to Sarah because my little 8 years old are complex, there are only 2 specialist schools on the isle of wight and the LA is still saying about mainstream, the tightening of his SALT report and the specific provisions that will now be written clearly thanks to Sarah should help my son get the placement he needs, or it will at least help me at the tribunal, Sarah knows the law like the back of her hand and has a clear passion for helping children and their families. Sarah has really gone above and beyond her knowledge within the law and SEND law has helped me so much with email writing and how to get my son's education sorted quickly, being a younger mum with other children I don't really have the money to get lots of private reports so Sarah's feedback on the SALT report has been a lifesaver and I couldn't be more grateful!

My sons Local Authority educational psychologists report was missing so much information I went through and added a few bits and sent it back to the Local Authority to see if it could be amended, they emailed me back saying that it wasn't in the time frame, I was confused so sent the email over to Sarah, she sent a very long polite, assertive and informative email back (I nearly cried) ... Sarah had explained to them that the Local Authority had agreed to freeze my sons draft as so much was missing and they were trying to find suitable professionals to carry out assessments on him, she also explained that the report needed to have a golden thread so that it was specific to meet my son's needs and nothing can be left out, the email stated various parts of the law and also explained my son's case and she informed them that it would be detrimental to his education, the email was amazing and very clear! This was amazing for me as my son is in PRU at the moment and things need to move along.

"When I think of the best decisions I ever made Sarah Chapman will now always be top of the list. I have had lots to deal with over the years and found myself capable most of the time. I have two children with needs and have dealt with many professionals over the last 16 years of school, CAMHS, a social worker, Local Authority and also home educated successful for many years with lea acknowledged. Portsmouth lea became difficult and many families who have previously submitted reports and plans that were approved were now unsatisfactory. My circumstances changed and health and family issues brought another set of issues. When I read the draft of EHCP on Friday I contacted Sarah Chapman and booked a Zoom consultation for 3 pm Sunday . The consultation was informative and Sarah was great and so helpful but also confirmed my fears the draft of my son's EHCP and my little knowledge of laws and current policy would mean my son would not get what he needed and get lost in a broken system. When Sarah told me she could attend the EHCP co-production meeting the next day I was so relieved. I emailed the Local Authority and a couple of others attending as a couple of not showing in the draft and my copies are with DLA so Sarah did not have all information 9.30 As the meeting began it was a slow start as everyone greeted each other as familiar colleagues. Sarah joined and the meeting began. I was at the school with the SENCO for the meeting. By the end of page 1, SENCO was eye-rolling, tutting, shaking her hand the words nitpicking were muttered etc . The atmosphere changed in the room and I felt the same vibe from Educational Psychologist, Social Worker, Local Authority. I wish I contacted Sarah years ago, Sarah completely rewrote the plan, teaching the experts how things should be done. The fact I home educated my son seemed to be a reason for lots of his needs as I didn't follow the National Curriculum etc and usual comments on socialisation, isolated. Sarah really helped on this point making it clear he would these regardless of national curriculum etc and home educating is about catering to the child's needs. Currently whilst in school, my son does not follow the national curriculum they do activities he will engage in Early Years or learn through play methods catered to meet his interests. Now he is aware and is being separated from his peers as he distracts the class and can't cope in mainstream class due to sensory needs and social and communication disorder the only time he spends with class mates us or and last week he one girl From his class join his game with one-to-one. As the EHCP was picked apart and I listened to Sarah dissect word for word the shambles originally produced I realized the only expert at this meeting was Sarah Chapman as she single-handed rewrote the whole plan and blatantly told the experts their job, the law and each one left the meeting with the knowledge they didn't have. Such simple wording makes a huge difference. All wording that was vague, and could be misconstrued was altered to what was needed for my son in clear terms. I could not stay for the whole meeting as school basically kicked me out but Sarah carried on for 4.5 hours in total 😇My lad now has more of a chance than I could have dreamed off - Personalized laptop C-pen, Highly-Differentiated personalised Curriculum with choices to give autonomy, safety and control to my daughter, Social and communication needs Sensory and emotional Literacy and numeracy The lea later rang to make an appointment to finish off and discuss changes in my absence and said Sarah was very formative and great help and that's how meetings should go! Incredible SEND Law Advocate and her knowledge of SEND and Neurodivergence first class and then some!