Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity recognizes that everyone experiences the world differently but it can sometimes be challenging to get the world to acknowledge that it’s okay to be different! Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to be more inclusive, recognizing and accepting the differences in the same way as any other human variation. 

History of Neurodiversity Celebration Week

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. 

How to Celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Take some time to celebrate and learn more by getting involved with Neurodiversity Celebration Week with some of these ideas and activities:

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. 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 Neurodiversity

One 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 perspective
• 10% of the population are dyslexic
• 5% of the population have ADHD
• 5% 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 website for more resources and information.