Downe House Celebrates Neurodiversity Through Student Voices and Expert Insight

Downe House marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 with a lively programme that celebrated the voices of its students and drew on expert guidance to inspire understanding.


Downe House marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 with a lively programme that celebrated the voices of its students and drew on expert guidance to inspire understanding. Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative that takes place annually, aims to promote understanding, inclusion, and recognition of neurodiverse strengths in education and beyond.

A highlight of the week was a talk from Ann Marie Smellie of Quester Therapies, a holistic clinic based in Berkshire. Her session, Wired to Learn, explored how the nervous system, movement, auditory processing, nutrition, and emotional patterns shape how young people think, feel, and learn. Her empowering message – that children’s behaviours are often a form of communication rather than a sign that something is ‘wrong’ – resonated deeply with both pupils and staff.

Students took centre stage throughout the week, sharing their experiences with honesty, courage, and humour. A Year 7 pupil gave a heartfelt speech about reading through the lens of dyslexia, reflecting on how her challenges have strengthened her resilience. 'This allowed me to change some minds and show them that dyslexia is a superpower,' she said.

A Year 10 pupil followed with a presentation on life with ADHD, using visuals to show classmates and teachers how her mind works. Their stories sparked laughter, reflection, and a sense of pride, showing the impact that can be had if students are given the support and space to talk about it.

Creative workshops added another layer to the week. Pupils designed sensory pillows inspired by their own ideas of comfort and self-expression, with guidance from the House of Fandango, a UK-based wellness company focused on confidence and self-care.

Head of Academic Support and SENDCO, Mrs Sophie Appleton Malhotram commented:

'It was the combination of Ann Marie Smellie’s expertise and the students’ candid stories that made the week so wonderful, highlighting the unique strengths of every pupil at Downe House. The school continues to embed neurodiverse learning across the curriculum, ensuring that every pupil can thrive.'

April 2026