This week, we are incredibly grateful to one of our students who has shown immense courage to share his personal experience of being neurodiverse.
Dre Orr is very open about how having autism adds challenges to his life. His story has been told in a mini-documentary showing how boxing at Newbiggin Boxing Club has helped him step up to face these, gain confidence, and achieve the best from his brilliant talent. The proof of how his coaches, family and friends have helped Dre is clear, not only from the video but in his courage to share his experience with Key Stage 3 at Bede. His video has impressed us and helped us understand that not all disabilities are visible on the outside. Above all, he has shown that simple adjustments for some of us at specific times, are never ‘unfair’ or ‘special treatment’, they are just appropriate support to meet each of us where we are. With Dre’s help, we have more clearly seen that we are all different in certain ways: from our gifts, to our interests, to our physical and neurological design. When this is understood and the right support is found, individuals can turn their challenges into strengths – not just for themselves but our whole community. Dre has certainly done this. In recognition of his courage and example, he has received a Principal’s Commendation. We are very proud to have him as a role model within the Bede and Blyth community.
