ADHD Beyond the Label – Episode 6 – Lawrence Dallaglio

In this emotionally charged episode, former England rugby captain, World Cup winner, and RugbyWorks founder Lawrence Dallaglio joins a powerful conversation about ADHD and neurodiversity.

From the very beginning, the episode confronts a stark truth: 240 young people are excluded from school every week. Lawrence, now using his platform to advocate for those on the margins of the education system, explores the systemic failures that disproportionately affect neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD.

The discussion covers:

• The mismatch between current teaching methods and the learning needs of neurodivergent children
• The emotional and developmental toll of exclusion
• Why labelling ADHD as a "disorder" is damaging
• The importance of recognising neurological differences, not deficits
• A call for curriculum reform — because "one size fits all" just doesn't work
• How the system often punishes, rather than supports, children who learn differently

Lawrence reflects on his own school experience and how little awareness existed around ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions when he was younger. Now, he's committed to driving change, shining a spotlight on the children being let down and excluded by a system that doesn't understand them.