Special Event Issue: Get Ready for Neurodiversity Celebration Week
March 17 to 23 is packed with events on Neurodiversity and Inclusion.
It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week!
Next week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, where we celebrate the plethora of neurotypes. Head on over to the Neurodiversity Week event page or browse my event recommendations below.
Monday
Introduction to Neurodiversity
If you don’t know where to start, start here!
Join us for the inaugural session of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we delve into the vibrant world of neurodiverse experiences. This session is designed to inspire and educate through a mosaic of personal journeys. We've curated a lineup of guests that focuses on positive narratives and triumphs over challenges within the neurodiverse community.
Tuesday
Empowering Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Join Professor Amanda Kirby as she chairs a discussion on fostering an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent individuals and discusses the latest findings from the latest City and Guilds Neurodiversity Index for 2025.
Panelists will explore strategies for accommodating different cognitive strengths, overcoming biases, and promoting a culture of understanding. Learn how companies can unlock the full potential of neurodiverse talent while enhancing collaboration and innovation.
Wednesday
What makes Spaces and Places Neuroinclusive in Further and Higher Education?
As much as we talk about workplace inclusion of neurodivergent individuals, we also need to consider the qualification process and how to get them into employment.
In spite of a long term focus on study and workspaces in education to be physically accessible there is a lack of focus on neuroinclusive spaces. One of the 4 key findings of the DSUK research on the Doctoral Student experience published in 2024 which noted the challenge for neurodivergent students in accessing open plan workspaces as well as some study spaces due to issues with lighting, acoustics, electronic noise, patterns of furniture and flooring to give a few examples.
Thursday
Neurodiversity Around the World
Neurodiversity has landed on the global stage, but accurate knowledge and efforts to increase the inclusion of neurodivergent people have not propelled forward. Neurodiversity must be discussed in global policy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, and, in some regions, necessary access to care and education.
This panel on Global Perspectives aims to bring together international perspectives on the progress of neuroinclusion worldwide to create a rich discussion on how to continue to create a more neuroinclusive world for all.
Friday
Is the Business World Leading Society on NeuroInclusion?
Backed by the latest academic research, the panel will be discussing the best ways to implement 'Neurodiversity at Work' programmes, reduce stigma, improve retention and implement effective workplace adjustments.
This panel firmly believes that creating a neuroinclusive environment benefits businesses and that the corporate world is currently leading society. We look forward to discussing and debating this topic, and learning from leaders across the corporate world.
I am really looking forward to this panel because I do believe that the business case is currently driving NeuroInclusion, but I am also a tad bit cynical about it. There is a lot of talk about Neurodiversity as a game-changer for successful teams, which on one hand is great for reducing bias against ND candidates, but on the other hand ties the approval of Neurodivergence to productivity and output.
I think the conversation is so focused on maximizing productivity that it forgets to mention the necessary workplace accommodations that lead to all those benefits of team resilience, effective communication, and productivity. We can’t forget that NeuroInclusion outside the workplace is just as necessary for a healthy and thriving society.
