So many times I see the word Disorder attached to the labels given to classroom barriers.
(Classroom barriers not children’s barriers!)
Autism is only a ‘disorder’ if you want someone to behave and develop the way you want.
Attention deficit is only a ‘disorder’ it you want us to perform in your time and in your conditions.
(Insert many other D’s here)
More and more, I read and read and am becoming very disgruntled with the word ‘disorder’. We are nothing but different.
Different to the way you want us to be and different to how much you have to think and plan for the class. Different in the way you want to assess. Just Different.
I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Difference – Inattention
You need to engage me, keep me focussed with interesting, meaningful and relevant conversation, give me short deadlines and clear instructions, and then I can do the job of four people at once.
Oh but I will take drugs to slow my brain to a ‘typical speed’ to help you with all of that! 🤣🤣
That’s a superpower not a disorder!
I LOVE “that’s a super power, not a disorder”. It’s a reframe that I’ve been using with my son’s genetic syndrome. His is his ability to magnetise others with his adorable charm.