A 10-year-old Guide from Earley has launched a campaign to educate other children about neurodiversity.
Abbie Shakespeare is autistic and is raising awareness because she feels many don’t understand what it is or how it affects people.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe a range of neurological differences including autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and Tourette’s.
She says she was inspired to make a difference and get her voice heard in a bid to earn her Campaigning badge at Guides.
“I wanted to earn my Campaigning badge at Guides because it’s really important to me to teach people about neurodiversity,” said Abbie, who is a member of 1st Shinfield Guides. “It’s something that people don’t really talk about.
“A lot of people who have these conditions struggle, and it’s not easy for them. Some people think I’m weird, but I know it’s ok to be different. It would be really boring if everyone was the same.”
Diagnosed with autism when she was six, Abbie is classed as high functioning.
“Autism means your brain is wired differently,” she said. “Some children with the condition can’t even talk, so I want to use my voice on their behalf to explain more about it.”
The Campaigning badge encourages Guides – the section of Girlguiding for girls aged 10 to 14 – to try and get their voices heard by people in power, and make change happen.
While Abbie is planning to deliver a presentation to her fellow pupils at Hawkedon Primary in Lower Earley to earn her badge, she doesn’t feel confident enough to stand up in assembly.
So instead she has recorded a video presentation for them to watch which will be shown during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which runs from March 13-19.
Within her presentation, Abbie shares advice on how to help children with autism. Her tips include being patient, inviting them to join in games, and offering a friendly smile.
Abbie’s mum Andrea Pollard said: “1st Shinfield Guides have been very welcoming and treated Abbie just like anyone else. She loves trying the activities and has made new friends there.
“Working towards her Campaigning badge has really empowered Abbie to say it’s OK to be different. It’s given her the ability to speak more openly instead of her masking ‘normal’ behaviour which can be incredibly exhausting.
“I am super proud of her as she is making a huge impact on our local community. Earning badges at Guides gives Abbie an enormous sense of achievement.”
Campaigning is one of nearly 100 badges that girls can work towards at Guides, with other examples including Photography, Geocaching and Human Rights.
Leader of 1st Shinfield Guides Christine Batchelor said: “We have been very impressed by all the hard work Abbie has put into earning her Campaigning badge.
“She will educate so many people as a result and I’m sure she will inspire lasting change. Abbie has settled into the unit brilliantly and it’s great to hear how much she enjoys being part of the unit.”
