Wellbeing
Vermont Secondary College
SchoolTV: Understanding and Celebrating Neurodiversity
At Vermont Secondary College, we believe every young person deserves to feel understood, valued and supported. This month we would like to promote the Neurodiversity edition on SchoolTV which provides valuable information for parents and carers on understanding the different ways children and young people think, learn, communicate and experience the world.
Neurodiversity recognises that differences in brain development (such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental differences) are natural variations of the human brain. While these differences may present unique challenges, they also bring many strengths, including creativity, innovation, resilience and unique ways of thinking and problem-solving.
By embracing neurodiversity, we can create environments where all young people feel accepted and included. Recognising individual strengths, adapting learning where needed, and encouraging strategies that work for each child can have a positive impact on their confidence, wellbeing and overall success.
It is not uncommon now for young people to approach both school and/or their parents querying whether they may be neurodiverse and parents often have many questions and concerns about how to best support their young people with these questions. We would encourage you to have open and curious conversations with your children when they bring these questions to you and to seek information for yourself so that you can confidently support your young person with the challenges they are facing. Talk them without trying to fix things about what they are experiencing that makes them think this, what’s been difficult and how does this idea make them feel.
Whatever may be causing your young person to have these questions we know that young people who are neurodiverse can experience significant challenges with their well being, including exhaustion, isolation and struggles managing unpredictable environments such as school. Listening to them without minimising their experiences will allow them to know you are a trusted source of support.
We hope this resource provides you with valuable information about having conversations around neurodiversity and also with how to support your young person in this space.
As always, if you have any concerns about your child's learning or wellbeing, please don't hesitate to contact our Wellbeing Team or your student manager.
SchoolTV – Neurodiversity Edition: