Celebrating Neurodiversity Week: Thinking Differently, Together
This week, schools and businesses across the UK are buzzing with Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. During this week, we highlight the talents and strengths of our population who think, learn, and process the world differently.
"Hypercuriosity"
Latest research is rethinking how we sometimes describe these differences. For example, in a recent article by Positive News, researcher Anne-Laure Le Cunff from King’s College London suggests a game-changing perspective on ADHD.
She describes ADHD as hypercuriosity—a creative desire to explore and know. Hypercurious minds are the innovators and the "outside-the-box" thinkers who drive progress. As Le Cunff puts it: "Hypercurious minds deserve better systems and better stories."
The UDL Approach
To make sure every brain thrives, our school uses Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL creates a learning environment that allows for strengths to shine:
- Multiple Means of Engagement (The "Why" of Learning): Motivating learners, sustaining interest, and providing choices to boost interest.
- Multiple Means of Representation (The "What" of Learning): Offering information in various formats (e.g., text, audio, video) to support understanding.
- Multiple Means of Action and Expression (The "How" of Learning): Giving learners different ways to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Neurodiversity isn't a challenge to be fixed—it’s a diversity of talent to be celebrated. By using UDL, we ensure that our students are leading the way with their unique perspectives.
Have a lovely weekend!
Warm regards,
Valerie DeGraw
School Counsellor
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