Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a range of neurological differences that aims to reframe them as natural variations rather than disorders.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe neurological differences in the human brain. It sees the diverse spectrum of neurological difference as a range of natural variations in the human brain rather than as a deficit in individuals. It is an umbrella term that includes both conditions that are life-long and those that can develop throughout life, including acquired illness or brain injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability, mental health, and Tourette syndrome. Neurodiversity deliberately rejects the medical model of diversity that frames human differences as disorders that need to be cured in favour of a more social model of diversity as a natural occurrence.
Neurodiversity is extremely common and all teachers are likely to work with a number of neurodiverse children in the course of their careers. The strengths-based approach of neurodiversity has the potential to increase awareness and understanding about neurological difference while also reducing social stigma.
An increasing number of studies emphasise the importance of taking an additive or strengths-based approach to neurodiversity, rather than characterising the challenges associated with forms of neurodiversity as problems to be fixed.
"This kind of information, presented in a way that's easy to put into practice, has given me new perspectives and more confidence at work – thank you for everything you're doing for us!"
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Please click to confirm you are a teacher using this resource for individual use in your school or ECE centre.
Yes, I confirmAlternatively, if you are utilising our resources in any other way, please contact us below for permission.
Thanks for visiting our site. We provide all our resources for FREE.
To enable us to continue our work, please take a minute to register.
Thanks,
Nina