2 days Ago By No Author
The evening was focused on celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.An information sharing evening was held at Shoesmith Hall in Warkworth to mark International Neurodiversity Week, which ran from March 17 to 23.Undeterred by the evening’s wet weather, 24 people attended including Mahurangi College’s special educational needs coordinator, parents, grandparents and school-aged tamariki (children).
The keynote speaker was Autism NZ national educator Jo Sutton, who is also the inclusivity and diversity officer for Scouting NZ.Sutton delivered an informative presentation around neurodivergence, emphasising that all people are neural diverse because everyone’s brains are wired differently. She went on to unpick the difference between a brain wired neurotypical and a brain that is neural divergent.
Sutton highlighted how the te reo Maori words for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) aroreretini meant “attention goes to many things” and autism takiwātanga “in own space and time” provided a kinder, accepting lens and kaupapa, which embraced neurodiversity with far greater empathy.This supported one of the key charters behind the celebration of Neurodiversity Week, which seeks to challenge common misconceptions and stereotypes that surround neurological differences in thinking.The event was well supported by Auckland Council, RICI (Rodney Inclusive Communities Inc), the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective, Warkworth Scouts and Warkworth businesses and retailers.
The evening’s programme included spot prizes, supper and a musical set from a talented trio from the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective – Noel, Gab and Sonny.An organiser said that as a first-time event, the evening had brought people together, created new connections and strengthened the fabric of the community.“The generous heart of the Mahurangi community was reflected by the richness of the donations that went towards helping create a memorable and free community event celebrating neurodiversity in Warkworth,” she said.
For those interested in finding out more, or being involved in future events, contact Michelle Michaud [email protected].
