OMATAS Blog: Resources, Articles & Podcasts

Lauren Edmunds explores what it really means for a child’s brain to be “switched on” rather than passive. She shares a powerful story of a 10-year-old boy on the autism spectrum who has begun to drive his own communication journey from the inside out. Through this, Lauren reflects on agency, motivation, and how parents and teachers can create the conditions for children to find their own reasons to learn, grow, and engage with the world.

Lauren Edmunds reflects on how children learn through mistakes and why natural, fair consequences help them build responsibility, resilience and confidence. She argues that repair, rather than punishment, strengthens connection, encourages awareness and supports healthy development at school and at home.

Lauren Edmunds explores what it means for a child to have a “switched on” brain and why real learning starts from within. She shares powerful insights from her work with children, including those with additional needs, and explains how motivation, safety and connection help children think, grow and engage more deeply.

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds explores why traditional homework often fails children with learning delays, ADHD, or modern short-attention-span brains. She unpacks the real purpose of homework, why parents often resist it, and how focusing on small, consistent daily steps can transform learning.

Lauren Edmunds reflects on why education should be guided by creativity and care rather than commercial goals. Inspired by Rick Rubin’s thoughts on creating for art’s sake, she draws a powerful link between artistry and teaching, reminding us that schools are human spaces, not businesses.

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds talks about what it really takes to help children become independent, motivated learners. She shares stories from classrooms around the world and reflects on how teachers can shift from controlling to collaborating, creating spaces where children take responsibility for their own learning.

Lauren Edmunds explores how consistent routines can help children, especially those with ADHD or autism, manage transitions and build emotional regulation. Drawing inspiration from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, she explains how “habit stacking” and predictable sequences, like bedtime or morning routines, create calm, confidence, and a sense of safety for children navigating daily change.

With Term 4 bringing exams for children who are in Grade four and up, Lauren Edmunds offers practical advice for parents. She suggests setting up a study workspace at home to signal the importance of the process, and working with your child to experiment with study techniques like the Pomodoro Effect or leveraging the forgetting curve. The focus should be on knowing the work and building a strong foundation, not just winging the results.

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds unpacks how our attitudes towards failure can either limit or empower our children. Inspired by Jessica Lahey’s The Gift of Failure, she reflects on the lessons we unintentionally teach when we take over tasks, and how allowing children to struggle builds resilience and confidence.

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds, founder of a school for children with learning delays, shares her thoughts on what it really means for a child to have a “switched-on” brain. Through the story of a 10-year-old non-verbal boy on the autism spectrum, she shows how powerful things can happen when children feel safe, supported, and have their own reasons to grow.

Lauren Edmunds explores the value of mistakes and failure in a child’s learning journey. Drawing on research and practical examples, she shows how setbacks can spark curiosity, strengthen thinking skills, and open opportunities for growth. Instead of labels or fixed traits, failure becomes a pathway to deeper learning and resilience.