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Child Development- OUR VISION
Overall Vision – Neurodiversity
One Brain
In our Child Development fund, our focus on neurodiversity starts with the understanding that each child possesses a singular brain. Whatever is happening for that child, in terms of neurodevelopmental growth, it is happening all in the same place, i.e. their brain. We are particularly interested in common and co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC) like Dyspraxia, ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, and Rolandic Epilepsy. Our curiosity extends to factors within parents' influence, such as nutrition, physical activity, and sleep, so that potentially work we have supported can help families live happy, stress-reduced and fulfilling lives.
Co-occurrence poses a significant challenge for children with NDCs, particularly in the context of a singular brain controlling all elements of behaviour. When co-occurrence of neurodiverse traits is present, which is more often the case than not, it intensifies the complexity of managing behaviours. The interconnected nature of cognitive, emotional, and social functions becomes more intricate, potentially leading to challenges in self-regulation and adaptive behaviour. A single brain controlling all elements of behaviour means that disruptions in one area can have cascading effects on others, amplifying difficulties for neurodiverse children.
For a child and their family to handle all these things at once is like solving a puzzle. Through our funding we aim to help researchers and practitioners figure out the best ways to help children with these combined challenges. By understanding how everything connects in their unique brains, we can create better ways to support them in school, at home, and in social situations. It's like finding the right pieces for their puzzle to make sure they have what they need to thrive.
Our Child Development fund, looks to support those who are striving to understand these puzzle pieces. While we may use medical terminology when appropriate, we embrace neurodiversity as a concept recognising natural variations. We advocate for inclusive environments, appreciating neurodivergent strengths and unique perspectives, and hope to foster a society that supports every child's unique journey to a successful and happy life.
To this end the core focus of the Child Development fund is:
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