Neurodiversity Celebration Week

13 March 2023General News

Neurodiversity Celebration Week – from 13th – 19th March 2023 – was founded in 2018 to celebrate neurodiversity and to challenge the way learning differences are perceived across school, work, and persons lives. The celebration week is to promote understanding of strengths and talents, not just on where those with learning differences may ‘fall short’. Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference.

Terminology

Neurodiversity acknowledges the full spectrum of brain differences made up of both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Whereas neurotypical could describe those whose brain functions, processes information and behaviours are seen as ‘standard’, neurodivergent would therefore encompass those whose neurological conditions mean they do not consider themselves neurotypical. It should be noted that some individuals would still describe themselves as ‘neurodiverse’ but it’s now more common to use ‘neurodivergent’ when talking about ‘not neurotypical’.

Neurodiversity, then, celebrates and acknowledges our differences and acts as a term to encourage inclusivity across all, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent. As organisations move to celebrate diversity it seems only natural that this should include neurodiversity, too!

Inclusive Practices

Organisations can and are required to support those with neurodivergent conditions – such as Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia etc. We’ve included some suggestions to aid with supporting neurodiversity below.

Ways to support:

  • Inclusive interview practices – such as sharing questions up front, allowing note-taking, or sharing written questions at the interview
  • Software to help with writing/ reading, such as speak-to-write software
  • Flexible working patterns
  • Opportunity to work from home or with headphones in overwhelming work environments, such as a busy office