I had the privilege of being a part of the first-ever Round Table Conference on the topic of "Embracing Neurodiversity," organized by #AssisiVidyaNikentan and #SKET_StudentsofKeralaAnEducationalTrust. It was an eye-opening experience for me, as well as for the eight teams that participated from various parts of Kerala.
I was deeply impressed by the well-researched essays and presentations that each team delivered. "Judging" their efforts felt like an understatement; they all did an outstanding job.
In the end, the unanimous winner of the competition was Chinmaya Vidyalaya Thrissur. Their presentation was not only honest but also posed genuine questions that many tend to shy away from discussing. They bravely addressed the issue of neurodiversity, wearing a sash that read boldly: "Different is not Less." It was remarkable to witness these confident young individuals, aged between 12 to 17, take the stage with such conviction.
Some of the thought-provoking questions raised during the conference included:
1. How can we promote the hiring of neurodiverse individuals?
2. What can be done to address masking, especially among young girls?
3. How do we prevent the spread of misinformation online, such as platforms that claim to offer a cure for neurodiversity?
4. In what ways can we help neurodiverse individuals feel unique and valued?
5. How can we ensure that the state implements laws and that society follows them to support neurodiversity?
6. When a child with severe hyperactivity disrupts a general classroom, how can we include them while ensuring the learning process continues?
7. How can we equip our education system to accommodate all categories of neurodiverse children, from those with severe differences to mild ones?
8. What steps should be taken to train teachers to effectively handle behavioral issues in children and to prepare and execute Individualized Education Plans (IEP)?
9. Should special schools exclusively for neurodiverse students be integrated into mainstream schools?
10. How can we identify and accommodate neurodiverse individuals' skills in extracurricular activities?
11. What can be done to raise awareness about neurodiversity among the older generation?
12. How can we prevent the politicization of the neurodiversity movement?
13. What can be done to change the attitudes of teachers and other authority figures who refuse to accept neurodiversity?
14. How can we support those who self-diagnose due to a lack of support?
15. How do we provide support to neurodiverse individuals after their families are no longer there for them?
These questions are not only important but also reflective of the need to create a more inclusive and understanding society. The conference was a step in the right direction, fostering discussions and awareness about neurodiversity, and I am hopeful that it will lead to positive changes in our community.
