Throughout this site we use this Peach colour to highlight information for people with neurodiversity and additional needs.

“Great minds don’t always think alike”

What do people mean when they say Neurodiverse, Neurodivergent or Neurological differences?

Neurodiversity is about recognising that our brains are wired to think differently. We think, move, process information and communicate in different ways – it’s what gives us our unique talents.
The term ‘neurodiversity’ or neurological differences is used to describe a persons alternative thinking style which these can be known as:

Dyslexia – Your brain tends to be better at creativity and visual observations rather than spelling and writing.
DCD (Dyspraxia) – Your brain tends to better at spotting patterns, creativity and problem solving rather than coordination.
Dyscalculia – Your brain tends to better at creativity, problem solving and using words rather than numbers.
Autism – Your brain tends to be better at analysing, attention to detail and memorising things rather than communication.
ADHD – Your brain tends to be better at creativity, empathy and having a unique perspective on things rather than concentration.
Tourette’s & Tic disorders (repetitive movements/unwanted sounds) – Your brain has enhanced memory for planning and speaking languages.

Why being neurdivergent is not a bad thing

Being neurodivergent can be seen as negative thing because neurodivergent people may need extra support at home or in school with their learning, but when you look at the common strength of the above alternative thinking styles, neurodivergent people tend to have better ‘creative’ intelligence compared to others and this is an awesome thing! Being neurodivergent should not stop us…

“There are many famous people who are neurodivergent and this never stopped them achieving big things – GRETA THUNBERG – BILLIE EILISH – TIM BURTON – DANIEL RADCLIFFE – PLUMBELLA – RICHARD BRANSON – DAVID BECKHAM.”

Resources to support neurodivergent young people in Suffolk

The Source asked young members of their SEND Network what would help them feel more supported in school from their teachers and friends. Students helped us create the poster below to support Neurodivergent young people in school:

Neurodiverse-Tips-for-students-draft Download

What helps me in school?

This is the support that our young people told us they want more of in school:

Doodling – Helps to control emotions, cope, calming.
Listening to music before a lesson.
Headphones.
Books.
Sports.
Being able to rap.
Hobbies and interests.
Talking to close family.

What’s important to us in school, is there anything that could be done differently?

Teachers – To understand us.
Things that help in lesson – Doodle paper, Blue tac.
Support managing emotions/anger – Noises, unwanted sounds can be triggering to us.
Give us “time out” if we need it.

How I accepted myself as a neurodivergent person – Kooth article

What is Masking?

Masking is the act of hiding or concealing neurodivergent traits in schools and workplaces, commonly done by autistic people, for the below reasons:

To avoid prejudice, stigma, bullying and discrimination.
To meet social expectations and avoid social rejection.
To hide discomfort in environments that are not autism-friendly (a lack of acceptance or accommodation of autistic characteristics.
To cope at school and avoid negative attention or punishment (for example for moving around or stimming)