Neurodiversity Pathways: Break the Chain is a documentary which hears from several young people, their parents, and teachers, about how thinking styles like dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism affect them in the classroom.

It examines how pupils with neurodivergences can struggle with conventional teaching approaches and considers what actions can be taken to make mainstream education more inclusive. 

In the film, students talk about being separated from others because of their responses to situations, and of not being listened to when explaining their behaviour. There are also powerful contributions from parents, who explain the difficulty children with neurodivergent thinking can have in articulating what it is they find challenging. 

Professor Rachel Thomson, Chair of the Pathways Steering Board, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at Loughborough University, said: “This is a really important film because as universities, we have many learners with diverse characteristics. 

“We value that diversity and want to raise awareness wherever we can that inclusivity starts with listening.” 

The film was made with support from Pathways, a collaboration between all three of Leicestershire’s universities and two further education providers, which work with schools and pupils aged between 13 and 18 to provide support and resources for students, teachers, parents, and carers to find out more about higher education and future careers. 

Watch the film and find out more information about the topics covered.