What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the recognition that everyone’s brain is unique and that neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations—are natural and valuable parts of human diversity. Just as we celebrate different cultures, backgrounds, and abilities, we also celebrate the different ways people think, learn, and experience the world.

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A Week of Learning, Reflection, and Inclusion

Throughout Solidarity Week, students engaged in a range of activities, reflections, and initiatives to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity and how they can contribute to a more inclusive community. Some of the highlights included:

Assembly Presentation: The week was concluded with an assembly deepening student understanding of the theme, exploring what neurodiversity means, and how we can be allies to neurodivergent people in our school and beyond.

Interactive RE Lesson: Students participated in a stand-alone Religious Education lesson, linking the Catholic values of compassion, dignity, and justice to how we support neurodivergent individuals in our communities.

Daily Notices and Reflections: Each day, students were challenged to reflect on different aspects of neurodiversity, engage in small acts of inclusion, and break down common stereotypes about neurodivergent people.

Neurodiversity Superpower Posters: Students creatively expressed their learning by designing posters that highlighted the strengths and unique abilities of neurodivergent people—showing that differences are not deficits but superpowers.

 

Neurodivergent Role Model Posters: Around the school, posters showcased famous neurodivergent individuals from various fields, from science and technology to art and activism, emphasizing the impact neurodivergent thinkers have had on the world.

Reflections from Staff and Students

“Prior to our lessons detailing Neurodiversity, I had a shuttered view of the different kinds and aspects of Neurodiversity, only perceiving a few conditions to fit this category, such as ADHD and autism.  I now understand that there is an extensive list of different conditions, and how it is quite likely for a person to be neurodivergent in some form. I learned how the actions of people on the autism spectrum that we may see as strange are just methods of regulating their emotions and calming themselves down. I also learned about the ability of some neurodivergent people to hyper-focus on a specific task and achieve incredible feats. My knowledge and thoughts on the neurodivergent community have changed greatly, and I now understand that some may just need a little assistance and a push in the right direction.” – Student Reflection during one of the in-class activities.

“I am so proud of the whole school approach of creating an inclusive community for our neurodivergent students…..Thank you all for being a part of making Eddies a beautiful and inclusive school for our students. But more than that, investing time into something that is important to raise awareness and educate to make the world a better place.” – Staff reflection

Living Out Our Call to Inclusion

Solidarity Week served as a powerful reminder that inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s a daily commitment. As a Catholic school, we are called to create spaces where every person is seen, heard, and supported. Embracing neurodiversity means celebrating differences, challenging barriers, and ensuring that every student feels valued for who they are.

Through ongoing education, advocacy, and acts of kindness, we continue to build a community where Justice, Peace, and Advocacy are not just ideals—but lived realities.