Inclusive learning, at its heart, is a transformative approach to education. It encourages the integration of students with diverse needs into mainstream classrooms, fostering an environment of acceptance, empathy, understanding, and respect. It embodies the philosophy that every child, regardless of their neurological differences, has unique strengths to offer. Ultimately, positive impact in nurturing a generation that values diversity and celebrates the beauty of individuality among students, teachers and society as a whole.

According to Cleveland Clinic, the term “neurodivergent” describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works. That means they have different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don’t have those differences. The possible differences include medical disorders, learning disabilities, and other conditions.

On the other hand, “neurotypical” does not mean “normal”. In fact, in the words of Lisa Jo Rudy it just refers to an individual who thinks, perceives, and behaves in ways that are considered the norm by the general population. Inclusive learning is a philosophy that recognizes education’s power to go beyond textbooks, nurturing not just academic excellence, but also nurturing compassion, cultivating empathy and setting the foundation for a future where every child can flourish, regardless of their individual neurological makeup.

What is Inclusive Learning?

In the idea of inclusive learning, two worlds seamlessly intersect. That of neurotypical children, whose developmental trajectory aligns with the conventional norms for their age, and that of neurodivergent children, whose diverse neurological characteristics might encompass autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

The Importance of Inclusive Learning

1. Fostering Empathy and Understanding:

• nurtures a deeper sense of empathy and understanding among children.
• gain insights into each other’s experiences and challenges.
• creates a more compassionate generation that values diversity and individuality.

2. Nurturing Holistic Development:

• celebrates the multifaceted talents of every child.
• neurotypical children learn valuable life skills such as patience, adaptability, and effective communication through interaction with their neurodivergent peers.
• neurodivergent children benefit from improved social skills, enhanced self-esteem, and a greater sense of belonging in a supportive environment.

3. Preparing for a Diverse World:

• mirrors the real world, where diversity is the norm.
• develop the interpersonal skills needed to thrive in a globalized society.
• become more culturally aware, adaptable, and equipped to collaborate with people of diverse perspectives.

4. Empowering All Children:

• every child, regardless of their neurological profile, deserves access to quality education.
• ensures that children with diverse abilities are not left behind or segregated.
• empowers all children to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Challenges on the Path to Inclusion

1. Adapting Teaching Approaches

• demand educators to customize their methods for a diverse range of students. This requires creativity, flexibility, and ongoing professional development to ensure each child has the chance to flourish.
• crafting a space of inclusion involves educators recognizing that each student possesses a unique learning style and pace.
• the journey of adapting teaching approaches is a continuous one, because educators perpetually evolve, seeking fresh insights, embracing new technologies, and refining their methods to best suit their diverse students.

2. Eradicating Mental Barriers

• dismantling the walls of stereotypes and conquering the mental obstacles that obstruct the progress of inclusive education.
• the challenge isn’t solely about changing individual mindsets; it’s about transforming the collective consciousness to celebrate the richness of diversity in all its forms.
• the first step involves recognizing and valuing the inherent potential within each child, irrespective of their neurological differences.

The Road Ahead at SunnySeeds Academy

We have just started our journey in inclusive learning. Our current inclusive learning is with conditions, where, a parent aid or a shadow aid is required to be alongside the child and to assimilate teacher’s teaching as we do not have a specialised teacher catered for these children yet. In addition, it is compulsory for the child to go for the necessary therapy at a specialised centre, depending on the symptoms. The child would be placed in a class which may not be their age group. Example, a 5yo autistic child who is not regulated and no speech, will have to go into a 3yo class.

We accept autistic & ADHD children who have mild to moderate symptoms. There is limitation to the number of neurodiverse children that we accept. Maximum will be 5 neurodiverse children for now with parent/shadow aid (this would include children with learning difficulties).

We want to nurture a generation of compassionate, open-minded, and empowered individuals. We treat the neurodiverse children just as they are, no difference from the neurotypical children. The only difference is the way we give instructions to neurodiverse children, as they would need clearer and step-by-step set of instructions.

By embracing the diversity of neurodiversity and neurotypicality, we set the stage for a brighter future. A future, where every child can flourish, where acceptance is a norm, and where inclusion prevails.

In this journey towards inclusive learning, we celebrate the triumphs of every child, acknowledging that our differences are what make us extraordinary.

 
Reference:
https://klay.co.in/blog/embracing-diversity-the-power-of-inclusive-learning-for-children/