Neurodiversity Celebration Week 18-24 March
A worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions, Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of neurological conditions, from autism and ADHD to dyslexia and dyspraxia. Neurodiverse people do not need to be “cured”, but rather their unique skills and abilities should be recognised and celebrated.
Neurodivergence isn’t a mental health problem. Just because something is different doesn’t mean it’s wrong, and neurodivergent people can see the world in a way and solve problems that neurotypical people may struggle with.
But neurodiverse people often face challenges in the workplace, particularly those spaces which are designed for neurotypical people. This extends beyond the physical environment and includes job design and work tasks.
The Neurodiversity Celebration Week website includes information about a full programme of free, online events that will run throughout the week with everything from "neuro-inclusive language and communication", "neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ - the double rainbow" to "late-discovered autism and the menopause" and empowering neurodivergent women in the workplace. There is also a session for parents and carers.
You can read Katherine Patterson’s blog on Fitting into a world that disables me and Austin Harney’s blog on reasonable adjustments.