2024 Neurodiversity Week
Trigger warning: Please be aware that this page is specifically designed to be neurodiversity affirming. This page contains information that may also be distressing to some readers. It includes information about autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence. If you need support to deal with difficult feelings after reading this page, students at SHHS can access support through the Learning Hub, the school office, your Year Advisor, trusted teachers and parents or carers. At the bottom of this page is a list of free support services available in Australia.
The rainbow infinity logo represents neurodiversity, valuing the natural variations in human brain function. The infinity symbol represents the infinite variety of human brains, while the rainbow colours represent the diversity of people who may identify as neurodivergent. The hands cusping beneath are designed to suggest nurturing something precious and valued.
Neurodiversity Week 18th to 24th March, 2024
Note: Throughout Neurodiversity Week (2024) we will add resources to this page and information about scheduled events.
This marks our third annual Neurodiversity Week. From a survey of students in 2024, 38% of respondents called for workshops and activities as a part of Neurodiversity Week with opportunities to learn and interact with a variety of teachers and school staff.
In consultation with a group of students, we have planned a week of activities open to all students.
Neurodiversity Week Program
Mon 2nd Break
Generative Artificial Intelligence Hacks for Studying & Backward Mapping Assessment Task Timelines
with Daniel Jones (Teacher Librarian)
CLICK HERE to download an introduction for students on using generative artificial intelligence tools in ethical ways that support individual learners.
*Note: Talk with your teacher before using generative AI (ChatGPT etc.) for assessment tasks.
Tues 1st Break
Strategies for Self-regulation & Wellbeing / Walking Meditations & Forrest Bathings
with Jules Chenoweth (Student Support Officer) & Daniel Jones (Teacher Librarian)
Self-regulation is monitoring how you feel, evaluating how helpful that state is, and utilising strategies to improve how you feel. There are no miracle cures here, just little steps towards calm and alert minds, and maybe even nicer ways of living.
Tues 2nd Break
Strategies for Self-regulation & Wellbeing / The Psychology & Practice of Cultivating Good Vibes Inside
with Chloe Bishop (School Counsellor / Provisional Psychologist) & Daniel Jones (Teacher Librarian)
Let’s get a little more science on self-managing your mind state. Hear about research proven techniques that can help tame nerves, shift social stress towards confidence, and self-judgement to self-care.
Wed 2nd Break
Writing For Self-Care Workshop with Multi Award Winning Author (& Kindness Ninja) Helena Fox
organised by Rhys Lorenc (School Learning Support Officer / Creative Writing & English Lit Grad)
Helena works every day to be mindful, compassionate, and gentle with herself and others. She believes strongly in helping others find and express their voice, and in being kind.
Fri 2nd Break
Clubs Open Day / AKA Find Your Tribe
Details
What: Clubs Open Day
When: Friday 22/03/24, 2nd Break (12.55-1.25pm)
Location: Middle Basketball Court & outside the MPU facing the B.Ball courts
Why: For all of our students to have an easy chance to learn more about all of the great opportunities they have to connect with other students who share common interests through clubs. Also, for students to learn about opportunities to participate in (or observe) student-led meetings, performance groups etc.
Why Join Clubs? When students get together in clubs, teams and groups, there are lots of sharing ideas, taking on projects, and working towards common goals. Participating in such groups enhances academic skills, fosters social skills and networking, increases confidence and self-esteem, raises cultural and diversity awareness, provides emotional support and a sense of belonging, exposes students to new interests and experiences, builds leadership and teamwork skills, encourages community service and engagement, and enhances college and job applications.
We are super excited to announce the launch of four new clubs at Clubs Open Day!
Neurodiversity Week is a global initiative that seeks to challenge and dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions about differences in some people’s minds.
What does this mean? Widely held views often focus only on the negative aspects of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and brain differences. This negative view focuses on the difficulties experienced and frames entire neurological conditions as problems that need to be fixed.
It is important to remember that these ‘labels’ do not define individuals. People with these labels also have strengths that are inherently a part of those neurological conditions. Expectations that everybody should be able to think and act in a ‘normal’ way are as narrow-minded and unhelpful as racism, sexism, homophobia and all of those other viewpoints that oppress minority groups.
The neurodiversity movement does not deny that people who are neurodivergent have difficult experiences and they would understandably not choose to have these experiences given the choice; however, when this is the dominant dialogue in public spaces, we deny the considerable strengths that can also be an integral part of these forms of neurodivergence. Some neurodivergent people come to the point of loving their neurodivergence and see it as central to their identity and worldview.
While there is no singular definition or conception of what the neurodiversity movement is; here at Smith’s, during Neurodiversity Week we want to present opportunities to explore supportive strategies for challenges that people experience, and push strategies that recognise strengths, and grow them. We want a culture where all students feel valued, we want a culture where talking about how we learn, how experience the world, and what we need to make all of these things even better.
If this is the first time you are exploring the Smith's Hill High School Library website, please feel welcome to explore; sections that have specific resources relating to neurodiversity include Neurodiversity Week, Neurodiversity Podcasts, Neurodivergence Journey, Executive Functioning, and Self-Advocacy.
Free Support Services
If you need support to deal with difficult feelings after reading this page, students at SHHS can access support through the Learning Hub, the school office, your Year Advisor, trusted teachers and parents and carers. Also support is available from the following free support services:
Beyond Blue Support Service
Telephone 1300 224 636, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Chat online 3pm to 12am AEST, 7 days a week.
Email for free, short-term counselling, advice and referral services.
Website: Beyond Blue Support Service.
Lifeline Crisis Support
This confidential service provides support when you are feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty coping or thinking about suicide.
Speak to a crisis support worker by telephone on 13 11 14, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Chat online 7pm to 12pm, 7 nights a week.
Website: Lifeline Crisis Support.
1800RESPECT
For support if you are affected by sexual assault or domestic and family violence or abuse.
Telephone 1800 737 732, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Chat online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Website: 1800RESPECT.