OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS A TRAUMA HEALING COMMUNITY (Continued)

We have made much progress in our pathway of growing from trauma-aware to trauma-healing practice. Yet, we have just dipped our toes into it.

Sadly, neurodiversity and the way schools respond to the varied behaviours and responses of children has never been part of teacher training. And equally saddening is society's responses to anyone who is seen to be "different" to the norm. They are usually cast to one side, and when respond to the way they are treated, society wants a punitive justice. 

Even this week, one of our major political parties was proudly stating how those caught in some unwanted behaviours should be imprisoned. And all that form of response does it to continue the cycle of "abnormal behaviour"

In her article "What is Neurodiversity?", Amanda Moron writes: "What would happen if the world viewed neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities differently? If everyone noticed the strengths that can come from these differences first, instead of the challenges?

That’s the basic idea of neurodiversity — that differences don’t have to only be looked at as weaknesses. They’re not problems that need to be “fixed” or “cured.” They’re simply variations of the human brain.

The neurodiversity view is also personal. Being neurodivergent can help shape identity and how people see themselves and their value in the world. Neurodivergent people experience, interact with, and interpret the world in unique ways. That can sometimes create challenges. But it can also lead to creative problem-solving and new ideas — things that benefit everyone."

As a community and school we have a choice in breaking the cycle. We can continue the path of having a punitive culture, - or one that is supportive and healing. 

As a school, we know which one is much needed in our very diverse school community. We know which pathways has been well tested and not succeeded. So why should we be setting everyone up to fail by continuing on the same pathway?

Trauma-healing is our choice.