Introducing 'Neurodiversity'

Judy Singer came up with the term neurodiversity in the late 1990s. Singer, a sociologist on the autism spectrum, rejected the idea that people with autism were disabled.

Singer believed their brains simply worked differently from other people’s. The term was quickly embraced by activists in the autism community and beyond. Advocates have used it to fight stigma and promote inclusion in schools and in the workplace.

The movement emphasizes that the goal shouldn’t be to “cure” people whose brain works differently. The goal is to embrace them as part of the mainstream. And that means providing needed support so they can fully participate as members of the community.

Key points are:

Neurodiversity is a viewpoint that brain differences are normal, rather than deficits.
The idea of neurodiversity can have benefits for kids with learning and thinking differences.
This concept can help reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences.

Find out more about Neurodiversity below.

The Neurodiverse classroom.pdf

The Neurodiverse Classroom

Through the Neurodiversity mindset, a fully inclusive – neurodiverse classroom facilitates education based on neurodiversity – where:

Understanding of the brain, familiarities with diversities of all kinds, expertise in utilizing assistive technologies, confident and efficient in using alternative education strategies, the construction of differentiated curriculum and implementation of meeting the needs of all learners takes precedence over separating the “special” and “normal – neurotypical” pupils.

Neurodiversity Training (1).mp4

Intro to Neurodiversity video

Neurodiversity is the difference between human brains and the endless variations in neurocognitive (brain processes) functioning within humans. It challenges the idea that there is one “normal” or “healthy” type of brain or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning. Written by Laura Winterburn (SENCO at Lofthouse Gate).

Neurodiversity_ What You Need to Know.pdf

Neurodiversity: what you need to know

Factsheet detailing why it’s important to recognize both differences and disabilities. Each one can help a child find their own path to success.

The Umbrella Project

Every year participating schools across the UK have installed an Umbrella Art display in support of the Neurodiversity Umbrella Project. In Merseyside, Salford, Manchester and Heathrow, London, with the support of local councils and businesses, they have joined together in a dynamic project to ensure that our cities are ‘child friendly’ and places of opportunity for every child to be happy, healthy and achieve their potential.

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