By Kristen Ferguson | Posted: Thursday March 13, 2025
Next week, we are excited to be celebrating Neurodiversity Week! This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to recognise and appreciate the many different ways our tamariki think, learn, and experience the world around them.
Neurodiversity includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive and learning differences. Teachers work hard every day to ensure our neurodiverse learners are being supported in the best way possible.
Throughout Neurodiversity Week, we will be engaging in activities and discussions designed to build empathy, celebrate differences, and highlight the strengths of neurodiverse individuals.
With next week's Whānau/Teacher Learning Conversations approaching, this is a great opportunity to discuss your neurodiverse child’s learning journey with their teacher. If you are wondering whether your child may be neurodiverse, this is also a perfect time to start the conversation and explore any support that may be available.
In New Zealand, we are fortunate to have supportive agencies and the Ministry of Education to work alongside our teachers and neurodiverse learners to ensure they are achieving success. A few of these support option are listed below:
RTLB (Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour): RTLBs work with teachers to support students who may be experiencing learning or behaviour challenges. They help develop strategies tailored to individual needs and strengthen inclusive classroom practices.
RT Lit (Resource Teachers: Literacy): RT Lit specialists focus on supporting students with significant literacy difficulties. They work closely with teachers to provide targeted interventions and strategies to help children develop their reading and writing skills.
Public Health Nurse: Our Public Health Nurse supports the overall well-being of students by addressing health concerns that can impact learning, such as vision and hearing issues, hygiene education, and managing medical conditions.
SLT (Speech-Language Therapist): SLTs assist students who have difficulties with speech, language, and communication. They help children develop their speaking, listening, and social communication skills.
OT (Occupational Therapist): OTs support students who may face challenges with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily activities. They help children improve their ability to participate fully in school and daily life.
Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists work with students who have physical needs, helping them develop their strength, coordination, and mobility so they can engage in school activities comfortably and confidently.
Educational Psychologists: These professionals provide expert advice on learning, behaviour, and emotional well-being. They work with teachers, students, and whānau to develop strategies that support positive learning outcomes and mental health.
With the help of the school's SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator), these agencies can be accessed for all children who show signs of needing some additional intervention.
Feel free to reach out to the SENCO, Kristen Ferguson, if you wish to have a conversation regarding your child and their learning and/or behaviour needs - [email protected]
E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū ~ The tūī sings, the kākā chatters, the kererū coos.
This whakataukī reminds us that everyone has their own unique voice, strengths, and way of being — just like the different birds of the forest.