Understanding and Celebrating Children Who Are Neurodivergent
When celebrating diversity and advocating for littles, it's important for me, as a mother and as a Child and Youth-focused business, to recognize the unique strengths and perspectives of every child, including children who are neurodivergent. I’d like to note that, as a worker, I have worked closely with neurodivergent kiddos, but as a parent, I have not. My perspective is solely based on the desire to spread awareness and to help empathize with the importance of having an inclusive community and to help create an open space for everyone.
Neurodiversity encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological differences, such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Giftedness, Down Syndrome, Mental Health Conditions, and many more. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, I’d like to try and advocate for the perspective shift that allows us to appreciate the diverse ways in which, not only children, but all humans experience the world - so we can continue celebrating these kiddos for their remarkable gifts and shifting our approaches when caring for their needs.
When working with a strength based and open approach, here are a number of important things to understand about children who are neurodivergent:
1. "If you've met one individual with autism, you've met one individual with autism." Stephen Shore
If you’ve ever encountered a child, you instantly know just how unique they are, and this is especially true for neurodivergent kiddos. They have their own strengths, interests, challenges, anxieties, goals, triggers, and ways of processing information. They have their own stories, journeys, and, not to mention, their own family dynamics. By recognizing the layers to their individuality, we can begin to create an environment that nurtures their talents and gifts and supports their growth in a positive and well-adapted way.
2. Different, Not Less
Neurodivergent children may learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them in ways that differ from “neurotypical” children. The important thing to remember is that these differences do not make them "less than" or inferior. Each neurodivergent kiddo has valuable contributions to make, and it's key to appreciate their strengths and abilities just as you would any other child.
3. Strengths-Based Approach
I think I heard this phrase five thousand times in university, and only now am I really appreciating its importance and power. Instead of focusing solely on challenges and deficits, it's so important to adopt a strengths-based approach when working with or raising neurodivergent children. This means identifying and building upon their strengths, interests, and passions—noticing their strengths and allowing that to be your primary focus. By highlighting what they excel at, we can boost their confidence, self-esteem, and discover how exceptional these kids really are. Truly, their potential can be limitless, but only if we allow them to discover it.
4. The Beauty Of A Unique Mind
Neurodivergent kids have some incredible and unique perspectives and their ways of thinking can offer such valuable insights and creativity to our world. Their divergent thinking can lead to innovative solutions and approaches to problem-solving that are just out of reach for us. I mean, have you ever had a conversation with a gifted child? It can literally open your eyes to a whole different level of reality. By embracing their perspectives, we can better understand our world and really begin to shift our thoughts and ideas on so many different things.
5. Empathy and Understanding:
My two favourite words. But really, it’s vital to approach neurodivergent children with empathy, patience, and understanding. Recognizing their challenges and offering support without judgment can make a significant difference in their lives. By listening to their needs and experiences, we can create inclusive environments where they feel valued and accepted. To every parent to a neurodivergent child, I can’t possibly applaud you loud enough.
6. Inclusion. Inclusion. Inclusion.
As parents, educators, and community members, we play a crucial role in promoting acceptance and inclusion for neurodivergent children, especially when raising children who aren’t neurodivergent. This involves fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and appreciation for neurodiversity in schools, workplaces, and society at large. This involves buying books that celebrate diversity for your kiddos, not shying away from answering questions, teaching them how all minds are unique and important. This involves putting in the work so that others don’t have to suffer the consequences of not feeling as valued as they should be.
7. Advocacy and Support
Neurodivergent kiddos and their families may face challenges in navigating social, educational, and healthcare systems, specifically when looking at specific demographics. Advocating for their needs and providing access to appropriate programming and services is essential for their well-being and the well-being of an entire family. Creating a more equitable society and world should always remain a main focus when advocating for all children.
If I had one wish? It would be for a new, magical world where every child can thrive—finding peace within themselves and unlocking their incredible potentials without any barriers in place.
I guess it’s our job to keep building that world.
Thank you for reading.