Neurodiversity Celebration Week, taking place from the 18th to the 24th of March 2024, is an annual observance to raise awareness about neurodiversity, challenge stigma, and foster inclusion to embrace the strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.
Origins of Neurodiversity Celebration Week
“I founded Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2018 because I wanted to change the way learning differences are perceived. As a teenager who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, my experience has been that people often focus on the challenges of neurological diversity. I wanted to change the narrative and create a balanced view which focuses equally on our talents and strengths.”
Siena Castellon, Founder of Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Importance of Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week has three key objectives:
- Increase Acceptance and Understanding
- Provide Education
- Celebrate Neurodiversity
What is Neurodiversity?
“Very simply, neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information…
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe a number of these variations.
It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have some kind of neuro difference.
You may have heard of many of these types of neurodiversity:
- Autism, or Autism Spectrum Conditions
- ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder
- Dyscalculia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)”
Read more here
Ways to Demonstrate Inclusion and Allyship to Neurodivergent Colleagues in the Workplace
It is important to create an environment that is supportive and inclusive of neurodivergent colleagues.
Promote Awareness and Understanding
- Educate yourself and others about neurodiversity
- Encourage respectful, open discussions about neurodiversity in the workplace to promote understanding and acceptance
Accommodate Individual Needs
- Advocate for workplace accommodations that support the needs of neurodivergent employees, such as flexible work arrangements, quiet spaces, or assistive technologies
- Implement inclusive hiring and onboarding practices that consider the needs and potential of neurodivergent candidates
Respect and Validate Differences
- Respect the communication and sensory preferences of neurodivergent colleagues, and be mindful of creating an inclusive and sensory-friendly work environment
- Provide opportunities for neurodivergent employees to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to projects
Offer Support and Resources
- Offer support networks and resources for neurodivergent employees, such as mentorship programmes, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), or access to neurodiversity-specific training and development opportunities
- Create a culture where asking for and receiving support is normalised and encouraged
Actively Advocate for Inclusion
- Advocate for inclusive policies and practices that support neurodiversity in the workplace, including anti-discrimination measures
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a reminder of the importance of embracing neurodiversity and creating inclusive workplaces that celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of all individuals.
Further Resources and Reading:
The official Neurodiversity Celebration Week website: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
A guide from University College London on asking for reasonable adjustments for neurodiversity
The Neurodiversity Toolkit from the Business Disability Forum
Neurodiversity in Business website – https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org/
Recordings of our Webinars from 2023 Neurodiversity Celebration Week:
