Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Understanding diverse minds, embracing unique perspectives, neurodiversity celebrates the richness of human cognition and experiences.
Position your organization as neurodiversity-inclusive by highlighting workplace accommodations, accessible products, and talent development programs that celebrate diverse cognitive strengths.
- Spotlight employee stories: How neurodivergent team members bring unique problem-solving and creative talents to your organization
- Educational resource hub: Share free guides on neurodiversity awareness and workplace/school accommodations
- Inclusive hiring campaign: Promote neurodiversity recruitment initiatives and challenge hiring biases
- Panel discussion or webinar: Host experts discussing ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia in professional and educational settings
The term “neurodiversity” was first used in 1998 by Australian sociologist Judy Singer. Later that year the term was brought to the forefront of culture when Harvey Blume wrote an article in The Atlantic that increased momentum for knowledge and awareness.
Including the autism spectrum and ADHD, as well as dyslexia and dyspraxia, neurodiversity acts as a framework to help with understanding the functioning of the human brain. It is important to understand that neurodivergence is not the same as a disability, but may still require accommodation in schools, the workplace and other spaces. In addition, it is important to recognize the wide range of strengths and talents that come from thinking and perceiving the world in a different way.
Founded in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week was the idea of Siena Castellon, an author and advocate of neurodiversity awareness. As an autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic person with ADHD, Castellon started advocacy work at the young age of 13 and has focused her work on finding resources to support neurodivergent students in a variety of ways. Her hope is that this type of awareness event will help to “change the way that learning differences are perceived.”
Since its inaugural event, Neurodiversity Celebration Week has increased in scope and popularity, growing into a worldwide event that includes thousands of schools, organizations and nonprofits that are working together to support people with neurodivergence.
Raise Neurodiversity Awareness
An excellent way to get involved with Neurodiversity Celebration Week is to increase awareness about neurodiversity and break the stigmas that are often associated with it. From dyslexia and dyspraxia to ADHD and autism spectrum, and so much more, this event focuses on celebrating the unique aspects and talents that individuals with neurodiversity bring to the world! Schools, universities, parents, students, and organizations can all get involved with awareness campaigns, social media posts, and much more using resources provided on the Neurodiversity Week website. Learn More About NeurodiversityOne of the most important ways to join in with Neurodiversity Celebration Week is to work toward becoming more informed about the various factors related to neurodivergence and neurodiversity. Head over to the library to pick up some books or do some online research. Get started with some of these facts that are a good start for learning and sharing:90% of disabilities can’t be seen from an outside perspective10% of the population are dyslexic5% of the population have ADHD5% of the population are dyspraxic
Join Neurodiversity Celebration Week Events
The organizers of Neurodiversity Celebration Week offer a range of free events that include various educational and celebratory activities, such as panel discussions, webinars, and other opportunities to encourage discussions around the topic of neurodiversity. Check out the day’s official website for more resources and information.