At Prince’s Mead we frequently discuss and celebrate how we are all different; in fact, how no two people are the same. Depending on how our brains are wired, we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. We may DO things differently to our friends and THINK differently and that is OK, because we are ALL different from each other, which makes the world such an amazing place. STEAM Day this week, gave our children with different strengths across the curriculum an opportunity to use these to achieve a common goal on the topic of communication.
Neurodiversity is about recognising that everyone’s brain works differently. We each have our own strengths and challenges and at different times get some things right, and some things wrong; we learn by making mistakes, adapting and not giving up. Having a different way of doing things can help people become good at problem-solving, become more creative and, also, more resilient.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. As these examples show, the world benefits from different thinkers.
As we near the end of worldwide Neurodiversity Celebration Week, please take a look at the resources sections of the Neurodiversity Week website, which share some interesting material for schools, children and parents.