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Neurodivergence: Film educates Bristol schoolchildren

Murmuration Community Therapy A mum with her childMurmuration Community Therapy
Ms Villierezz's son was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition at 18-months old

A new film is being made to better understand the experience of neurodivergent children at school.

Murmuration Community Therapy, a non-profit organisation based in Bristol, is making the film in partnership with Bristol City Council.

The film will be screened to schoolchildren in Bristol.

Founder of Murmuration Poppy Villierezz said: "Everything has come together to really inform this film and get the children to speak as the main voice.

Murmuration Community Therapy A mum with her childMurmuration Community Therapy
Ms Villierezz said that her experience with her son inspired her to create the Murmuration support group

"We hear a lot about how neurodivergent children are expected to try and fit into a neurotypical world, and there is support in place to help them do this.

"But there is very little support the other way around for neurotypical children to become more flexible and respectful around other neurotypes."

Murmuration runs mental health courses for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and aims to build a network of parents and reduce isolation.

The council granted funding for the film, which features interviews with neurodivergent people speaking about their experience and how to fit in with the world around them.

Ms Villierezz's son was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition at 18-months old.

Murmuration Community Therapy A mum with her childMurmuration Community Therapy
The council granted funding for the film, which features interviews with neuro-divergent people

She added: "We were told it could result in any type of disability - any and all. He could be non-verbal, he could have learning disabilities, he might not walk, he might have many medical complications.

"I just felt completely thrown off the beaten-track of typical parenting and really alone."

Ms Villierezz said that her experience with her son inspired her to create the Murmuration organisation.

Neurodivergence includes a range of conditions including attention deficit disorders, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Around 1 in 7 people, or 15% of people, have some form of neuro-divergence.

Ms Villierezz hopes the film will invite children to work together and consider how to be more welcoming and inclusive of their neurodivergent peers.

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