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Use as appropriate with your class throughout the week

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We are always excellent at keeping in mind support needs of neurodivergent pupils.

It's equally important to be mindful of the neurodivergent adults in our community, both staff and parents.

Keep in mind the challenges that may come with it as well as the wonderful opportunities. Be mindful to give staff some space and quiet if needed, or to help people take a minute to regulate if needed.

With parents, be aware of differing communication styles and the impact neurodivergence can have on that and how we perceive it. Always assume positive intentions. Neurodivergent pupils often has neurodivergent family members, who may need more support or understanding to positively engage with the school in a way that feels safe and heard.

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"Autism is a Spectrum" Doesn't Mean What You Think

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"Autism is a Spectrum" Doesn't Mean What You Think

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Excellent article, worth reading

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"Autism is a Spectrum" Doesn't Mean What You Think

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What you believe the "autism spectrum" means is not what it actually means. It's more like...

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1. Children may not know that they're neurodivergent. Liaise with parents of neurodivergent pupils in your class to be aware if the pupils know or not.

2. Be very mindful during conversations that children do not speak or speculate about other children in the class or school being neurodivergent. Keep the focus on understanding and accepting everyone.

3. Watch the videos and read any books yourself first (all staff, teachers and ANAs). If there is anything you're unsure of, or think the children may ask and you wouldn't know how to answer, come and chat to Trina.

4. Remember, it's always ok to tell children you're not sure how to answer that question, but you'll come back to them later. Take time to think and reflect before answering any big questions.

5. There may be some big emotions this week, positive or negative, from neurodivergent children, staff or parents. Hold the space for the emotion, don't try to fix it, let them feel the emotions. If you're unsure, come and have a chat.

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Start the Include Programme from Ausome Training/Konfident Kids with your class.

Teach lesson 1 this week and plan for a lesson a week for the rest of the Term.

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www.neurodiversityireland.com

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We're celebrating neurodiversity this week to affirm all members of our school community that we see them, we value them and we're working to promote understanding and belonging for everyone.

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Programme by Neurodiversty Ireland

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Neurodiversity Ireland has launched two educational videos, encouraging greater understanding for and inclusion of children who are neurodivergent. The charity is also calling for more support for the parents and families of neurodivergent children.

The videos, which can be downloaded (links below) and shown in schools or at home, were launched in the company of Anne Rabbitte TD, Minister of State for Disability at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Founded by a group of neurodivergent parents of neurodivergent children in early 2022, Neurodiversity Ireland aims to create a truly inclusive society where children can access the necessary supports to participate in their community without barriers, to reach their full potential. The group started in the Dublin village of Sandymount but has become a nationwide movement.

'Let's be Friends'- Dahlia and Erin's story

One of the animated videos features school pals Dahlia and Erin, who share their story of fun and friendship. Explaining how everyone is unique and sees the world in different ways, the girls gently remind us of the need to be kind to others at school.

The animated video, entitled 'Let's be Friends' with accompanying booklet, can be shown in classrooms or at home to introduce the concept of neurodiversity to children and explain how neurodivergent people may process information and their environment differently.

The other video was first shown at Neurodiversity Ireland's Infinity Ball in November 2023, which raised funds to help establish a sensory therapy centre in Dublin. The video highlights Neurodiversity Ireland's goal that neurodivergent children should live happy, connected lives and be supported to reach their full potential.

"Making a real difference" - Anne Rabbitte TD

"Neurodiversity Ireland is making a real difference to people's lives by generating awareness of the need for more patience, understanding and support for neurodivergent children and their families," said Anne Rabbitte TD. "I would encourage schools to use these videos in the classroom and get behind Dahlia and Erin's message so that more neurodivergent children can participate fully in school life."

Also at the launch was Dairine Cullen, Director of Neurodiversity Ireland, who said that educational content was being produced by the charity in response to increasing demand for support and information.

"In the past year alone, we have had so many schools reaching out to us for advice on how to support students who might be neurodivergent," said Dairine. "Our videos are a good way to start the conversation about understanding neurodivergence, how neurodivergent children can be supported in their school, and how to create an inclusive environment for all children.

"We hugely appreciate the backing of Minister Rabbitte, who has also been a great supporter of our Inclusive Educator Awards, and we look forward to even more support from Government Departments as we grow our movement nationwide. We are really hoping to raise as much awareness and allyship as possible ahead of the arrival of April which is designated as Autism Acceptance Month, so it would be great to get a high number of schools using the materials and pledging to #being a friend in the run up to April," Ms. Cullen concluded.

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Neurodiversity Ireland launches new educational supports for schools, parents - Neurodiversity Ireland

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Neurodiversity Ireland has launched two educational videos, encouraging greater understanding for and inclusion of children who are neurodivergent. The charity is also calling for more support for the parents and families of neurodivergent children. The videos, which can be downloaded (links below) and shown in schools or at home, were launched in the company of [...]

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Watch both parts (about 2 minutes each).

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHzIQxhtY6U

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Neurodiversity for Children - Part 1 - Different Brains

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Autism Acceptance 2022 | Neuro Bears are here to explain autism to young people and help them understand neuodivergence this autism accpetence week with Pandas online, ZAP... | By Pandas onlineFacebook

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Neuro Bears are here to explain autism to young people and help them understand neuodivergence this autism accpetence week with Pandas online, ZAP...

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Watch this youtube video with your class about Autism. Explain that Autism is one type of neurodivergence but there are many others.

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ReadAloud

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My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris - Kids Book Read Aloud

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4. Read stories that show representation

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4. Read stories that show representation

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There are a range of books in the school that have neurodivergent characters. Make sure to find some to read throughout the week. I've also put some youtube videos of stories being read in 'Other Resources' if you'd like to use them.

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"When Johnny Doesn't Flap" presented by Brenda Sewell

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The main thing this week is to create a safe space for children to speak to you and each other, to learn, to ask questions and to begin to better understand.

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PixieLin's Storytime: My Brother Otto written by Meg Raby

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Autism Myths Debunked by Siobhan the Aspiering