What is Neuro-diversity?

I was asked to do a workshop for professionals about including neuro-diverse people in their external training workshops. In researching information for this I had my own understanding increased. It is important to be clear that neurodiversity is not a diagnosis, rather it is a broad term used to encompass a wide range of specific, non-specific, hidden and/or undetermined diagnoses that include but may not be limited to: Learning (intellectual) and/or Developmental Disability (ID/DD); Communication Disorders (CD), autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Specific Learning Disorders (SLD); Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); and or Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD). It is estimated that about 20% of children are neuro-diverse learners.

Image from Sue Larkey: https://suelarkey.co m.au

Here is a short video: “What is Neuro-diversity?” Video: What is Neuro-Diversity? by Differing Minds

I discovered that the term Neuro-diversity covers a whole range of diagnoses and calls to question whether neuro-diversity is more common than people think? If that’s the case (which I believe it is) then every teacher, health professional, organisation and employer who wants to engage with people successfully and put them at ease needs a base knowledge of neuro- diversity. One aspect of neuro-diversity that negatively impacts people is that of Sensory Overload. If you have never had any sensory sensitivities, here are some short videos to give you a bit of an idea of how overwhelming Sensory Overload is and how debilitating it can be for someone experiencing it.

Sensory Overload Simulation Autism sensory experience – YouTube sensory overload video.htm

So now you’ve had a brief overview of neuro-diversity, I hope you will continue to find out more about this and how to include neuro-diverse people. As these videos show, sensory overload is real and it causes a person to literally shut down or need to escape i.e a panic response. If you want to book a workshop, just email me at actionpathways4u@pm.me