Neurodiversity Awareness & Celebration Day

Celebrating Neurodiversity – Wednesday 1 May

Hi newsletter readers, my name is Sadie and I’m currently in Year 6 at Fairfield Primary School. I’m also a proud member of the neurodivergent community, along with roughly 15-20% of the human population.

Neurodivergent is a term referring to people whose brains work a bit differently to the rest of the world, with the various types given certain labels such as what I’m diagnosed with, ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Really, everyone’s brain is wonderfully unique, just some more than others!

I wanted to create a day to celebrate this fact, so throughout this year I have been working with the FPS community on creating Neurodiversity Day. FPS will take part in this occasion on Wednesday 1 May to celebrate the amazing individuality of everyone’s mind.

On this date we are encouraging every kid and teacher to come to school not just dressed in casual clothes, but in clothing that represents them as a person; what they think their mind might look like on the inside. If you are stuck for ideas on what to wear, my advice is to ask a family member or friend to share three words that describe you and base your outfit on those words. You can also look at the examples some of the Year 6 students have created below.

To also add to the celebrations, students will work through a lesson I’ve created that explains neurodiversity and has activities that relate to the day and its meaning. There will be a fun lunch time art activity that students can choose to participate in as well.

If you want to learn more about this the actual week organised in honour of this concept you can visit this website.

We ask the whole school to come and join us in this celebration of our minds’ differences on this meaningful and exciting occasion.

Ideas for clothing that represents you!

1. I wore the shirt from the show I did at the Arts Centre, Melbourne. Most of my personality now is based around the creativity of circus performing. 
2. My mum gave me three words that described me: kind, adaptable and comfortable. I chose the pants because they are adaptable, the material can be cool or warm, I put my jumper on inside out as well, and my t-shirt has dogs on it because they remind me of kind and loving things. 
3. I wore the jeans because they show my easygoingness. My shawl, shoes and dyed hair show my ‘partiness’. My shirt and flowers show my love for camping and the outdoors! 
4. I chose to wear my state jumper because I love sport and I brought my Rubix cube because I love puzzles. 

Thank you,

Sadie, 6C