Latest news with #neurodiversity
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Write to Win (Round 4): What do you think schools will be like in 50 years?
Read the responses to this week's Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most on this form. Hong Kong: I think in 50 years, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a huge role in the education system. As AI teachers and learning assistants have become more common today, I envision in 50 years, AI systems will provide personalised and adaptive learning for students with different learning styles, catering to neurodivergent students as well. Furthermore, I can see AI grading our assessments and homework, freeing up teachers' schedules and allowing them to spend more time with students and emotionally connect with them. Lastly, I also believe that schools will include more life-related education, such as woodwork, cooking and finance management, helping to refine and develop skills that will stick with students for the rest of their lives. London: Hong Kong's sea level is likely to rise in 50 years due to glaciers melting. It would be unsurprising if the total area of the sea surface exceeds the total area of the land surface. Therefore, underwater schools could help conserve land area. These types of schools immersed in water could provide a quiet and calm learning environment for students. Acrylic underwater windows installed on ceilings would allow natural light to enter, saving electricity and providing students with stunning scenery to relieve stress. Additionally, underwater schools might give students a deeper understanding of nature, teaching them the importance of protecting marine life. Write to Win (Round 3): What isn't a subject in school that you think should be? Sydney: Schools will be powered by advanced artificial intelligence that adapts to each student's learning style. Classrooms may exist in virtual or augmented reality, turning history, science and art into immersive experiences. Traditional exams will be replaced by real-world projects and digital portfolios. Students will learn empathy, climate awareness and financial literacy. Learning will be curiosity-driven, collaborative and personalised – connecting students worldwide and preparing us for an innovative and inclusive future. Berlin: Schools will be unrecognisable in comparison to what they are today. Buildings will be large and pretty, with a technological appearance, and there will be a magical back garden with a dozen types of flowers and a stream that runs through the blooms. Traditional classrooms will be replaced by rooms filled with technology, where blackboards are substituted by huge screens. Artificial intelligence is our teacher, transforming into famous scientists, mathematicians, philosophers and writers from history as well as professors from countries far away. There are no longer any tests or examinations because a machine will be able to read students' minds and see how much knowledge they have and remember. Write to Win (Round 2): Describe your dream bedroom Seoul: I think due to the development of artificial intelligence and technology, soon, instead of human teachers, robots will teach us. We might not even have school buildings. Instead, we will have to buy virtual reality goggles and attend school in that realm. The design and facilities of schools will also be much more advanced. Everyone will use tablets to take notes and exams. Maybe there will be a teleporter to transport our books from home to school, if we physically attend school. In tuck shops, there will be ice cream, ramen and other yummy treats. Students will get to order meals online, which is a lot more convenient. Wouldn't that be cool?
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
From awareness to action: Creating workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive
Despite Singapore ranking among the top 10 countries globally for search terms like 'neurodiversity', 'do I have ADHD' and 'do I have autism', there is still room to improve in moving from awareness to action. Only 49 per cent of neurodivergent individuals feel safe disclosing their condition at work, while 64 per cent are unaware of measures that promote inclusivity. These findings come from a recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), supported by SG Enable, Singapore's focal agency for disability and inclusion. Titled Neurodiversity and the Workplace in Singapore: Unlocking Potential, the report outlines how neurodivergent talent can help shape a more dynamic and inclusive business landscape, and how organisations stand to benefit from their unique contributions. Mr Sunil Chandrasekhar, managing director and partner at BCG, noted that with the right support structures, organisations can tap into the full potential of neurodiverse talent. 'Neurodivergent individuals bring strengths such as creative problem-solving and empathetic collaboration – qualities that are highly regarded in a fast-paced, purpose-driven corporate setting like BCG,' he said. Singapore is making steady progress towards its national goal of a 40 per cent employment rate for persons with disabilities by 2030, shared Mr Edward Chew, director of employment and employability at SG Enable. 'More employers are recognising the importance of inclusive hiring,' he said. 'But misconceptions about the capabilities of persons with disabilities, including those with autism, continue to pose barriers.' A common myth is that persons with autism are only suited for simple, repetitive tasks. In truth, many excel at pattern recognition and attention to detail, making them strong candidates for analytical roles. On top of technical strengths, persons with autism can lend a fresh, strategic lens to challenges. 'Their ability to listen objectively and think without bias can enhance collaboration and lead to clearer decision-making,' Mr Chew observed. Similarly, persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrate unique strengths, including hyper-focus, adaptability and multitasking abilities – qualities that help them thrive in fast-paced settings. In client-facing roles, persons with dyslexia can leverage their strong emotional empathy to connect with others. Their unconventional problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude also enable them to excel in technical, hands-on work. To harness these qualities, employers should create environments where neurodivergent staff can thrive – starting with flexible work arrangements to reduce overstimulation and boost focus. Equally important is cultivating disability awareness in the workplace to challenge biases and build a culture of inclusion. According to the BCG report, 62 per cent of surveyed neurodivergent employees in Singapore said they had been misjudged as having a poor attitude – a perception that can stall careers and affect mental well-being. This creates a vicious cycle: Fear of judgment or rejection keeps many from speaking up. 'Without disclosure, employers don't act, and without action, stigma persists,' said Mr Chandrasekhar. To advance the inclusion and development of neurodiverse employees, the BCG report recommends a structured approach centred around four core elements: Leadership commitment, structured offerings and policies, community affiliation and career pathways. Driving lasting change starts at the top. Leaders must actively champion inclusive practices, noted Mr Chandrasekhar, who heads the AccessAbility team at BCG Southeast Asia – a community that drives initiatives related to neurodiversity, physical disability, chronic illness and mental health across all six offices in the region. Initiatives include awareness campaigns, professional counselling, peer communities for neurodivergent individuals and caregivers, and one-to-one mentorship programmes. Mr Chandrasekhar added that leaders should intentionally weave inclusion into everyday interactions, such as asking team members how they work best, rethinking team routines and creating space for different working styles. Amplifying lived experiences is crucial, too. Leaders can spotlight the stories of neurodivergent employees through company talks and articles, or involve them in shaping support structures that build workplace inclusivity. This not only cultivates an environment of understanding but also deepens the sense of community and belonging. Structured offerings and policies are another core element. These include fair and inclusive recruitment, progressive employment practices, disclosure channels for neurodivergent employees to seek help and practical workplace adjustments such as accessible environments featuring designated quiet spaces or sensory-friendly zones. Beyond internal efforts, organisational leaders in Singapore can harness the country's robust network of agencies, advocacy groups and institutional partners to develop integrated career pathways that enable neurodivergent individuals to advance and achieve long-term success. For instance, SG Enable administers the Open Door Programme, which offers grants for job redesign, training, recruitment and job support – all aimed at helping businesses foster inclusive workplaces. Companies that have successfully integrated neurodiverse employees into their workplaces can receive the Enabling Mark, a national accreditation framework developed by SG Enable that has recognised over 200 companies for demonstrating strong outcomes in disability-inclusive employment. UNLOCKING THE NEXT STAGE OF WORKPLACE INCLUSIVITY Citing developments like the Enabling Masterplan 2030 and support from agencies such as SG Enable, Mr Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that Singapore could become a regional leader in neurodiversity inclusion within five years. To realise this vision, he stressed the need for deeper cross-sector collaboration – uniting the Government, employers, educators and social service agencies to create a truly inclusive ecosystem. SG Enable, for instance, has introduced community-based initiatives like Enabling Service Hubs, which bring resources closer to the homes of persons with disabilities, as well as the Enabling Village, Singapore's first inclusive community space. 'Partnerships with social service agencies help promote disability inclusion and raise awareness in the broader community,' said Mr Chew. In addition to collaboration, Mr Chandrasekhar added that enabling more neurodivergent individuals to rise to leadership roles could help redefine inclusive leadership. Mr Chew also offered a powerful reminder that inclusion isn't just about policies – it's about perspective. 'What is needed most is a shift from sympathy to empathy,' he said. 'With the right roles, environments and mindsets, individuals from diverse backgrounds don't just fit in – they flourish, contributing meaningfully and enriching the workplace.'
Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
They Were Diagnosed With Autism as Adults. It Has Changed Their Lives.
In grade school, Jamie Donovan often spent recess picking bark off trees. At home, she sometimes hid in her father's truck if she needed to block out visual stimulation and sounds. She usually had trouble relating to other people, and felt like she was always saying the wrong thing. She didn't understand the reason until she was almost 47 years old—when she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Ex-Project star Em Rusciano slams show over segment: ‘Frankly dehumanising'
Former Project panellist Em Rusciano has publicly lambasted her former employer over what she branded a 'frankly dehumanising' segment which aired on the show recently. Rusciano, 46, was incensed with a segment about the overprescription of medication to treat ADHD – a condition she herself was diagnosed with four years ago. The Project hosts spoke to Professor Ian Hickie, co-director of the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, who claimed that 'we should really worry about inappropriate prescribing'. 'There's quite high figures and the figures have been going up, particularly in teenagers in Australia,' he warned. 'So, there's a real concern about the appropriateness – who's getting medications? Are they the kids in most need, and are they having the desired effect in educational and behavioural outcomes?' Rusciano, who was a regular panellist on the show between 2011 and 2022, took issue with his claims, posting an angry reaction to her 240,000-plus Instagram followers. 'Why does The Project continue to target the ND (neuro-divergent) community with these s***house, clickbait, and frankly dehumanising segments,' she wrote over a screenshot of the interview. 'Actually, get f***ed.' It's not the first time Rusciano has publicly criticised her former workplace. Back in 2023, amid a furore over a controversial Jesus joke by Reuben Kaye, she accused Network Ten of having 'thrown' their guest 'under the bus'. The queer comic, appearing as a guest on The Project in late February, spoke about the hate he had received for his sexuality and for dressing up in drag – particularly from the Christian community – before making the X-rated remark. 'I love Jesus, I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more,' Kaye quipped on Tuesday night, prompting a stunned reaction from host Waleed Aly and a giggle from co-host Sarah Harris. The pair issued a grovelling on-air apology to their viewers the following day. But Rusciano took to Twitter in the aftermath to criticise the network for its handling of the issue. 'I find it pretty hard to believe that (Reuben Kaye)'s joke that stopped a nation wasn't script approved,' she tweeted. 'I've worked on The Project – VERY little is off the cuff! A tiny, tiny amount. They've flat out thrown him under the bus (in my opinion). Sorry, but someone had to say it.' Rusciano, 44, followed up with another tweet in support of Kaye. 'They honestly don't deserve him and his talent. I dunno if Australia deserves him! In the end, we always seem to champion the non-threatening and the mediocre.'
Arab News
3 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
New school for neurodiverse children to open in Riyadh
RIYADH: A new school specializing in educating neurodiverse children aged 3 to 9 will open in Riyadh in September, it was announced on Tuesday evening. Josour Schools held a seminar in Riyadh this week to make the announcement, highlighting its unique model, which combines education, therapy and family services. The school, which will be located in Roshn's Sedra 1 community, is the result of a partnership between the Educational Infrastructure Holding Co. and UK-based CareTech. 'CareTech is always rooted in the communities in which we operate our services,' Shokat Akbar, CEO of CareTech International, told Arab News. 'For (Josour) to succeed, it must be rooted in the community and be … in partnership with the community.' Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, Josour Schools adopts a British curriculum adapted to local cultural values. Its small-class model, led by neurodiversity specialists, focuses on individualized education plans and combines education with therapeutic interventions. 'This school serves a critical purpose: providing good quality access to special education needs services for children,' Akbar said. 'Inclusivity comes in many ways. 'Students (will) participate in society through art and sport, making their contributions visible.' The school will have access to resources from CareTech's global network of 47 UK schools and 550 specialized services. 'Teachers will attend CareTech UK schools as part of their induction and training,' Akbar said, adding that Josour's therapists would collaborate with experts across CareTech's global network, including researchers and practitioners. Enrollment is now open for the 2025 academic year.
