Bailiwick Social Prescribing Celebrates Neurodiversity
15th March 2023
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re shining a light on what neurodiversity is and how the Bailiwick Social Prescribing team assists those of us who are neurodivergent.
Bailiwick Social Prescribing supports people with a wide variety of backgrounds and challenges.
Something that unfortunately can be a barrier to thriving, is neurodiversity. This is not because there is anything ‘wrong’ with the individual, it is because society has been set up mainly by and for those who are neurotypical (which is the opposite of neurodiverse). With the right support, neurodivergent individuals have so much to bring to society. Some well-known neurodivergent people are: Richard Branson, Emma Watson, Ryan Gosling and Steven Spielberg. Chances are, you will know a few people who are neurodivergent too!
So, what is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. And people who have these features also have certain strengths. For example, people with ADHD may have trouble with time management. But they often show high levels of passion, drive, and creative thinking.
Neurodiversity includes (but is not limited to), Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Tourette’s Syndrome. Some other conditions such as schizophrenia, OCD, personality disorders, dissociative disorder, and bipolar disorder can be classed as a form of neurodivergence too.
How does this fit in with Bailiwick Social Prescribing’s work and aims?
The best way to support neurodiversity, is treating clients as individuals. We all have our own strengths and the Link Workers find out all about these when they meet each client, by carefully listening and asking questions to understand the person’s life.
The Link Workers will also work with other organisations to assist, such as the Guernsey Employment Trust, Autism Guernsey and GROW.
The team are experienced in various ways to support people dealing with anything that is making life harder for them. If you or someone you know would benefit from support, please talk to your GP or Healthy Minds.
