Diverse Pathways of Development

The Diverse Pathways of Development is a resource intended for early educators, parents and caregivers, as well as specialists, to broaden their understanding of non-neuronormative child development. 

Traditionally, child development has been viewed through a universal lens, focusing on expected milestones. When a child diverges from this path, their development is frequently seen as a “red flag” without further exploration. In short, children are assumed to have delays rather than potential differences.

 It is crucial to recognise that instead of being on a deficit pathway, these children are, in fact, learning, developing, playing, feeling, sensing and moving in equally valid ways. They may also have various support needs that deserve sensitive recognition.

The agenda of current non-statutory guidelines for child development is to ensure children are “school ready” which often prioritises developmental conformity, and a standardised knowledge and skill set. While it is important to feel ready for the next phase of education and life experiences, this should not be narrowly pre-defined and described, but instead embraces what is developmentally meaningful to the child. 

Furthermore child development should not be dictated by standard milestones and outcomes. Rather, we should tune into what is meaningful to the child both in their quality of life and outcomes.

Our aim is that the Diverse Pathways will grow and eventually we will produce pathways for other neurotypes and disabilities. 

If you are interested in collaborating, please contact us at queries@diversepathways.org.

We look forward to re-imagining developmental experiences we have been taught previously to eliminate, ignore and reduce.