Neurodiversity and self expression

Teacher notes

This lesson is most appropriate for upper KS2, KS3 and above. There are clear links to PSHE in all key stages from KS2 upwards. You could easily split the lesson into 2 parts, allowing longer for the design a cosplay character activity. This lesson introduces 13-year-old London teen Imogen in this film. **Please note: since the film was made, Imogen is now a non-binary young person aged 15; uses the pronouns they/them and the name Arlo.** You may want to explore these details with your learners before sharing the Lyfta Time lesson. Arlo is autistic. Their film explores how they struggled at school and was excluded. Arlo uses cosplay as a coping mechanism, creating their own characters and designing and making costumes, a form of self-expression. In one section of the film, Arlo jabs the table with scissors when they feel overwhelmed; a kind of coping strategy. **Sensitivity will be required for students that are affected by any of the themes of this lesson, including school exclusion.** The website https://www.autism.org.uk/ is a further place of support. **You'll need some drawing/art supplies for the final piece of creative work.** **Lyfta Core themes:** Culture and Identity, Health and Wellbeing, Learning and Growth, Relationships. **Lyfta Core Skills and Values** Conflict Resolution, Coping Methods, Creativity & Innovation, Design Thinking, Empathy & developing multiple perspectives, Healthy Living, Self-Discipline & Self-Regulation. **SDGs:** 3, 4. **National Curriculum Objectives:** KS2 PSHE H19. a varied vocabulary to use and express feelings H20. strategies to respond to feelings H25/ H27. about personal identity; individuality and personal qualities H26. that for some people gender identity does not correspond with their biological sex H28. to identify personal strengths, skills, achievements & interests and how these contribute to sense of self-worth R32. about respecting the differences and similarities between people L8. about diversity: what it means; benefits of living in diverse communities. KS3 PSHE H1. how we are all unique; recognising/ demonstrating personal strengths build self-confidence, self-esteem and good health and wellbeing H2. to understand what can affect wellbeing and resilience H4. simple strategies to help build resilience H10. a range of healthy coping strategies and ways to promote wellbeing. KS4 PSHE H2. how self-confidence self-esteem, and mental health are affected positively and negatively by internal and external influences H4. strategies to build resilience, how they think about themselves H5. characteristics of mental and emotional health; develop empathy and understanding H6. about change and its impact on mental health and wellbeing; recognise need for emotional support during life changes and/or difficult experiences.