NEUROLOGY & Developmental Pathways
IN LEARNING

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​The goal of neuro*diversity is to give access, so that there are no barriers to learning.

Neurodiversity can help you and your child acknowledge, embrace and frame challenges as differences, rather than as deficits.

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​In this Neurology section, you will learn more about many diverse learning abilities and challenges that changes how an individual learn.

The main focus is empowering the individual and you, with positive strength based strategies and focus on coping or harnessing them to be able to learn.

Neurodiversity:
What You Need to Know
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By Peg Rosen
Understood.org

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​Before we begin, let's have a look at the architecture of our brain.
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No two brains are alike.
No two neurons are alike.
There are a billion differences 
in our bodies.
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And so we all learn differently
and have different sets of abilities.




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Advancing Techniques Reveal
the Brain’s Impressive Diversity
No two neurons are alike.
What does that mean
for brain function?

SARA B. LINKER,
FRED H. GAGE,
​TRACY A. BEDROSIAN

Neuro Transmissions
​is a channel on a mission to bring neuroscience to everyone. It's not rocket surgery, it's brain science!


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When we embrace the diversities of our brain,
labels do not serve as purpose of being a deficit.
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It is in fact a through understanding of the individual's
learning mode and way of processing the world.

Here are some simple videos to help you understand a little more about how our brain
​receives information.
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THE BRAIN DOES NOT WORK ALONE

We are a whole lot of body systems working together. Here is a brief introduction to each of the 11 human organ systems including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, lymphatic/immune, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and skeletal systems.

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INTRO TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and the optic nerves. The central nervous system controls thought processes, guides movement, and registers sensations throughout the body.

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BBC BITESIZE INDEPTH LOOK AT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Neuroplasticity

It is the understanding that experiences are able to change our brains, and that our brain’s structure and capacity are not fixed. ​
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There is no age limit for learning. Even when we are old, our brains are not fixed, nor is cognitive ability. Every individual has different neural pathways to learn something new every day. 

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CLICK THE CROSS TO REVEAL
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An excellent infographic explaining neuroplasticity has been produced by Alta Mira, 
​a San Francisco rehabilitation and recovery centre.  ​

​STENGTH BASED APPROACH IN EDUCATION
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​The strength-based approach is a paradigm shift for educators, professionals and caregivers. Focusing on an individual's strength is not that easy for many, due to our Asian cultural affects of negative feedback and shaming habits. The truth is, there is a huge difference with empathetic constructive criticism and pathological criticism.

Right from mainstream primary, pathological criticism can be found in students' report books. Negative criticism in this manner acts as a form of shame and punishment, aiming to fix what is deemed as bad behavior. Students perceive results as a form of self-worth, there is no mentality of willing to learn about what struggles they might be going through.
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Strength-based approach empowers  learners and allows educators to be open to learning, by validating their struggles, we begin to seed confidence, and empower them by embracing their neurologies, strengths and challenges, and work with it instead of against it. 

Giving access and accomodations is not an act of Privilege.
Privilege is the absence of obstacles and barriers.

If we are blind in two eyes, asking for help is not an act of privilege.
By being blind in two eyes, we have a barrier to seeing. 
Giving access and accomodations, removes the barriers
​and gives the same opportunity to learn and do the same things.

Below are some articles about this topic that hopefully can help parents and professionals improve on this in our education settings.
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Strengths-Based IEPs: What You Need to Know
By Julie Rawe - Understood.org

In Search of a Strength-Based Approach to Special Education
By Marysa Enis - psychedservices.com

Strength-based approach GUIDE : A guide to writing Transition Learning and Development Statements 
- Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Melbourne 
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(This is a very useful guide for all educators. There are detailed descriptions of underlying principles, what strength-base IS and what IS NOT, and the best part of it are the practical examples)