Claire McDonough is a specialist SEND and neurodiversity consultant, trainee counsellor, founder of Carpe Diem Education Consultants UK and co-director of IGNITE Neurodiversity CIC.

Claire has extensive experience as a teacher, SENCO and strategic consultant across mainstream, specialist and alternative provision settings. She supports schools, local authorities, health teams and community organisations to develop inclusive, trauma informed, neurodiversity affirming practice.

Claire’s work is uniquely shaped by her lived experience. She was diagnosed with ADHD and complex trauma in adulthood and is also a parent to three autistic children. This dual perspective allows her to understand both the systemic challenges and the lived realities of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Her consultancy focuses on autism, ADHD, executive function, sensory needs, emotional wellbeing and psychologically safe learning. Through IGNITE Neurodiversity CIC, Claire helps deliver emotional literacy programmes, parent support, therapeutic wellbeing projects and executive function coaching.

Claire is known for her compassionate approach, clarity of communication and strong commitment to empowering children, young people and adults to thrive. Claire recently won the Sefton Parent Carer's Award in the Category of 'The Hillary Dunne SEND Superstar Award 2025' as nominated by parents of SEND students themselves.