Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity seems to be a popular word these days. More and more kids and young adults use it to talk about themselves. But what does it mean to be neurodiverse, and where does the word come from?
In short, it means that people's brains work in many different ways. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to it. Instead, people see and react to the world in different ways, and these differences should be celebrated
In the 1990s, the term "neurodiversity" was made up to fight against the stigma of people with autism and get more people to accept them. But it also includes ADHD and learning disorders like dyslexia and dyscalculia, which are caused by differences in the brain.
What is a child with different brains?
Neurodiversity is a scientific idea that comes from pictures of the brain. Several brain studies have shown that people who learn or think differently than their peers are "wired" differently. In other words, some kids are born with brains that think, learn, and process information differently than others. Since then, the word "neurodiversity" has come to mean not only autism but also other neurological conditions.
Children with diverse brains can have trouble, especially in the classroom. For instance, kids with dyslexia may find it harder to learn how to read, take notes, or take standardized tests. The neurodiversity movement thinks that dyslexia and other problems are normal differences in how the brain works. From this point of view, there is nothing "wrong" with kids who are different in these ways.
How do I know if my child is neurologically different?
Neurodivergent people can't be summed up in one way. That's because a lot of people, like autistic people and people with ADHD, say they are neurodiverse.
If a baby is 12 months old and isn't talking or pointing,
Poor eye contact
16 months old and hadn't said a single word.
No two-word sentences before age 2
No smiling or social responsiveness
Not coming when they call
Obsession with putting toys or objects in lines or watching toys move or spin
Doing things or making sounds over and over
Signs can be seen in older children or adults, such as:
Not much socializing
Not being able to start or keep a conversation
Not enough social plan
Using the same words over and over
Intense interest, usually in something or someone.
Obsession with certain habits or rituals
Having trouble keeping eye contact
How does a child's neurodiversity affect how they grow and learn?
Children with neurodiverse disorders face problems that make it hard for them to communicate well, make and keep friends, deal with their environment, navigate their social world, and/or do well in school.
Neurodiversity is the idea that people have different ways of understanding the world based on how their brains work. The neurodiversity movement says that different neurological experiences of the world are valid, unique, and good for society, and that they should be celebrated. Instead of thinking that neurodiverse people have problems, we focus on turning each person's strengths and interests into competitive advantages.
Even though there are many theories and no clear answers, a lot of progress has been made in coming up with strategies that children and young adults can use to deal with these differences. Instead of specific diagnostic labels, these best-practice strategies should focus on specific problems. Tools must be given to parents, professionals, and policymakers that will help neurodiverse children and adults reach their full potential and become fully involved members of the communities they live in.
Is ADHD considered neurodiverse?
ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia are all conditions that are part of the spectrum of "Neurodiversity."
Neuro-differences are seen and respected as a social category, just like race, sexual orientation, gender, or ability.
Neurodiversity is a way of thinking about education and abilities that is based on the idea that different neurological conditions are caused by normal changes and differences in the human genome.
How can I help children with different brains?
Have a routine set. Your neurodiverse child may not feel as much stress in their daily lives if they have a plan.
Help your child build on what they do well. Give them credit for their strengths and make them feel good about the ways they may be different from other people.
Separate big tasks into smaller ones. This will help them pay more attention to what they need to do and make it seem less hard.
Encourage them to do things that help them self-regulate, like exercise, and make sure they get positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement can be very discouraging and cause a lot of stress, so try not to do it.
Don't forget to be kind to your child. It could take them a while to get used to a new idea or way of doing things.
Parent-mediated therapy program for children with developmental difficulties/ delays
The biggest benefit of the Parent-mediated therapy program is that the child starts applying skills learned in therapy to solve everyday problems. With time, the child becomes confident of solving new challenges on their own. This makes them less dependent on their caregivers and improves their overall quality of life..