Neurodiversity it is a term to describe differences in the way people’s brains work. People experience and interact with the world differently. There is no right way of thinking, learning and behaving and acceptance is necessary to embrace and encourage the range of ways people perceive and respond to the world.

A few examples of diagnosis’ that come under the Neurodiversity umbrella are:

Autism 

Autism is lifelong and affects the way an individual relates to people, situations and the immediate environment. Autistic individuals may have difficulty processing everyday sensory information such as sight, smell, touch, taste and sounds. There are 1 in 20 pupils attending school with a diagnosis of autism in Northern Ireland. (Autism NI)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The core traits of ADHD will often present themselves in childhood in the following ways (ADHD Aware):

• Inattention: Easily distracted, poor concentration skills, difficulty organising themselves
• Impulsivity: Impatient, risk-taking, disproportionately emotional responses
• Hyperactivity: Overly energetic, talkative, excessive fidgeting, difficulty staying on task

Dyslexia

“Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills” (British Dyslexia Association)

Useful resources

Websites

Autism NI
YoungMinds – ADHD Support For Your Child | Parents Advice Guide
British Dyslexia Association

Videos

What is Neurodiversity: A video for children

Northern Trust Podcasts

Listen to our autism podcasts.