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Celebrating different minds

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Focus Difficulties and Autism are all represented under the term ‘neurodiversity’ which is the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits.

This concept can help reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences. In a recent Lower School workshop hosted by Mrs Allen and Miss Harris from the Learning Support Department explained the nature of some learning difficulties in more detail. They hosted an interactive Kahoot quiz for students in Years 7 and 8, which enabled
Lower School students to have a greater understanding about Neurodiversity. Pupils were asked to think about the impact having a learning difficulty may have on a student, as well as questions such as how common different learning difficulties are.

There was lively discussion around these topics and lots of questions were asked. A lot of students became clearer about dyspraxia which is a condition where messages from the brain to muscle groups are affected. There was also a much greater understanding of the difference between AD(H)D and ADD at the end of the session.

If you would like to know more about Neurodiversity week please look at www.neurodiversityweek.com where you can
find lots of useful information. There is also a video, I would highly recommend, to watch from GCHQ – the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency – who actively seek to recruit people with neurodiversity.

If you would like to speak to Mrs Allen or Miss Harris about Neurodiversity, please pop up to the Learning Support Department or email learningsupport@ipswich.school.

Ollie B, Year 12

Did you know?

• About 4% of the population have AD(H)D
• About 2% of the population is autistic
• About 10% of the population are dyslexic
• About 6% of the population are dyspraxic

Neurodiversity is a view that differences in the brain are not abnormal, and people who are neurodivergent are people who experience and interpret the world in a unique way.

The word ‘Neurodiversity’ translates to Neuro (relating to nerves or nervous system) diverse (showing a great deal of variety), which sounds much more positive than simply a ‘brain disorder’. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a
worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Its aim is to change the views of those who see these brain abnormalities as disorders.

Neurodiversity Week was first celebrated in 2018 and was started by a 16 year old Siena Castellon, who had autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia and wanted to raise awareness of the challenges she had faced..

Caleb C and Henry L, Year 10

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