Sensory Integration Education

Next week we are celebrating Neurodiversity Week, hosted by neurodiversityweek.com. This gives us a great opportunity to better inform ourselves about neurodiversity and put into practice actions to be more inclusive in schools, clinics, and when working with clients.

In this article, we share 3 resources to better understand neurodiversity, we also highlight the link between neurodivergent individuals and sensory sensitivities, offering 3 more resources that may open your perspective to this. 

So, what is Neurodiversity Celebration Week all about?

Neurodiversity Celebration Week stands as a global initiative challenging stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding neurological differences. Its mission is to change the perception of neurodivergent individuals and to encourage changes for more inclusive environments. It’s a week to be educated and to acknowledge the talents of neurodivergent individuals. 

To start from scratch, we recommend reading this article What Is Neurodivergence and What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?, the article by Verywell Mind,  takes a deeper dive into understanding the meaning of neurodivergence, types of neurodivergence and what it’s like to be neurodivergent.

The shorter explanation is that neurodiverse is a term used to describe someone whose brain is wired differently from what is considered ‘typical’, differences could include how someone learns, or processes information, or perhaps the individual behaves differently to a neuro-typical person. 

We’ve compiled three helpful resources that give you a peek into neurodiversity:

1. Watch Web Series Divergent Voices

One of the best ways to learn is to hear personal narratives, YouTube channel Divergent Voices hosts conversations featuring advice and insights from autistic advocates and leading clinicians. Dive into personal experiences of neurodivergent individuals:https://www.youtube.com/@DivergentVoices

If you’ve landed on our blog, you may have a keen interest in Sensory Processing, this episode by Divergent Voices talks about the Sensory Sensitivities in Autistic People: Autism & sensory sensitivities | Divergent Voices - hosted by Purple Ella

2. Read “Wired Differently - 30 Neurodivergent People You Should Know

If you are a bit of a bookworm, we recommend reading “Wired Differently - 30 Neurodivergent People You Should Know”.  This book written by Joe Wells and illustrated by Tim Stringer is a collection of portraits celebrating the lives of influential neurodivergent figures who have achieved amazing things in recent times. From politicians, activists and journalists to YouTubers, DJs and poets, this book highlights a wide range of exciting career paths for neurodivergent readers.

3. Follow Podcast The Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris, a Neurodiversity-affirming therapist. 

The Neurodiversity Podcast engages with experts in psychology, education, and related fields to explore ways of positively influencing the lives of neurodivergent individuals. From conversations on Turning Neurodiversity Barriers into Benefits to Understanding Introception to Sensory Needs the topics are interesting and insightful. Plus, episodes are roughly 30 minutes long, making it great for a commute or in between clients.

With our Sensory Processing Lens on, we couldn’t help but share 3 more resources looking at Sensory Differences in the neurodivergent population:

4. Read Using Sensory Products to Enhance Daily Living in Children with ADHD with Kozie Clothes

In this article, our guest blogger Kozie Clothes, highlights the importance of acknowledging sensory processing differences in individuals with ADHD as they are often overlooked. Kozie Clothes shares how sensory items can support ADHD, and improve daily living for children. Although this is a child-focused article, the tips are still appropriate for all ages.

5. Check out the Autistic Society’s Top 5 Autism Tips: Managing Sensory Differences  

These 5 tips from the National Autistic Society, provide an overview aimed at Professionals working with Autistic people who are experiencing sensory processing differences. 

6. Reducing Sensory Overload for Neurodivergent Individuals – this article from Scissortail Creative Services provides some great tips and advice on reducing sensory overload for neurodivergent employees and learners. 

If you are a parent, check out our recent article on Sensory Help Now Celebrating Neurodiversity: Resources for Parents and Children

From celebrating the achievements of neurodivergent individuals to practical strategies for managing sensory differences, these resources offer valuable perspectives and tools for creating more supportive environments. As we continue to educate ourselves and embrace the talents of neurodivergent individuals, let us strive for a future where diversity is celebrated. 

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