Neurodiversity Celebration Week was started in 2018 by Siena Castellon, who has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Growing up, she experienced many challenges in school and experienced bullying. To combat common misconceptions about autism and learning differences, Neurodiversity Week encourages schools to recognize neurodivergent students for their strengths and talents. 

At EB, we have chosen to expand this celebration week into a whole month instead. Each week was given a theme for students to reflect upon, especially during their class Morning Meetings. The goal is for students to become more aware of their own preferences and understand that not everyone does or enjoys the same things.

Week 1 (March 6-10): How we play

Week 2 (March 13-17): How we focus 

Week 3 (March 20-24): How we learn

Week 4 (March 27-31): How we manage our emotions

Students also learn about neurodiversity with an essential link to Social Emotional Learning, as it is an opportunity to raise others up, not tear people down for being different. Neurodiversity Week also serves to inform families and educators about these differences and how to support these students better. Neurodivergent students may think or learn differently; the world needs all kinds of minds!

LS Student Council representatives spoke with their classes about Neurodiversity and helped create a school bulletin board. Teachers were gifted copies of ADDitude magazine, which provides strategies and support for ADHD and beyond. Additional resources were used in each grade level from the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website.

Author Kentrell Martin visited our preschool, K, G1-G3 classes to read his books and teach signs in American Sign Language. Growing up with a Deaf brother, Kentrell’s mission is to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing world. 

The EB Learning Differences Support Group (LDSG) hosted an event with Stephanie Romney, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with neurodiverse individuals. Dr. Romney specializes in parent coaching, so she is familiar with common areas of concern such as executive functioning, managing stress and schoolwork, academic accommodations, and so much more! 

As always, EB releases our Diverse Reads picks of the month as a resource at home and in the classroom. March is Neurodiversity Month and Women’s History Month so we have a blended resource this month.

Our SST (Student Support Team) continuously provides our staff with support and training, in addition to working directly with students. If you have any questions regarding neurodiversity, please feel free to contact sst@eb.org.