Q&A: Neurodiversity at RGS

As we celebrate national Neurodiversity Week, RGS special educational needs & disability coordinator and inclusion manager Samina O'Brien talks about what it means and how RGS supports students


Q: What is neurodiversity?

A: Neurodiversity is a term to describe the differences in how our brains work and how this can have both a positve and negative imapct on how we think, behave, feel and learn.

Q: What sort of challenges do students who are neurodivergent face?

A: Neurodiverse challenges are as diverse as the students. As these are spectrum conditions the challenges are different for every student.

Neurodiverse students can face a range of challenges such managing transitions , poor mental health and sensory overwhelm. In addition to this, difficulties can arise when routines are disrupted and some students may misunderstand social cues. Executive functioning skills can also be impacted. However our neurodiverse students participate in all areas of school life and bring a unique perspective to our school.

Q: How does RGS support these students?

A: Our support is bespoke, depending on the needs of the students. We provide safe social spaces during break and lunchtimes. Our teachers receive regular training and some students have a bespoke support plan. We have also invested in technology to support students' needs, for example iPads and word processors for dyslexic students. In addition to this, the school Hub provides access to our excellent support staff who provide one-to-one support when required. We also offer various courses to support parents in the home and transitions at Key stage 3, 4 and 5 are carefully managed by heads of year, the pastoral team and teaching staff.

Our dedicated careers advisor Mr Walker is also on hand to provide careers and external opportunities. We also have a team of dedicated sixth form mentors who provide support for younger students.