To have a learning difference has been one of the biggest challenges and exceptional opportunities in my life. It has made me who I am; for example, creativity, out of the box thinking, seeing different perspectives, gaining unique insights, excellent problem-solving skills, drive and energy, thinking in pictures and being permanently curious.
I am now proud to say I am neurodivergent, but actually, everyone is. We are all unique people who have our own ways of thinking and learning that often don’t match the standard curriculum. We need to celebrate this diversity. Every team needs neurodiversity to come up with those unique solutions we need to solve today’s challenges. When everything dear to me was falling apart during the lockdown, I asked myself the questions, “What can I do” rather than mourning what I can’t do.
I took the opportunity to follow topics that interest me:
- I joined courses at The New Leaf College and Future Learn
- I taught at the Luton and Dunstable Recovery College
- I created dozens of short videos on Youtube about thriving with neurodiversity
- I have spoken at several local and international conferences – great, no travel!
- I ran on-line community projects
- I have improved my drawing skills. It seems you can ask Youtube about any new skill you want, and it will have several suggestions.
2020 has certainly been different and pushed me into areas I never considered. I am continually grateful for missing Covid and have now had my first jab.
March 15th-21st is Neurodiversity Celebration Week; please celebrate with people you know, their strengths and exceptional skills. It is time we acknowledge the unique contributions they all make.
My name is Olive Hickmott; I would be pleased to support you in any way I can.
You are welcome to contact me olive@empoweringlearning.co.uk
Please register here to follow my blog at http://www.olivehickmott.co.uk
You will find other useful information at http://www.empoweringlearning.co.uk
My latest books are:
The Elephants in the Classroom: using every student’s natural power of mental Imagery to enhance learning: Neurodiversity through the lens of mental Imagery.
Bridges to Success – How to transform Learning Difficulties
#theelepahntsintheclassroom #neurodiversityawarenessweek #empoweringlearning #olivehickmott #neurodivergent
Olivehickmott 
Hello Olive,
Well done – I take my hat off to you – you are amazing. You give me confidence to try out new things. As the sun comes out we begin to feel that we are coming to the end of the tunnel and look forward to a better time this summer.
Thank you
Helena
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