This is a resource for anyone that wants to improve outcomes for neurodiverse learners or workers. It is aimed mainly for teachers to support your learners in the classroom and teach you more about how you can meet their needs.
There are a large number of resources out there that take time to find and read through to get the information you are looking for. This site will give you some quick tips you can use right away as well as give you the opportunity to go into more depth if you want to learn more. Each topic is divided into 3 sections: Quick 3 - quick and easy tips of things you can implement today in just a few minutes Easy 5 - more ideas to support each topic - great if you have a bit more time Dive in - an opportunity to explore the topic in depth. Links to other sites and articles to read. There is a downloadable pdf for each section that you could pop on your wall or in a planner to remind you what you can do to help. Each learner is different - there is not a one size fits all. We need to have empathy, respect and understanding of everyone's personalised learning needs. A large number of neurodiverse people are twice exceptional, for example they can be Dyslexic and Gifted. Building relationships is key, with students and home and we need to promote and support self-efficacy. You need to know what their strengths are already and how you can build on that. |
DyslexiaDyslexia affects an estimated one in ten New Zealanders, including 70,000 schoolchildren. Those with dyslexia often have difficulty reading texts, typing or writing words and spelling different words within a text.
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Gifted2-5% of our population are Gifted. Those that are Gifted are often left to their own devices as they are seen to be achieving highly anyway.
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ASDAutism Spectrum Disorder affects about 1% of the population which is approximately 48,000 New Zealanders. It covers Autism and Aspergers syndrome and some of the common traits are difficulties with communication, processing and sensory issues.
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ADHDAn estimated 1 in 20 New Zealanders have ADHD. Those with ADHD often have difficulty with paying attention or their behaviour and they can be hyperactive.
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About this project
This project has come out of an amazing opportunity I have had in 2020 when I was selected to be part of the Boma New Zealand Education Fellows Programme. This programme gave a group of 10 educators from around Canterbury the chance to create hands on projects within our schools that could eventually be used in other schools and in the wider community. We were given workshops and talks, connected to mentors and facilitators, and given the opportunity to learn so much from talented people from a range of backgrounds. It took a while for my project to develop but eventually my passion for a wide range of neurodiverse learners and the difficulties they faced at school meant that I wanted to support them and their teachers to enable them to access material and gain skills the best way possible. This website was developed as a prototype to what I hope will move into a AR/VR app that will enable us to delve even further into what it is like to
"take a walk in their shoes".
"take a walk in their shoes".
Boma New ZealandBoma NZ supports our business leaders, government, educators, entrepreneurs, young people and changemakers to navigate our rapidly changing world.
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Education FellowsThis is a free year long programme designed to help teachers explore ways of bringing exponential thinking, technology, and innovative leadership into their schools. This is running for 3 years - run by Boma New Zealand and powered by Christchurch Airport.
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About MeI am a teacher who is passionate about enabling all students to achieve to the best of their ability. If you have a great tip to add to this website, or comments to make, please get in touch.
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