Neurodivergence

In addition to autism and ADHD, there are a number of other types of conditions that come under the umbrella term of neurodiversity.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurological difference which affects the way people process information, so dyslexic people may have problems processing and remembering information that they see and hear. It affects a person's reading and writing skills and can also have an impact on other areas, such as organisational abilities. It presents differently in different people and can vary from mild to severe.

As with other neurological differences, there are positives to thinking differently and many dyslexic people are good at reasoning and are strong in visual and creative areas.

The British Dyslexia Association produced the animation below to explain about dyslexia, how it affects people and the positives it offers.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty which affects people's ability to understand numbers and, therefore, they may experience difficulties with maths. There is a connection to dyslexia. Children and young people with dyscalculia can struggle with, amongst other things, following directions, keeping track of time and dealing with finances.

Dyspraxia (DCD)

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) or Dyspraxia is a neurological difference which affects physical co-ordination. Children can appear clumsy and have difficulty performing tasks other children their age can do. Early developmental milestones may have been delayed, and although there are early signs, children are often not diagnosed until they start school. Dyspraxia may also affect organisational skills, attention, memory or speech and language - it varies depending on the individual.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurological condition which affects the way a person produces written language. This means they may struggle with putting their thoughts into the written word, they may miss words, order them incorrectly and spelling can be challenging.

People with dysgraphia often find speaking rather than writing is easier.

Development Language Disorder (DLD)

Development Language Disorder (DLD) is a form of neurodiversity in which children do not acquire language as expected. People with DLD may have challenges with understanding what others say to them and with articulating their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

Tourette's syndrome

Tourette's syndrome causes the person to make sudden, involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics. As with other conditions the severity can vary from person to person but things such as stress, anxiety and tiredness can aggravate the symptoms.

Misophonia

People with misophonia have an extreme sensitivity to certain everyday sounds, which most people easily ignore. Repetitive sounds such as someone tapping their feet, using a keyboard or someone chewing can provoke an extreme emotional reaction. They cannot ignore these noises and it can make life debilitating.

Executive dysfunction or cognitive functioning difficulties

Executive function is controlled by the front of the brain and allows people to do things such as problem solve, organise, make decisions and plan. Without realising it we use them to do everyday tasks like driving, cooking and chores. Executive dysfunction means that someone can find it difficult to do some or all of these things, which can make life very difficult.

Educational support for children and young people with other neurodiverse conditions

All schools in Herefordshire should follow a graduated approach to supporting children and young people. You can find out more about how your child will be supported in our educational support for children with special educational needs and disabilities section.

Schools are also required to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act. You can read more about reasonable adjustments on the DfE website.