Mental Health & Wellbeing
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 16 – 20) is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Throughout this week, Spring Gully Primary School Students have spent time engaging in various activities recognising and celebrating the many wonderful different ways that our brains work.
Neurodiversity is the beautiful and natural variety of human minds. Some children experience the world differently due to neurotypes such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia, or conditions such as dyspraxia or Tourette’s syndrome. These differences aren’t deficits—they’re part of what makes each child unique!
All children learn, play, and express themselves in their own way. While some may thrive in a structured setting, others might need a little more flexibility, sensory support, or different communication styles to truly shine.
It’s been such a joy to hear lots of stories from both students and teachers this week, some of who have proudly shared their own strengths, superpowers and unique perspectives as neurodiverse folk.
There are lots of wonderful resources available to help increase knowledge and empower children and young people to embrace and understand neurodiversity.
Here are a few of my favourites:
- The Brain Forest – written by Sandhya Menon
- The Rainbow Brain – written by Sandhya Menon
- Awesome Brains – written by Cat MacInnes
- Love me Love my ADHD -written by Chrissie Davies
Other Resources:
- Yellow Lady Bugs – a non-government organisation, dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals. https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/
- Amaze – the peak body for autistic people and their supporters in Victoria. https://www.amaze.org.au/
- Different Journeys - provides peer support and social connection for the autistic community including individuals and their families. https://www.differentjourneysautism.com/