Our Unitarian ethos is rooted in inclusivity, kindness and respect, values that shape the way we support and celebrate every individual in our community. This week we will be marking Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to recognise and appreciate the many ways in which people think, learn and experience the world. While designed for children, I recommend watching this short insightful video: What is Neurodiversity? 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is about recognising and valuing those who think differently. It is an opportunity to celebrate the strengths, talents and determination of individuals with neurodiverse minds. Many people who faced challenges in school have gone on to achieve great success, often crediting their unique way of thinking as a key factor in their accomplishments. These include Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist with Dyslexia, Daniel Radcliffe, an actor with developmental coordination disorder (known as Dyspraxia or DCD), Robbie Williams, a singer with Dyscalculia, Dav Pilkey, author of Captain Underpants, who has ADHD and Greta Thunberg, a climate activist with Autism. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that different ways of thinking can lead to incredible achievements.

When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected like all other human variations. Depending on how our brains are wired, we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Some people use neurodiversity as an umbrella term for alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (DCD), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But beyond labels, neurodiversity is about embracing and valuing those who think differently. Whether in a school or workplace, different thinkers bring enormous value to their environments.

Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. Instead of focusing on deficits or disorders, neurodiversity encourages a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many of the ‘challenges’ neurodivergent people face are not inherent to them but rather stem from environments and systems that have been designed for the majority population.

No two people are the same and everyone has a different profile. While we may talk about specific neurodifferences such as Autism and Dyslexia, these can co-occur and every neurodivergent individual has a unique pattern of strengths and challenges. Too often, diagnosis and labels emphasise difficulties rather than the many strengths and talents neurodivergent individuals possess. As a school committed to inclusion and respect, it is essential that we recognise and celebrate each child’s individual abilities, fostering confidence and self-esteem so that every child can flourish.

This has been an exciting and enriching experience for our pupils. Senior School pupils shared their personal experiences of being neurodiverse, offering real-life insights into Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. The girls also engaged in a range of form activities designed to celebrate individuality and deepen their understanding of neurodiversity. Through interactive discussions and exercises, they have explored the importance of empathy while learning about inspiring neurodiverse role models who have harnessed their unique ways of thinking to achieve success. As part of a collaborative artwork, they are creating Things That Make Me Unique flowers, highlighting individual strengths and differences. They are also getting creative by making neurodiversity-inspired bookmarks, reinforcing the message thateveryone has their own strengths and challenges.

At the heart of our Unitarian ethos is the belief that every individual is valued and worthy of respect. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an opportunity for us to live out this principle by championing kindness, empathy and understanding. As represented by our Channing Characters, Empathy Rabbit and Respectfulness Hedgehog, we want to inspire our pupils to be supportive and inclusive, recognising that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference to someone who may be facing challenges. By fostering a culture where everyone feels seen, heard and celebrated, we are ensuring that the Junior School remains a place where all minds are valued.