Downe House School, in Cold Ash, hosts talks and events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Students at Downe House, Cold Ash, enjoyed a range of off-timetable activities in support of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17 to 23).

The activities began with an inspiring assembly around the importance of neurodiversity, the idea that people experience and interact with the world in different ways.

And to highlight the misconceptions around neurodiversity, the school’s Murray Centre was decked with posters and life-size cut-outs of successful neurodivergent celebrities, while a selection of books written by neurodivergent authors were displayed for students to read.

Head of academic support and SENDCO Sophie Appleton Wyeth said: “It has been a wonderful week of self-reflection and relaxation, as well as being a great opportunity to raise awareness for greater recognition around neurodiversity.

“Our students really embraced the week and we are fortunate to have heard from some amazing speakers.”

Students also enjoyed presentations from students and staff on AI and autism, including a student who shared her inspiring journey towards a diagnosis of dyslexia.

One of the students’ parents, Serenna Wagner, a music therapist, also spoke about how musical therapy can support neurodivergent people, as well as discussing a range of career options in this field.

The whole school also participated in creating a ‘wall of kindness’, with each house taking over a section.

Students and staff were invited to add post-it notes to the bright and colourful display with their own words of kindness over the course of the week.

Each section has been turned into a unique piece of art to be displayed across each of the houses.

To mark the end of the week, students and staff enjoyed a relaxing dog walk through the woods surrounding the school.

The event was organised by the school’s learning skills department, the equality, diversity and inclusion committee and the anti-bullying committee.