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:

1. Understanding Autism and Supporting Learners
2. Understanding ADHD and Supporting Learners
3. Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Supporting Learners
4. 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)