Introduction

All children deserve an education that meets their unique needs, allowing them to reach their full potential. This resource aims to improve understanding of and supportive practices for children with developmental differences or neurodivergence.

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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 like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are examples of neurodivergent brain types. Historically, these differences were seen as problems to be fixed; and children with these conditions were often labelled as having Special Education Needs (SEN). However, neurodiversity encourages us to rethink this approach by expanding our view of human development. It emphasizes that these variations in brain function are natural and should be respected, understood, and celebrated for their unique strengths, traits, and individual needs.

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Key Concepts in Neurodiversity

Neurodiverse: refers to the diversity of human brains and neurological conditions. It acknowledges that people have different brain functions and neurotypes, including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. The term emphasizes that these neurological differences are natural variations in human cognition and should be respected and valued in society. We are all neurodiverse!

Neurotypical: Children whose brain development follows the typical pathway.

Neurodivergent: Children whose brain development diverges from typical expectations, such as those with autism or ADHD.

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

Emergent Neurodivergent: Young children who are just beginning to show signs of neurodivergence but are not yet diagnosed (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!