''In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength''

― Maya Angelou

Let me share a school memory that taught me a lot:

I remember a teacher whose voice was so loud, like as if he were using a megaphone, that it made it really hard for me to focus.

But, surprisingly, my classmates seemed happy and engaged!

It helped me understand that we all have different ways of experiencing and learning about the world.

Now, as a mom, I've learned that connecting with your child involves understanding their singularity by asking questions like:

  1. Neurodiversity = What does your child enjoy doing?

  2. Multisensory Learning = How does your child use their senses to explore the world?

  3. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) = How does your child express emotions and handle social situations?

Let's start by exploring the concept of neurodiversity and neurotypicality, as well as some of the common types of neurodivergence.

Man in megaphone
Man in megaphone

1. What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity or neurodivergence is a term that highlights natural variations in brain functioning.

Neurodiversity celebrates diversity in brain functioning, recognizing that neurological differences, such as autism or dyslexia, are natural expressions of human richness.

This approach promotes acceptance and appreciation for the various ways people think and experience the world, fostering an inclusive and positive environment for all.

2. NEUROTYPICAL & NEURODIVERGENT

Neurotypicals are those whose brains align with what society considers 'typical' or 'normal,' while neurodivergents are those whose brains exhibit natural variations that can generate different ways of thinking and processing the world.

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Connecting Morning of a mom playing with a happy kidConnecting Morning of a mom playing with a happy kid

3. TYPES OF NEURODIVERGENCE

Every person is unique, and neurodivergences reflect natural diversity in how we experience the world.

These variations can manifest subtly, going unnoticed by many, or more prominently, leading someone to behave differently than what is considered "normal" in our society.

Common examples of neurodivergence include:

  • Autism: A spectrum encompassing a wide range of experiences and expressions, characterized by variations in perception, communication, and social interactions.

  • ADHD: Involves challenges in controlling thoughts, attention, behaviors, and emotions, accompanied by valuable skills like innovative thinking and a unique perspective.

  • Dyslexia: A common condition that can hinder the processing of language sounds, yet often comes with strengths in visual processing, spatial awareness, and creativity.

  • Dyscalculia: A Specific Learning Disorder involving difficulties in numerical tasks, affecting tasks like number sense, memorization of basic math facts, and precise and fluent calculation.

  • Dysgraphia: A learning disability that impairs the ability to produce legible and automatic writing, often stemming from difficulties in storing and retrieving letters and numbers.

  • Dyspraxia: A common condition affecting movement and coordination in both children and adults, classified into motor, oral, or verbal dyspraxia based on where the difficulty manifests in the movement process or the body.

These neurodivergences represent the beautiful diversity of human experience, and it's essential for us to be well-informed so we can guide our children to discover their own superpowers.

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assorted-color pencil lot on white surface
assorted-color pencil lot on white surface

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