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Neurodiversity is a term used to describe people who learn and think differently. It’s actually a very helpful word, because it reframes things like Dyslexia, ADHD, and autism as simply being ‘brain differences’ rather than deficits or problems. This kind of inclusivity is an important part of making the world more accessible for everyone and changes the narrative when it comes to empowering people with these kinds of brain differences to succeed.
The event is set up by Siena Castellon, a student from Kensington in West London, who has first-hand knowledge of the neurodiverse experience in education having been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. The 18-year-old began mentoring young people with learning difficulties via her online platform, Quantum Leap, when she was 13, and has been nominated as one of three finalists for the International Children’s Peace Prize.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is all about making sure that all neurodiverse students and students with special educational needs have the educational experience that they deserve. The event takes place from March 15th to March 21st this year and is committed to its pledge to help these students flourish, describing them as “the trailblazers, the adventurers, the discoverers, the Einsteins and Bransons of tomorrow.”
The campaign highlights that, according to the Department of Education (DfE), a huge 15% of students in the UK have some form of learning difference, and that they’re frequently found to be the victims of bullying based on their neurodiversity. The celebration week aims to create a more inclusive educational landscape that focuses on identifying, nurturing, and celebrating the strengths of being neurodiverse. It also recognises the need for educational establishments to stop focusing on what neurodiverse people can’t do, and instead adopt a model that champions their unique skills and insights.
Celebrating neurodiversity and encouraging a marked change in attitude is important when we consider just how many of our young people might be having a negative educational experience due to their needs not being met.
You can find out how to get involved with Neurodiversity Celebration Week here, where there’s a whole host of information and resources on how to explore the idea of neurodiversity in the classroom and at home.