Neurodiversity Week is here from 17th March to 23rd March 2025! This week is a time to recognise, appreciate and celebrate the diversity of minds in different communities across the world.
Neurodiversity is the idea that everyone’s brain works in different ways and that this is completely natural! This allows people to think and learn in a variety of different ways, because of conditions like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Instead of looking at differences as problems, neurodiversity reminds us that having different way of thinking can bring in new ideas, creativity and strengths to the world.
This is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of communications (both verbal and non-verbal) and to also advocate for more inclusive practices to be brought into schools, workplaces and society as a whole!
So, what is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity comes from the understanding that no two brains are the same. Just like some people are right-handed and others are left-handed, people process information, communicate and experience the world in different ways! Neurodiversity is NOT an illness or something that needs to be ‘’Fixed’’.
Neurodivergent people may:
- Learn best through pictures, movement or hands-on experiences rather than spoken words.
- Communicate using gestures, technology or repetition of phrases.
- Be highly focused on specific interests or think in very creative and original ways.
Breaking Down Barriers
Despite progress being made with neurodivergent practices and research, neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in traditional speech and language expectations. Here are some ways we can support and celebrate different communication styles:
- Honouring different speech patterns: Some autistic individuals use echolalia (repeating words or phrases) and scripting (using learned phrases in communication) as a way to express themselves. Instead of discouraging these methods we should embrace and understand them as a natural form of communication!
- Encouraging multi-modal communication: Verbal speech is not the only way to communicate. Some individuals use sign language, picture-based systems or text-based communication. These methods are just as valuable as spoken words.
- Promoting accessible language background: Small changes such as, reducing background noise, allowing extra time to process language and using clear direct speech can help make communication easier for everyone!
How can we support neurodivergent individuals in everyday life?
- In Education: Schools can provide flexible learning environments, alternative testing methods, and assistive technologies to support their neurodivergent students. Offering neurodivergent-friendly teaching approaches, such as visual learning tools, movement-based activities, and structured routines, can enhance the educational experience for all students.
- In the Workplace: Employers can create an inclusive workspace by offering accommodations such as flexible schedules, quiet areas, and clear communication structure. Providing mentorship programs, sensory-friendly office spaces, and neurodivergent employee networks can also create a more supportive environment.
- In the Community: Encouraging neurodivergent friendly spaces in public areas, such as sensory-friendly shopping hours and accessible social events, makes a big difference. Additionally, community centres and recreational programs can provide structured activities that cater to a range of sensory and social preferences.
- In Healthcare: Medical professionals can adopt neurodivergent-affirming practices by using clear, patient-centred communication, reducing sensory triggers in the healthcare settings, and providing accessible health information. Training healthcare providers to recognise and accommodate neurodivergent needs can lead to more effective care and improved patient experiences.
- Through Public Awareness and Advocacy: Governments and organisations can implement policies that ensure equal access to education, employment, and healthcare. Promoting awareness campaigns and celebrating neurodivergent voices in media and literature help challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society.
As Speech and Language Therapists, we can work with your school to ensure the needs of neurodivergent pupils are met. We are able to offer whole school/team training in supporting pupils who are Autistic. We also offer a new course focused on supporting pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health needs (both Elklan accredited). We can also offer individual pupil assessment, support, targets and therapy where appropriate. As a team we look at the child in a whole school context and believe, as much as possible, that targets need to be doable in a busy classroom situation.
If you would like to discuss the support we can offer you, please get in touch with Helen Marriott, Head of Inclusion, SEND and Speech & Language Therapy: Helen.marriott@oneeducation.co.uk
References:
Goldberg, H., 2023. Unraveling Neurodiversity: Insights from Neuroscientific Perspectives.
Aherne, D., 2023. The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity
Chapman, R., & Botha, M., 2022. Neurodivergence‐informed therapy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65, pp. 310 – 317.
Jones, F., Hamilton, J., & Kargas, N., 2024. Accessibility and affirmation in counselling: An exploration into neurodivergent clients’ experiences. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research.
Adeniran, R., 2023. Leveraging Neurodiversity in Organizations. Holistic Nursing Practice, 37, pp. 241 – 243.
Kaaria, A., & Karemu, G., 2024. Cultivating Neurodiverse Connections Through Competent Leadership: Integrative Literature Review. International Journal of Advanced Research.
Weinbaum, C., Khan, O., Thomas, T., & Stein, B., 2023. Neurodiversity and National Security: How to Tackle National Security Challenges with a Wider Range of Cognitive Talents. Rand health quarterly, 10 4, pp. 9
