Post 10: What is Neurodiversity?

 

What is Neurodiversity? by Caroline Miller.

Reflection:

Caroline Miller describes neurodiversity as individuals whose brains work in atypical ways but notes the importance of viewing and treating these variations as differences, not deficits. I’ve been happy to see awareness about neurodiversity increase over the years, though there are still many common misunderstandings and harmful assumptions that I hope to see addressed someday. I know this because when I began working closely with neurodivergent students, I found myself correcting many of my previous assumptions, despite being diagnosed with ADHD myself and being neurodivergent. 

I resonated with what the article discussed on identity. In school, before my diagnosis, I remember knowing I was different from everyone else, and whatever this difference was, it made school much harder for me. However, not knowing why, I viewed this difference as something wrong with me. It was only after I received my diagnosis and began talking with my neurologist that I had it explained differently. My brain isn't wrong, it's just different. I learn differently. I need different methods to study. I need different environments to focus. I had been concerned about what everyone else was doing; I never really took the time to understand myself. Finally knowing the why behind my differences, I felt validated in my experience and comforted that there were others like me. Most importantly, I felt hopeful that I could improve my learning now that I understood my needs.

Comment: 

Working in a school centered on full integration for students with special needs from K-8, I’ve noticed how mindful and accepting the general education students become as they mature in this environment. However, the general education students seem to struggle to show the same grace to many of our neurodivergent students. Because they can’t see their differences, students seem to have a harder time accepting them and often get frustrated or annoyed at their neurodivergent classmates.

For ways to support neurodivergent students in the classroom:

https://guides.lib.montana.edu/neurodiversity/TeachingStrategies