INCLUSION
17th - 23rd March 2025
NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK!
Next week (Week 8) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
All students will participate in activities about Neurodiversity. We look forward to sharing some of the activities completed in the next Newsletter!
Why is it important to talk to children about neurodiversity?
Just as it’s important to talk to children about how people and families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and colours, it’s also important to let them know that people canthink and feel in different ways too. And it’s never too early to start talking about this together.
The more they know about the differences between us, the more they can come to understand and accept other children and adults who aren’t like them.
Tips for talking to children about neurodiversity
Tip #1: Talk to them positively about difference.
You can start by talking to your child about the things they’re good at and the things they struggle with, and explaining how this is different for everyone.
And wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same – if we were all brilliant at football but no good at baking there’d be no more cake!
Tip #2: Talk about how everyone learns differently.
It’s good for children not just to learn but to think about how they learn. Everyone learns in a slightly different way – some people like to hear things read out loud, while others would rather read to themselves, look at diagrams or watch a video.
Some people like to draw mindmaps or pictures while others will make lists. Encouraging your child to think about what they like to do will help them understand that there’s no right or wrong way to learn.
Tip #3: Explain the difference between fairness and ‘the same’.
Sometimes when children see other children being treated differently to them they may think this isn’t fair. Why is one child allowed a break from class when they’re not?
Why is another child using a sensory seating option but they are not?
So it’s a good idea to talk to them about how ‘fairness’ doesn’t always mean everybody being treated in the same way or given the same things.
Some people need more of a boost to get to the same level as everyone else, just as
they might need a boost to reach something on a high shelf where an adult wouldn’t.
At Chilwell we talk about different ‘Learning Plans’ for different students.
Tip #4: Watch programs and read books that celebrate diversity.
Reading books and watching programs online or on TV that celebrate diversity is a great way for children to learn more about the world, and offers you a chance to start a conversation about difference. You can find lots of ideas for younger kids on the Love Reading 4 Kids website while the Scottish Book Trust have ideas of books for 9-11 year
olds and books for 12-14 year olds.
Tip #5: Talk about being kind and understanding.
Remind them that everyone is good at some things and is working on other things.
Let’s all encourage and help one another.
Source: https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/children-and-neurodiversity#
Virginnia Gilham – Inclusive Practices Leader