Dorchester school children quiz adults to celebrate neurodiversity
Professionals, including one of our own reporters, have been telling children what it's like to live in a neurodiverse world.
Last updated 24th Mar 2022
School children have been quizzing adults on their experiences with neurological conditions like ADHD and Autism.
It's part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week at Prince of Wales First School.
Parents and professionals have been talking to children as part of the school's 'Inspired to Learn' podcast. Each day will feature an interview as the week goes on.
Greatest Hits Radio reporter George Sharpe was among those interviewed by children about his experiences living with ADHD.
Children asked George Sharpe if there are any advantages to being neurodiverse. He said:
"That's a really hard question and a lot of people feel differently about it.
"There are some good advantages to it, but I think a lot of people who have the same conditions as me find it difficult to see those advantages. For me, I think it's part of my personality, but to other people they can only really see that they struggle to get things done in the day.
"I think it's fair enough that some people can't see the advantages, but I think there are advantages, and there are definitely advantages to accepting people for the way that they are."
Monday's interview features Steve, a parent from the school.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term that promotes the acceptance of people with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia and Tourettes Syndrome.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week began in 2018 as a way to improve people's understanding of these conditions.
Sienna Castellon is the founder of NCW. She said:
"I founded Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2018 because I wanted to change the way learning differences are perceived. As a teenager who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, my experience has been that people often focus on the challenges of neurological diversity.
"I wanted to change the narrative and create a balanced view which focuses equally on our talents and strengths."