Sparkly People aims to support emotional wellbeing and inclusion.

The project encourages children and adults to recognise that people experience the world in different ways, and that these differences can bring both strengths and challenges.

The stories explore:

• emotional awareness

• empathy and kindness

• understanding differences

• protecting personal wellbeing

This approach reflects the wider educational focus on supporting mental health, neurodiversity and inclusive practice in schools.

Sparkly People is designed to complement the goals of inclusive education frameworks such as the

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice

which emphasises supporting children’s wellbeing, participation and individual strengths.

Sparkly People celebrates the many ways brains and emotions can work, supporting understanding, kindness and wellbeing.

What is Sparkly People?

Sparkly People is a creative storytelling project celebrating people who experience the world deeply.

Sparkly People often experience the World in beautifully different ways.

Many have what we call sparkly brains - brains that notice patterns, colours, ideas and feelings very deeply.

Some have sparkly bodies that move, twitch or make sounds in unexpected ways.

Many of these sparkly brains and bodies are what some adults call neurodivergent, including autistic people, people with ADHD, Tourette’s, Dyslexia and other wonderfully different ways of being.

Sparkly People stories focus on:

• imagination

• emotional depth

• noticing patterns and details

• kindness and empathy

• protecting your own sparkle

The stories are designed to help people feel understood and valued.

Important note

Sparkly People is a creative project, not a diagnostic tool.

The stories explore feelings and experiences that some neurodivergent people may recognise, but they are not intended to diagnose or label anyone.

If you have concerns about a child or young person’s wellbeing, please seek advice from a qualified professional.

Where to get support

If you need support or information you may find these organisations helpful:

• National Autistic Society

• NHS link ADHD 

• Young Minds

Our approach

Sparkly People uses neurodiversity-affirming language.

This means recognising that differences in how people think, feel and experience the world are part of human diversity.

Many Sparkly People experience:

• strong emotions

• creativity and imagination

• sensitivity to the world around them

• deep empathy

These qualities can be both strengths and challenges, and the stories aim to honour both