This special week is a highlight in our St Stephen's calendar. Naomi Mullholland, our Inclusion Lead, outlines what it means to be neurodiverse. Click on the link below to find out the plan for the week ...

Neurodiversity is a term that seems to be everywhere these days. And increasingly, kids and young adults are using it to describe themselves. But what does it mean to be neurodiverse, and where does the term come from?

In short, it means there are many differences in the way people’s brains work. There’s no 'correct' or 'incorrect' way. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world, and these differences should be embraced.

The term neurodiversity was coined in the 1990s to fight stigma and promote acceptance of people with autism. But it also includes other conditions that involve neurological differences, such as ADHD and learning disorders like dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Here at St Stephen’s we are already supporting our many neurodiverse children In so many ways and once again we are joining the thousands of other schools and millions of children all over the world in celebrating the benefits of different minds and diversity of thinking. 

Neurodiversity Celebration week aims to encourage a shift in focus away from our perceived weaknesses towards the many strengths and positive aspects that being Neurodivergent brings. The two 'beautiful and powerful' reverse poems, written by some of our Year Six children two years ago, show the two sides of neurodiversity.

Reading normally, the poems are sad, and look at how neurodiverse people can suffer, feel victimised or worthless. But if you read the poem from the last line up to the top line, they are strong and uplifting poems about the condition.

See what you think.