Neurodiversity

Following the research of Dr Lara Boyd, a Neuroscientist and Physical Therapist at the University of British Columbia, that has been recently mentioned in our article Are you sure you know your brain?, we are all different, so why should the approach to education be the same for all of us? Going deeper into discovering our brain, the way it works, and how it functions when it learns new material, we approach the notion of neurodiversity. 

The concept of neurodiversity appeared in the 1990s, when Judy Singer, a sociologist on the autism spectrum, began using it. By rejecting the idea of people with autism being disabled, she proved that autistic brain just works differently from others. Moreover, if the neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities were recognised by the world as the strengths and variations of the human brain that can deal with challenges in a different and often unique way – it could shape the world in a completely different and better way. 

Neurodiverse people experience, interact with, and interpret the world in distinct ways. Sometimes that can create challenges, but at the same time, it can also lead to creative problem-solving and new ideas – things that benefit everyone. What remains important is to provide the proper support and growth to the neurodivergent person. The belief and support can help neurodivergent people shape identity and how they see themselves and their value in the world. And that could, in return, help them realise their true potential. 

Neurodiversity is a viewpoint that brain differences are normal, and should not be perceived as deficits. This concept can help reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences. 

This once again reaffirms the importance of personalised education, as we all learn in different ways and at a different pace but can succeed if our strengths are recognised at the early stage and are properly encouraged and supported. That is the way forward to educating young minds.