“Blazing Neurons” host Neurodiversity Panel at Bush

“The purpose of the panel was to educate our students and faculty about what neurodiversity is, why it’s a part of the umbrella of diversity at Bush, and why we value it,” said Upper School Learning Specialist Sinead Colman. 

One of the major points of discussion at the panel was around accommodations, which come more into play starting in Ninth Grade for Bush students. Panel members clarified how accommodations level the playing field for neurodiverse students by getting them access to what they need to show what they know. The panel also discussed how students can support their neurodiverse peers, by being empathetic, patient, and asking questions. The discussion also touched on Bush’s integration of universal design learning, in which lessons are taught in a way that benefits all students’ different types of learning styles, thereby making it easier for everyone to learn. 

The Blazing Neurons and the Support Services team see this panel as an important first step to raising awareness and normalizing the issues of neurodiversity in the Bush community. Currently 20% of Bush students utilize support services. 

“We want to empower students to embrace their identity,” said Sinead. “We want to learn from students to refine our processes, and have more events in the future as well.” 

-by Colin Murray, Communications Manager