What is neurodivergence?
Neurodiversity describes the way different people experience and interact with the world around them; there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.
Neurodiversity is the wide variety of ways we think, learn, feel and process information.
We all have different interests and motivations, and are naturally better at some things and not so good at others. Most people are known as ‘neurotypical’, which means their brain generally functions and processes information in the way society expects.
One in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning their brain functions and processes information differently. You can find more information at the Children’s Therapies Therapy Pod.
Neurodivergence may lead to some challenges for children but they can also be great strengths.
By accepting and valuing the ways people experience, interact with, and interpret the world, we can increase acceptance and inclusion while embracing neurological differences. This helps reduce stigma and improve outcomes.
What can your school community do at a whole school level?
Implementing a whole school approach to neurodiversity means viewing things from different perspectives, understanding and accepting that we all think differently and learn in different ways. Examples of this approach include:
- Making a range of resources and equipment such as pencil grips, phonetic dictionaries and helpful software available for all children.
- Producing written materials and signage which is clear, direct and illustrated with helpful visuals.
- Having a clutter-free environment free of auditory and visual distractions.
- Making sure all staff communicate clearly and consistently, allowing additional processing time and different ways of responding.
- Giving all students the opportunity to work in quiet areas when needed and to spend social times in quieter areas when required.
- Recognising that there are different but equally valid ways of doing things, and promoting acceptance of individuality and difference in the classroom.
- Having policies and practices which do not discriminate or place any students at a disadvantage.
These changes at a whole-school level will benefit many children without disadvantaging any. Preparing for difference reduces staff stress and workload.
School staff can access free training, frameworks and resources that will support reasonable adjustments. The approaches, strategies, and adaptations you can implement within the classroom environment help to remove barriers to participation and learning for all pupils.
What can schools do to support a young person and their family?
You can find more information and support for primary and secondary-aged children and young people at Kent County Council's KELSI website.
If additional advice, training or support is needed, schools can refer to their local Inclusion Forum Team (LIFT).
Kent School Health offers one-to-one support for young people based on their unique needs. Visit their page for more information on how to make a referral.
The KCC SEND Information Hub gives SEND children and young people and their families information about what support services are available in their area. Discover hundreds of SEND support groups, clubs, sports, charities, and activities.
IASK support families of children and young people (0 to 25 years) with special educational needs or disabilities. They are a free, confidential and impartial service based in Kent. Staff and volunteers are independently trained in SEND and offer confidential and impartial advice and support.
Kent PACT is a parent carer forum set up for parents of children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs. They offer a way for you to have your say and influence local health services and other organisations in improving local services.
The Balanced System is an accredited scheme for school and setting improvement.
Learning About Neurodiversity at School (LEANS) is a free programme for mainstream primary schools to introduce pupils aged eight-to-11 years to the concept of neurodiversity, and how it impacts their experiences at school.
School staff can access free Department for Education supported training and frameworks from the Autism Education Trust that will support reasonable adjustments and the approaches, strategies, and adaptations they can implement to remove barriers to participation and learning for neurodivergent pupils.