Thought leadership, interviews and experiments at the intersection of neuroscience, creativity and lived experienceācurated by Nick Scott.
Weāre creating lasting solutionsāreshaping home-schooling, pioneering tech diagnostics and informing familiesāto ensure every child gets the support they deserve.
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An Insight by Sean Rafter, Co-Founder of 1in7
āThis is us stepping up ā not because itās easy, but because we know whatās needed, and weāre ready to build it. With experience, with insight, and with extraordinary others who feel the same.ā
Twelve years ago, our son got his first neuro-educational assessment.
āDyslexia, mild ADHD and a small helping of Dyspraxia.ā
What followed was a strange mix of relief and dread. Relief to finally have names for the chaos we were living through. Dread, because I could already feel the weight of our lack of understanding and the journey this was likely to take us on.
From that moment, we were in the system. Kind professionals, good intentionsābut nothing that met our son where he actually was. Sitting in meeting after meeting, trying to decode the jargon, feeling like nobody was seeing what he really needed. And the gap just kept widening.
It wasnāt just tiring. It was shockingāand I was furious. Not just for us, but for the thousands of other families trapped in the same loop: overloaded, under-supported, and desperately trying to make sense of it all.
That fury turned into something else. A quiet determination to build what didnāt yet exist.
Thatās why 1in7 exists. Not as a campaign, or a gestureābut as a long-haul commitment to transform how we understand, support, and unlock the potential of neurodivergent kids. We're combining lived experience, advanced tools, and some of the most brilliant thinkers and builders in education, tech, and policy. We're not here to tweak the systemāwe're here to rethink it.
Our mission is to create real-world solutions that can scale: tools, frameworks, and insight-led approaches that help teachers, parents, and schools see neurodiversity not as a problem to solve, but a strength to work with.
Itās never the perfect answer. But itās a real attempt to do better. To try something built from experience and deep intent. To gather the right people, apply smart innovation, and deliver top-level creative thinkingāand then put it to work where it matters most.
We donāt think small, because the problem isnāt small. And because every child deserves more than a diagnosisāthey deserve to be understood, seen, and supported to thrive.
Dr Andrew Huberman, Neoroscientist
āThe brain is capable of incredible things, but it requires effort and dedication to unlock its full potential.ā
Dr. Andrew Huberman: Pioneering Neuroscience and Its Impact on Neurodiversity
Dr. Andrew Huberman, a distinguished neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, has become a key figure in bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding. His groundbreaking work in neuroscience, coupled with his ability to communicate complex concepts through his "Huberman Lab" podcast and various media platforms, has made neuroscience more accessible to a global audience. His approach has not only advanced our understanding of the brain but also laid the foundation for exploring how neurodiversity is forged within the brain. This is especially crucial when it comes to rethinking how we educate and support neurodivergent individuals, particularly children.
Rethinking Neurodiversity: From Disorder to Strengths
Dr. Hubermanās research explores a range of topics related to brain function, including neuroplasticity, stress management, sleep, and cognitive performance. By emphasising the adaptability of the brain, Huberman offers hope for those with neurodivergent traits such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, showing that the brainās inherent flexibility means that these conditions can be understood not simply as disorders but as natural variations. These variations often come with unique strengthsāsuch as creativity, problem-solving, and hyper-focusātraits that can be powerful drivers of success when understood and nurtured appropriately.
One of the most transformative aspects of Dr. Hubermanās work is his focus on how neuroscience can influence education, especially for neurodivergent children. Neurodiversity has historically been framed within a deficit modelāwhere conditions like ADHD and dyslexia are viewed as challenges to be overcome. However, Dr. Hubermanās contemporary approach encourages us to see these traits as neurological differences that bring valuable perspectives to learning and creativity. This reframing opens the door to a more inclusive and supportive approach to educationāone that celebrates neurodiversity and tailors learning to the strengths and needs of every child.
The Role of Neuroscience in Education
In the realm of education, the combination of neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionise how we approach personalised learning. AI technologies, driven by deep learning and machine learning algorithms, have the potential to create highly tailored learning experiences that cater to the specific cognitive and emotional needs of neurodivergent children. By combining insights from neuroscience with the power of AI, we can accelerate personalised learning models that are adaptive, responsive, and deeply attuned to the unique ways in which neurodivergent individuals process information.
How AI Can Transform Neurodivergent Education
AIās ability to analyse vast amounts of data and detect patterns in real time allows for the development of learning platforms that respond to each childās individual pace, interests, and learning style. For example, AI-powered platforms can adjust reading levels, simplify language, or offer multisensory learning materials for children with dyslexia. For children with ADHD, AI can provide frequent breaks, real-time feedback, and tools for maintaining focus. These personalised adjustments, guided by a deep understanding of the brainās wiring from neuroscience, can help create learning environments where neurodivergent children thrive.
Neuroscience also plays a critical role in the development of these AI-driven tools by providing insights into how the brain processes information, how stress affects cognitive performance, and how different learning styles are formed. When integrated with AI, these insights allow for the creation of learning systems that are not only personalised but also neurobiologically grounded. For instance, children with autism may benefit from environments that provide predictable routines, while those with ADHD may excel in settings that foster flexibility and dynamic interaction.
Emotional and Cognitive Support for Neurodivergent Kids
AIās role in neurodivergent education extends beyond just academic achievement; it also has the potential to support emotional development. For neurodivergent children who struggle with anxiety, frustration, and low self-esteem, AI can help create emotionally supportive learning experiences that foster a sense of agency and accomplishment. Personalized feedback mechanisms, based on real-time data and guided by neuroscience, can encourage positive reinforcement and help children develop resilience in the face of challenges. The AI system could recognize when a child is becoming stressed or disengaged and provide interventionsālike sensory breaks, mood-boosting activities, or calming visual cuesātailored to their specific needs.
The Future of Neurodivergent Education: A Collaborative Approach
By blending neuroscience and AI, we can create learning environments that function as accelerators for neurodivergent children, enabling them to unlock their full potential. The power of AI to adapt in real time and the insights provided by neuroscience offer unprecedented opportunities for supporting neurodivergent learners in ways that were previously unimaginable. This personalised approach not only enhances academic outcomes but also builds self-confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of belonging.
At 1in7, we are committed to supporting research into neurodiversity and driving innovation in the way we understand and nurture the minds of neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Hubermanās work serves as an inspiring model for how neuroscience can shape more inclusive and effective educational strategies, and we are excited by the potential of combining this research with AI to revolutionise personalised learning. By fostering these advancements, we can create a future where neurodivergent children not only survive in the educational system but thrive, developing the skills and confidence they need to contribute meaningfully to society.
Jony Ive Drive
Jony Iveānoted that being labeled "unsuccessful" in school due to his dyslexia fueled a desire to create and build things, finding fulfillment in the workshop and ultimately leading him to product design.
How Dyslexia Shaped a Visionary Designer
Jony Ive was born into a family with a rich heritage of craftsmanship and engineering. His father, Michael Ive, was a skilled silversmith and a lecturer at Middlesex Polytechnic, while his grandfather was an engineer. This environment fostered an early appreciation for design and problem-solving. However, Iveās journey to becoming one of the most celebrated designers of his time was not without challengesāparticularly in his education.During his secondary schooling, Jony was diagnosed with dyslexia which made traditional academic structures difficult to navigate. Rather than hindering him, however, dyslexia became a powerful asset that shaped his unique way of thinking. Dyslexic individuals often exhibit exceptional spatial reasoning and an ability to see patterns, form, and function in ways that others may not. For Ive, this meant an innate ability to conceptualise design solutions in three dimensions, simplifying complex ideas into elegant, user-centric forms.His early passion for automobiles ignited his love for design. Though he initially considered car design, he ultimately pursued industrial design at Newcastle Polytechnic (now Northumbria University). There, he was introduced to the Bauhaus philosophy, which emphasised functional minimalismāa principle that would profoundly influence his future work. Despite the challenges of traditional academic learning, his ability to visualise and innovate was evident early on, with his student designsāincluding a telephone and a hearing aidābeing exhibited at the Design Museum in London. He graduated with a first-class Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Design in 1989.
Turning Challenges into Innovation
After graduation, he co-founded Tangerine, a London-based design consultancy, where his ability to think differently quickly set him apart. He worked on various projects, from household products to consumer electronics, refining his process of reducing complexity and focusing on intuitive usability. His innovative approach soon caught the attention of Apple Inc., leading to a collaboration and, eventually, a full-time position in 1992.At Apple, Ive joined the Industrial Design Group and contributed to projects like the Newton MessagePad 110. The mid-1990s were a turbulent time for Apple, prompting him to question his future with the company. However, that changed in 1997 with the return of Steve Jobs, who immediately recognised Iveās potential with their collaboration, sparking a new era of product design marked by simplicity, elegance, and seamless user experience.As Senior Vice President of Industrial Design, Ive revolutionised Appleās design language. His work on the 1998 iMacāfamous for its translucent, colourful casingābroke away from traditional computer aesthetics, making technology approachable and inviting. This was followed by the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watchāeach reimagining entire industries and cementing Appleās reputation as a leader in design innovation.
Dyslexia as a Strength
Iveās ability to distil complexity into simplicity is, in part, attributed to his neurodivergence. Dyslexic thinkers often excel in big-picture conceptualisation and nonlinear problem-solvingāqualities that enabled him to approach design from a perspective others didnāt see. He famously emphasised removing unnecessary elements, making technology feel more human and intuitive. This mindset became a defining characteristic of Appleās design philosophy.Instead of viewing dyslexia as a limitation, Ive leveraged it as a strength. His ability to think visually, break down problems spatially, and see connections others missed allowed him to design products that were not only beautiful but also fundamentally changed how people interacted with technology.
A Legacy of Design Excellence
Iveās influence extends far beyond individual products. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous accolades, including being named Designer of the Year by the Design Museum in London (2003) and being knighted in 2012 for services to design and enterprise.After departing from Apple in 2019, he co-founded LoveFrom, a design collective, with fellow designer Marc Newson. Their collaborations include projects with Moncler and Airbnb, focusing on creating beautifully simple, functional experiences. Most recently, in 2024, he partnered with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to develop an AI-powered hardware device, signalling yet another era of transformative design.Jony Iveās journey is a testament to the power of neurodivergent thinking. His ability to turn dyslexia from a challenge into a superpower allowed him to shape the modern world of technology, proving that different ways of thinking can lead to groundbreaking creativity and innovation.
1in7 Trustees
Our board of trustees brings together a diverse group of leaders each with a unique perspective and a shared commitment to driving real change within Education and the greater support to the neurodiverse communities. With deep expertise and proven credibility in their respective fields, our trustees are united by a common purpose to apply oversight, policy direction and creative impact to the 1in7 mission.
Their leadership ensures we remain focused, accountable, and relentlessly driven in our pursuit of transparency, accountability and best practice.
Sean Rafter
Co-Founder & Trustee
2024 ā Present
A former professional sportsman and experienced entrepreneur, Sean brings broad commercial insight to the foundations of 1in7. As a co-founder, parent and developer of a previous education-focused platform, he has deep knowledge of both the education sector and neurodiversity pathways. Within 1in7, Sean leads innovation and strategic development, building charitable and commercial partnerships to help scale the charityās mission and long-term impact.
Stephen Taylor
Co-Founder & Trustee
2024 ā Present
Stephen is a designer and school governor with over 30 yearsā experience helping organisations bring clarity to complex ideas. As a highly experienced graphic designer he has led creative and brand work across education, culture and the charity sector. At 1in7, he works at the intersection of creativity and conceptāshaping new initiatives as well as how theyāre expressed, communicated, and understood.
Farzad Pezeshkpour
Trustee
2024 ā Present
Farzad is a technology leader, systems architect, and engineer with over 20 years of experience in AI, blockchain, and financial services. As a former CTO and co-founder, he has led the development of cutting-edge digital asset solutions and AI-driven systems. His expertise spans financial markets, distributed ledger technology, and scalable architectures, making him a key innovator in the fintech and AI space. With a deep background in complex systems and emerging technologies.
Nick Scott
Trustee
2024 ā Present
Following decades in luxury lifestyle journalism, Nick is a widely respected writer and editor, known for his clarity, wit and emotional insight. His work has explored themes of culture, identity, and mental health with a rare blend of insight and humanity. At 1in7, he plays a key part in shaping how the charity communicates ā helping craft stories that connect with partners, parents, educators, and, most importantly, the children we exist to serve.
āWe need all brains to understand how the world works, and we need to embrace neurodiversity as part of that.ā
Wendy Suzuki, Professor of Neural Science and
Psychology at New York University
Compliance & Accountability
At 1in7, accountability isnāt a checkboxāitās the bedrock of trust that ensures every initiative delivers real, measurable impact for neurodiverse communities.
Compliance
1in7, a UK registered charity, ensures legal and ethical compliance through strong, transparent governance. We drive impactful, research-led initiatives via collaboration, bridging gaps with programs and partnerships. Guided by transparency and evidence, we deliver lasting impact for neurodiverse individuals and families.
Funding
We are a donation-led Charity, committed to impactful change with integrity and accountability. Every contribution is managed transparently for maximum impact. As a UK-registered charity, we comply with all UK laws and regulations, maintaining rigorous oversight and open, accountable funding processes, ensuring donor confidence.
Transparency & Reporting
Accountability is core to our foundation. We operate with full transparency, ensuring all decisions and finances align with UK regulations. Our rigorous reporting provides clear oversight of activities, funding, and impact. We adhere to strict governance, conduct audits, and openly share progress.

