Why we need
to support our neurodiverse kids
With the right support, neurodivergent young people bring a wealth of creativity, fresh thinking and focus that employers are increasing valuing and seeking out.
We should stop trying to get all children
to think the same way. We should support and celebrate all types of neurodiversity and encourage children’s imagination, creativity and problem solving — the skills of the future.
Richard Branson
Without support, neurodivergent young people are over-represented in the ranks of those who have disengaged with school, are unemployed, are in our jails, and suffer poor mental health.
The facts on young people and neurodiversity
10% are dyslexic.
5% have ADHD.
5% are gifted.
2% have autism. Many have multiple neurodiversities.
An estimated
neurodivergent children and young people in NZ.
320,000
At least 50% of prison inmates have dyslexia and 25% ADHD.
1 in 4 women with ADHD has attempted suicide.
autistic people are unemployed.
Annual economic cost of ADHD in Australia.*
How is our current education system doing?
Far too few neurodivergent young people are identified by teachers or parents, due to a significant lack of awareness about what neurodiversity looks like.
Even when identified, many go undiagnosed due to long public waiting lists and unaffordable or unavailable private options.
Too many, once diagnosed, remain unsupported as the specialist programs and professional help they need are not readily accessible within our education and health systems.
Classroom teachers continue to operate with a “one-size-fits-all” approach, with minimal recognition of neurodiversity in initial teacher training programs or workforce capability-building initiatives.
Unsupported neurodivergent students often find school traumatising, impacting their behaviour, achievement, and attendance, and potentially leading to exclusion and chronic absence.
A significant number of neurodivergent children have no suitable educational alternatives, often leaving school with minimal qualifications and their skills and potential unrecognised and undeveloped
What is a neuroinclusive education system?
A neuroinclusive education system recognizes, supports, and celebrates the diversity of all brains, providing equitable resources, opportunities, and understanding for neurodivergent learners at every stage. It is an education system where we:
Recognise and celebrate neurodiversity as a valued and natural part of being human.
Raise awareness among teachers, whānau, and young people about what neurodivergence looks like and how to provide effective support.
Expand system capacity to ensure all neurodivergent children can access a diagnosis if they choose.
Guarantee free, equitable, and timely access to specialist programs and resources for all students who need them to succeed in their learning journey.
Grow teacher capability and commitment to teaching approaches that embrace and support all types of brains.
Support whānau in understanding, supporting, and advocating for their neurodivergent children.
Empower neurodivergent learners to be proud of their uniqueness, recognize their strengths, address challenges, advocate for their needs, and find spaces where they can thrive.