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Motion · S6M-03235 · 15 Feb 2022

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2022

Lodged by Alexander Stewart Standard Motion 26 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which for 2022 will be held from 21 to 27 March; understands that Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions of learning disabilities and autism; notes that the initiative, which is endorsed by over 20 charities and many organisations, was started in 2018 by then 16-year-old Siena Castellon, an autistic student who also has dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD; understands that the initiative has two aims, which are to encourage and empower schools in their recognition of the strengths and talents of neurodivergent students, who think and learn differently, including students who are autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or who have ADHD, and to address any lack of training that classroom teachers have in identifying and supporting their students with special educational needs by providing them with free resources; acknowledges that, according to the UK Department of Education, 15% of students in the United Kingdom have a learning difference; believes that this is likely to be an underestimation; understands that some classroom teachers and school staff may have no training on how to identify, understand and support students with learning and thinking differences or special educational needs (SEN); considers that years of what it sees as severe funding cuts to education in Scotland have decimated support services for neurodivergent students; believes that there is still a significant societal stigma and many misconceptions about learning and thinking differences that also create barriers for SEN students to have equal access to education; encourages the empowerment of neurodivergent students to achieve their potential by schools recognising and celebrating their many strengths and talents which, it considers, may not be showcased in the traditional classroom environment, and believes that these include creativity, innovation, the ability to think outside the box, problem-solving skills, unique insights and perspectives, in addition to what it sees as inherent perseverance and resilience.      

Supporters (26)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.