Introduction

All children are entitled to an educational experience that recognises and responds to their individuality. This resource supports the development of understanding and inclusive practices for children who are neurodivergent or who present with diverse developmental profiles, ensuring that each child can participate, learn and grow in ways that honour their strengths and identity.

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Developmental Differences and Neurodivergence

The term Developmental Differences and Neurodivergence refer to variations in how children grow and develop in areas such as physical, cognitive, social, and emotional abilities. These differences can be influenced by genetic factors, environmental conditions, and individual experiences. In today’s world, most professionals will use the terms neurodivergence, neurodivergent or neurodiverse when describing differences.

 Neuro = Brain         Diverse = different

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Introduction to Neurodiversity

Neurodiverse, Neurodivergence or Neurodivergent are terms used to describe the diversity of human brain development.  Children whose brain development diverges or is different from typical expectations would be described as neurodivergent.

Differences such as Autism, ADHD and dyslexia represent forms of neurodivergence within the wider spectrum of human development. Historically, these identities have often been framed through deficit-based or remediation approaches and were commonly categorised within Special Educational Needs (SEN) systems. Neuro-affirmative practice reframes this understanding by recognising these developmental and cognitive variations as natural expressions of human diversity. It emphasises the importance of respecting and supporting neurodivergent ways of thinking, communicating and relating, and foregrounds the strengths, characteristics and individual needs associated with these
identities.

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Key Concepts in Neurodiversity

Neurodiverse: refers to the collective diversity of human neurotypes. It acknowledges that people think, communicate and experience the world in many different ways, and that these variations are an ordinary and valuable aspect of human development. We are all neurodiverse!

Neurotypical: Refers to individuals whose developmental experiences align with
neuro-majority expectations.

Neurodivergent: Refers to individuals whose developmental pathways or ways of processing, learning and experiencing the world differ from the neuro-normative or neuro-majority population are described as neurodivergent.

Neurotype: The specific type of neurodivergence, like the autistic neurotype or dyslexic neurotype.

Emergent Neurodivergent: A term used to describe young children whose developmental profile may indicate neurodivergence, whether or not formal identification has taken place. This language is inclusive and avoids a diagnostic or deficit-based lens (this term is recommended by the Anna Freud Foundation).

This resource is specifically designed to help adults support children who could be described as emergent neurodivergent – though it can be used with all children!