Invercargill City Library and Archives Community Connections Coordinator Saniya Thompson and Chris Cole, Learning Differences Advisor for the Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust holding the stars that children can decorate for display in the library during Neurodiversity Celebration Week. photo: supplied
Three local organisations are working together to raise awareness and celebrate neurodiversity in our Southland community.
Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust, Autism NZ Southland Branch and Parent to Parent are excited to be working with the Invercargill Public Library to hold a range of activities and events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, March 21-27th.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term to cover individuals who think and process information in a different way, or put simply, their brain is wired differently.
Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism are all types of Neurodiversity.
Chris Cole, Learning Differences Advisor for the Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust said in New Zealand, it is estimated up to 30% of the community are neurodiverse, many not even realising it.
“During Neurodiversity Celebration Week we want to increase awareness of what it means to be neurodiverse. Talking with our children about thinking and processing information differently helps to make them feel okay just the way they are.
To help this conversation we are sending stars to schools for students to think about their strengths and what makes them unique. They are encouraged to get creative and decorate the stars with positive words about themselves, photos, colours or glitter, then send them into the library where they will go on display during celebration week”. Mrs Cole said.
Other events at the library during the week include a neurodiversity friendly afterhours library tour, and a movie screening.
For people looking for more information and support, representatives from each organisation will have pamphlets available in the library, and will be available at different times throughout the week for anyone who wants to have a chat.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an international event that was founded in 2018 in England by Siena Castellon. Siena, who is autistic, has ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia wanted to change the many stigmas and misconceptions associated with having a learning or thinking difference. Her aim is to flip the narrative so that neurodivergent students are empowered to perceive themselves more positively.
