Neurodiversity
La neurodiversidad
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Neurodiversity
What is Neurodiversity?
What would happen if the world viewed neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities differently? If everyone noticed the strengths that can come from these differences first, instead of the challenges?
That’s the basic idea of neurodiversity — that differences don’t have to only be looked at as weaknesses. They’re simply variations of the human brain. Click on the link above to learn more.
Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.
The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities. The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences. Click on the link above to learn more.
Video Guide for Kids
What is Neurodiversity?
This short animated video can help explain neurodiversity to children in under 2 minutes!
Language Preferences
Please note that individuals may have different preferences regarding the use of person-first and identity-first language. Person-first language is language that puts a person before their diagnosis (e.g., "a person with autism"). Identity-first language is language that leads with a person’s diagnosis (e.g., "an autistic person"). Click on the link below to learn more about person-first and identity-first language.
Writing Respectfully: Person-First and Identity-First Language
Different Neurodivergent Conditions
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
Here are some strengths that may come with ADHD:
(list adapted from Helping Your ADHD Child Recognize Their Strengths & Weaknesses)
Hyperfocus. Some people with ADHD may experience hyperfocus, which involves extended periods of intense focus on activities of interest. If controlled and directed toward productive activities, hyperfocus can be hugely beneficial to a person's success in school, work, and life.
Creativity. People with ADHD are often very creative. Their ability to see things without the filter of typical concentration means that they are bubbling with new ideas.
High energy. Individuals with ADHD often have a feeling of boundless energy. When others are getting tired and ready to throw in the towel, kids with ADHD are often just getting started.
Spontaneity. With all that creativity and energy, it's no surprise that people with ADHD are some of the most fun and spontaneous people around.
Conversational skills. With those racing brains and low tolerance for lulls in conversation, many people with ADHD find talking to others to be very easy. Whether dealing with introverts or extroverts, kids with ADHD often know exactly how to break the ice.
Compassion. Having experienced challenges of their own, kids with ADHD often have a strong sense of justice and compassion.
ADHD Awareness Month
October is ADHD Awareness Month!
Click on the link below to learn more about ADHD Awareness Month:
ASD (autism spectrum disorder)
Here are some strengths that may come with ASD:
(list adapted from Strengths and abilities in autism)
Thinking and learning in a visual way
Memorizing and learning information quickly
Logical thinking ability
Being precise and detail oriented
Exceptional honesty and reliability
Being dependable in regards to schedules, routines, and rules
Able to concentrate for long periods of time when motivated
A capability for alternate problem solving, or outside the box thinking
Image from the UN
World Autism Day
April 2nd is World Autism Day!
World Autism Awareness Day has been officially observed on April 2nd by the United Nations since 2007.
Click on the link below to learn more:
Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month!
Click on the link below to learn more about the rainbow infinity symbol and other symbols for autism:
Symbols for Autism: What Do They Mean?
Down syndrome
Here are some strengths that may come with Down syndrome:
(list adapted from Down Syndrome International)
Strong visual awareness and visual learning skills
Ability to learn and use sign, gesture and visual support
Ability to learn and use the written word
Ability to learn from pictorial, concrete and practical materials
Eager to communicate and socialize with others
Modeling helpful behavior and attitudes from peers and adults
Following structure and routine well
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
October was first designated as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the 1980s and has been recognized every October since.
Click on the links below to learn more about Down Syndrome Awareness Month:
Down Syndrome Awareness Month (Down Syndrome International)
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (Special Olympics)
World Down Syndrome Day
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day!
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
Click on the link below to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day:
Books
Children's Books
ADHD/Neurodivergence
Click on the links below for lists of children's books that have main characters with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions:
Dyslexia/ADHD
Click on the link below for a list of children's books that have main characters with dyslexia or ADHD:
Autism
Click on the links below for lists of children's books that are written by and/or inspired by people with autism:
Down syndrome
Click on the links below for lists of children's books that are written by and/or inspired by people with Down syndrome:
Guidebooks/Workbooks
ADHD
Click on the links below for lists of guidebooks, workbooks, and other helpful books for children who have ADHD:
Autism
Click on the link below for a list of guidebooks, workbooks, and other helpful books for children with ASD:
Famous Neurodivergent Individuals
Dyslexia/ADHD/Dyscalculia
Click on the link to learn about 14 celebrities with dyslexia, ADHD, and/or dyscalculia whose learning and thinking differences helped them find their passions and strengths. Individuals on the list include: Octavia Spencer, Steven Spielberg, Solange Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Cher, Trevor Noah, Tom Holland, Whoopi Goldberg, Tim Tebow, Michael Phelps, Henry Winkler, Anderson Cooper, and Lisa Ling.
Autism
Click on the link below to learn about 9 celebrities with ASD who have made and are continuing to make an impact around the world. Individuals on the list include: Greta Thunberg, Dan Aykroyd, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Temple Grandin, Daryl Hannah, Susan Boyle, Elon Musk, Armani Williams, and Clay Marzo.
Down syndrome
Click on the link below to learn about 13 celebrities with Down syndrome who are breaking barriers in entertainment, athletics, fashion, and more. Individuals on the list include: Zack Gottsagen, Madeline Stuart, Pablo Pineda, Sujeet Desai, Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, Tim Harris, Jamie Brewer, Chelsea Werner, Paula Sage, Tommy Jessop, Collette Divitto, John Tucker, and Chris Burke.
Classroom Strategies
Here are some strategies that can benefit both neurotypical and neurodivergent students:
(list adapted from How Schools Can Support Neurodiverse Students, 5 Ways to Support Neurodivergent Students, and Creating Inclusive Classrooms for All Learners)
Visual supports, such as a visible daily schedule and written steps for multi-step assignments
Starting the day with a breathing/relaxation exercise to help students feel grounded and more focused
Having a calm down area in the classroom where students can utilize calming sensory materials when feeling overwhelmed
Scheduling movement breaks, especially after long periods of sitting
Providing opportunities for student choice in projects and presentations
Providing sensory supports like flexible seating options or fidget tools for when students feel the need to wiggle or move
Executive functioning tools, such as checklists, designated folders/binders for each subject, and use of agendas/planners for short-term and long-term projects
Providing behavior-specific praise (such as "I like the way you followed directions right away!" and "Great job raising your hand!") to support student understanding of expected classroom behaviors
La neurodiversidad
Qué es la neurodiversidad?
¿Qué pasaría si el mundo viera de otra manera las diferencias en el desarrollo neurológico como el TDAH, el autismo y las discapacidades del aprendizaje? ¿Si todos notaran primero las fortalezas que pueden surgir de estas diferencias, en lugar de los desafíos?
Esa es la idea básica de la neurodiversidad: que las diferencias no deben ser consideradas únicamente como desventajas. Simplemente son variaciones del cerebro humano. Haga clic en el enlace para obtener más información.
Libros
Libros infantiles
Dislexia/TDAH
Haga clic en el enlace más abajo para obtener una lista de libros infantiles que tienen personajes principales con dislexia o TDAH:
Autismo
Haga clic en el enlace más abajo para obtener una lista de libros infantiles con representaciones positivas y precisas del autismo:
Personas neurodivergentes famosas
Dislexia/TDAH/Discalculia
Haga clic en el enlace para leer sobre 9 celebridades con dislexia, TDAH, y/o discalculia cuyas diferencias en la manera de pensar y aprender les ayudaron a encontrar sus pasiones y fortalezas. Las personas en la lista incluyen: Salma Hayek, Thalía, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Olga Tañon, Luz Rello, Steve Jobs, Michael Phelps, Steven Spielberg, y Whoopi Goldberg.
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