NEURODIVERGENCE
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for the many different natural variations in human neurology that mean that people’s brains function, learn and process information differently from what is considered ‘typical’ (neurotypical). Neurodivergent individuals may have unique cognitive strengths alongside specific struggles with social interactions, sensory processing or executive function.
Common neurodivergent conditions include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome and sometimes mental health conditions such as OCD and bipolar. Our experience suggests that PDA, believed to be a profile of autism, is more common than generally thought.
FASD may also be considered a form of neurodivergence. As it arises from damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, it is not a naturally occurring difference, but it too may be characterised by variations in presentation and ability in different domains. It is the most commonly occurring neurodivergent condition, but among the least well understood. It is particularly common among adopted children and young people and those in kinship care.
At ATTACH-Manchester we aim to focus on accepting neurological differences as natural variations rather than deficits, acknowledging that neurodivergence is a spectrum and that individuals’ place on that spectrum and the way their neurodivergence manifests are unique to them. ‘Once you have met one autistic person,
you have met one autistic person’, as the saying goes. This spectrum is often illustrated by the infinity symbol. Our purpose is to scaffold the areas of challenge and difficulty, and to create a safe environment in which the strengths can emerge and develop.We acknowledge that in both birth and foster, adoptive or kinship families, the child or young person may not be the only neurodivergent family member.
We also embrace neurodivergence among our staff, and acknowledge the unique contribution of neurodivergent staff members, diagnosed or undiagnosed.
See our resources on neurodivergence.