Different minds. Equal worth.
ADHD and autism involve developmental differences, not laziness or a lack of effort. Understanding each person’s attention, communication and sensory needs helps us offer appropriate support.
ADVOCACY & PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING
See difference. Understand the person.
Through public education, we build understanding of different ways of thinking, feeling and learning, opening opportunities for neurodivergent people to participate and contribute.
You do not have to be the same to build a life that matters to you.
THE BELIEF BEHIND OUR ADVOCACY
FOUR MESSAGES WE WANT SOCIETY TO HEAR
A different conversation starts here.
Recognise strengths. Respond to needs.
Strengths and support needs vary. Creativity, interests and distinctive perspectives deserve recognition, with time and support for abilities to emerge. A person’s worth does not depend on exceptional talent.
More ways to learn. More ways forward.
We use multiple intelligences as an educational lens to explore strengths through language, reasoning, images and practical activity. Understanding and feedback guide teaching, without limiting students to fixed learning-style labels.
Change environments. Open participation.
More flexible communication and arrangements in schools, communities and workplaces reduce barriers, helping people who think differently build relationships, develop strengths and contribute.
Respecting differences includes responding to difficulties and support needs. ADHD and autism have recognised clinical neurodevelopmental classifications; affirming neurodiversity and seeking professional support can go together.
Our reading and references
These sources inform our approach, not the effectiveness of individual programmes. Circle of Security concerns attachment relationships; it does not explain or treat ADHD or autism.
- Howard Gardner · Multiple Intelligences Are Not Learning Styles
An educational perspective distinct from fixed learning styles; not a clinical measure or an established classification of brains.
- National Autistic Society · Neurodiversity-affirmative practice
Professional practice that respects differences, individual needs and choices.
- NIMH · Autism spectrum disorder
Autism’s developmental features, individual differences and support needs.
- NIMH · ADHD
Attention, activity and impulse regulation in ADHD, and options for support.
- Circle of Security International · The Circle of Security
A secure base and safe haven within caregiving relationships.
- Wing, Marsh & Cabeza · Neural signatures of test-potentiated learning (2013)
Research on retrieval practice and subsequent learning; it does not establish equal outcomes for all learners.
BRING UNDERSTANDING INTO EVERYDAY LIFE
Start with a classroom. A community.
Schools, communities and organisations are welcome to discuss talks, public education and collaboration with us.
Start a conversation