1. Understanding of neurodivergence and

language

People are starting to know more about

neurodivergence. It is not a term yet but more

people are talking about it. Most people are familiar

with terms like autism, ADHD and learning

differences. There is a change in how we think

about neurodivergence. We are moving away from a

view and towards a more human-centered

understanding of different ways of thinking and

learning. Neurodivergence is about ways of thinking

and learning.

2. How we respond to children who behave

differently

In schools teachers are focusing on inclusion and

finding ways to help children who learn differently.

They are adapting their teaching methods to meet

the needs of these children. Teachers are starting to

see that behavior is a way of communicating unmet

needs. At home parents are being more proactive

and supportive. They are seeking help and guidance

on. In public people are becoming more patient and

kind. They are trying to understand children with

neurodivergence and respond in a way. Children

with neurodivergence need our patience and

kindness.

3. Awareness and support in the community

There are workshops and school programs that are

helping to raise awareness about neurodivergence.

These programs are helping parents and educators

respond better to children with neurodivergence.

Schools are focusing more on inclusion and mental

health. Neurodivergence is becoming more visible.

People are starting to understand it better. However

there is still a lot to learn about neurodivergence.

We need to keep talking about neurodivergence and

raising awareness in the community.

Neurodivergence awareness is important, for all of us 

For me, neurodivergence means some people experience things differently than the rest of them; they feel things more deeply and do things differently from what most people often expect them to be—which could be challenging and valuable at the same time. Sometimes it means they find things difficult to grasp or understand, which makes it hard for them to do things easily without being misunderstood or misunderstanding others. Other times, it means creating something so detailed and creative that it could be incomprehensible to others.

Here in New Zealand, I wish more people understood that neurodivergence isn’t something to be ashamed of. It's just that their brains process things deeply and experience the world differently. Everyone’s brain, yours and anyone else's, works differently, and those differences are what make us human. What you feel, even if it's a weak or strong feeling, or even if you think differently, as long as you are feeling and thinking, you are what makes you human. There is no right or wrong way to learn or think.

Even if you feel like you don't quite fit into society the way things usually happen, you are not alone. 

From the New Zealand Youth Ambassador,

Kathlene Camacho