Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity encompasses the inherent differences in the way our brains operate and process information. Typically, anyone experiencing a learning difficulty that impacts certain thinking skills can be identified as neurodiverse.

A child I teach regularly came to me this week with a desire to discuss neurodiversity.  She explained that having neurodiversity made her feel different and weird.  This got me thinking…are we still living in a world where education expects the majority of children to fit neatly into a specific box?

The concept of ‘neurodiversity’ was coined in the late 1990’s by two individuals: journalist Harvey Blume and, autism advocate, Judy Singer.  Subsequently, there has been a surge of research into the different attributes individuals with learning differences offer, such as creative and social skills involving leadership, critical thinking and technological abilities.  As a result, some progressive companies have integrated this concept into their culture and support neurodiversity in the workplace.  

The key to harnessing positives associated with neurodiverse minds starts with education.  How can we nurture these diverse characteristics within a school environment?  

Here are a few suggestions:

·      Accept that every child has different learning preferences

·      Allow children the space to focus on their individual passions

·      Shine light on strengths rather than challenges 

‘Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general.’ Harvey Blume, 1998