We recognize and celebrate diversity among our students, staff, and families, including those who are neurodiverse.
Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as part of humanity. It emphasizes the value of different thinking styles and perspectives. We support a better understanding of what neurodiverse students, their families, and educators face and how we can uplift their lived experiences.
For neurodiverse individuals, grappling with questions of identity often involves navigating the complexity of their personal experiences, societal attitudes, and how this impacts how they learn interact with others, and their sense of belonging in schools.
Some questions they may ask themselves include:
- How does being neurodiverse impact my identity?
- Do I identify more with my neurodiverse traits or with other aspects of my identity?
- Do I feel comfortable disclosing my neurodiversity to others?
- Do I view my neurodiversity as a positive, negative, or neutral aspect of my identity?
- How does my neurodiversity interconnect other aspects of who I am, such as race, gender, or sexuality?
Neurodiversity and inclusivity
We strive to provide spaces and opportunities where students and staff feel safe, supported, valued, and cared for.
To become more inclusive, we must be aware of the ways in which we may be causing harm towards people who are neurodiverse.
Examples of neuroscience micro-aggression
- Making jokes about neurodiverse traits.
- Ignoring opinions or comments from neurodiverse members.
- Assuming less competence because someone has neurodiverse traits.
- Not extending social invites to neurodiverse individuals.
- Not providing the appropriate supports for those individuals in need.
Ways to be more inclusive to neurodiversity
- Be friendly, open and curious.
- Listen and offer support to neurodiverse members who share their experiences.
- Recognize the achievements of everyone.
- Create spaces where members with lived experience can lead.
- Take genuine interests in others.
- Continue to work on providing the appropriate supports for individuals in need.