Different Belongs - A Neurodiversity Toolkit for Teachers
Welcome
Different Belongs is a neurodiversity toolkit for teachers. Below you will discover a set of resources for teachers to use in primary schools to help all children understand Autism and ADHD. The resources are aimed at Years 5 and 6, but can be adapted for other age groups.
This project is the result of co-production with Autistic and ADHD children and young people and professionals from ADD-vance and Nessie. It has been funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS.
These resources are designed to help children and young people learn about neurodivergence in a way that is respectful, positive, and affirming.
These materials:
- Are neuro-affirmative
- Respect individual differences
- Can be used flexibly, in ways that suit your setting and your learners
There is no “right” order or “right” way to use them. Please choose what feels appropriate for your group.
If you do use any of our resources we would love to hear your feedback. Please complete this short feedback form here.
Different Belongs - Resources
Please click on the links below – you will be taken to a webpage where you can download the resources.
A PowerPoint slide pack with notes for teachers, including a short, interactive quiz video clip with a poem and a song.
Three comprehensive lesson plans which can be used for PSHE lessons, group work, one-off sessions or longer learning.
A range of posters featuring quotes from the “Different Belongs” poem for display around your school.
This accreditation is designed to help schools create real, lasting change for neurodivergent pupils.
Coming soon – please check back regularly.
This section explains what a Neurodiversity Champion is and how the role can work in your school.
Coming soon – please check back regularly.
An inclusive song made for all children, can be used in assemblies, music lessons and with the school choir.
Coming soon – please check back regularly.
Important Note
Please use these resources with care and positive intent.
The aim is to help children and young people feel:
- safe
- understood
- accepted
- validated
These materials should never be used to shame, label, or single out anyone.
Further Support:
Are you a professional in Hertfordshire supporting neurodivergent children?
ADD-vance runs the Neurodiversity Support Hub offers expert-led guidance and signposting for ADHD, Autism, and wider neurodiverse needs. No diagnosis is necessary – access to the support hub is based on a child’s needs, not their status.
Phone number: 01727 833 963
Helpline hours:
Term time: Mon, Wed & Fri: 9am – 1pm
Tues & Thurs: 9am – 3pm
Wed evenings (by appointment): 7pm – 9pm
School holidays: Mon – Fri: 9am – 1pm
Our phone lines, emails and messages are answered by a team of specially trained call handlers, who are also experts by experience as parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people.
We also welcome calls from parents/carers across Hertfordshire so please share our details with families you are working with.
Further resources, information and training are available from:
Add-vance:
https://www.add-vance.org/professionals/training/
Nessie:
Nessie is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing and positive mental health of children, young people & their families aged 0–25 across Hertfordshire.
They provide arts therapies, specialist SEN therapists, family support and professional consultation for complex needs spanning health, education, and social care. Their work is funded through DSPLs, schools, the Post Adoption Support Fund, local authorities, and private arrangements.
For more information, please visit: Home – Nessie
The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer:
