Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is not a medical diagnostic label. It is a term which encourages neurodevelopmental differences to be viewed and understood in a positive way.
It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people (more than 15% of the UK) have neurodevelopmental differences. These can affect the way that people learn and process information.
Neurodevelopmental differences
Neurodiverse groups may include individuals with a range of neurodevelopmental differences, such as:
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) also referred to as Dyspraxia
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Epilepsy
- Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Tourette's and Tic disorders
- Specific Learning Disorder/ Differences e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia.
It is normal practice for learning differences such as Dyslexia and Dyscalculia to be identified through a non-medical pathway.
The term neurodiversity is used in workplaces, education and beyond. It is rare that a child or adult would have only one area of difficulty. Co-occurrence of learning differences appears to be the rule rather than the exception.
Needs not labels
According to the The Additional Support for Learning (ASL) Act, support must focus on needs. It is not dependent on a label or diagnosis. The vast majority of children and young people in Scotland are supported in the Universal level of the Staged Level of Intervention. This uses a universal approach and enables the development of learning and teaching which is accessible for all learners.
Further Professional Learning
If you are interested in learning more about specific neurodevelopmental differences, Education Scotland has created the following professional learning activities:
- Understanding Autism and Supporting Learners
- Understanding ADHD and Supporting Learners
- Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Supporting Learners
- Understanding Learning/Intellectual Disability and Supporting Learners
E-learning modules
The following free e-learning modules from Education Scotland are also available:
Introduction to Autism and Inclusive Practice (Open University)
3 incremental modules on Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice (Open University)
Autism and inclusive practice
This practice exemplar gives an overview of materials to support group learning and reflection in relation to inclusive practice and support for autistic learners,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Dyscalculia
The 2022 Scottish Working Definition of Dyscalculia has been collaboratively developed to provide education staff, partners, families and learners with a nationally agreed description of the range of indicators and associated difficulties of dyscalculia.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Facts about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and links to further resources suitable for educational practitioners.
The Autism Toolbox
The Autism Toolbox is a resource to support the inclusion of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream education services in Scotland.
Dyslexia Toolkit
A free online resource from Dyslexia Scotland.