Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) is an initiative that reminds us to challenge bias, stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It challenges organisations and individuals to create more equitable and inclusive cultures that empower individuals, whilst recognising and celebrating the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals.

This year’s national theme, “From Awareness to Action: Making Organisational Change Happen,” places the focus on systems, structures, and leadership. It calls on institutions to move beyond general awareness raising and take tangible steps that embed neuroinclusive practice into policies, procedures, and everyday behaviours.

Find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

This April is also Autism Acceptance Month. Autism is a neurological difference (and social identity) influencing how people experience and interact with the world. Autism affects people differently. To quote Dr Stephen Shore, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”

Autism Acceptance Month is an opportunity for us to build genuine acceptance and understanding, and to take meaningful action that helps create environments where autistic people are empowered and able to thrive.

Find more information and access free resources, toolkits and research about Autism at Autistica and The National Autistic Society. Sign up to find out more about a live webinar in April exploring how small changes can make a big impact in the workplace, hosted by the National Autistic Society.

Staff

The Neurodiversity Staff Support Network aims to support staff (including Doctoral Researchers, Faculty and Professional Services) who identify with neurodivergence or are curious about neurodivergence. Neurodivergence sits across social identity and medical conditions that includes, but is not limited to, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia.

The network operates and meets predominantly through Microsoft Teams where staff are able to connect with each other, share helpful resources and provide peer support.

If you would like to join the staff network or would like further information about the network, please e-mail co-chairs Maria Bishop, Cécile Chevalier, and Darren Payne at ndstaffnetwork_admin@sussex.ac.uk.

Upcoming Monthly Themed Meetings

Hosted on Microsoft Teams, these informal sessions offer peer support, shared reflection, and community connection. A formal diagnosis is not required, and attendees are welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable.             

• 22 April, 1–2pm - Diagnosis, self-identification, barriers and hopes             
• 22 May, 1–2pm - Workload management and applying for reasonable adjustments           
• 17 June, 1–2pm - Workplace ‘belonging’ & neurodivergent staff experiences

These meetings are intentionally low-pressure, camera optional, and unchaired to ensure everyone can contribute equitably. The Network also emphasises that there is no need to disclose diagnosis, and concerns raised in the group can be anonymously shared with the EDI Unit where appropriate.

Staff can access support regarding workplace adjustments, assistive technology and health and wellbeing services at Sussex. 

Students

Students can also find out more about reasonable adjustments, assistive technology and health, support and wellbeing services available at Sussex.

Neurodivergent Researchers and Supervisors Canvas page, previously developed by members of the student Neurodiversity Society and the Doctoral School. On this page, you’ll find a range of resources and information related to understanding and supporting neurodiversity in academia.

The student Neurodiversity Society is being re-established to provide a visible welcome and peer support opportunities for neurodivergent students. Students who would like to get involved are encouraged to contact Roz De’Auth. 

Spotlight on Sussex Projects

Neurodiversity Forum - Call for Contribution

The Neurodiversity Staff Network is organising a forum to share work on neurodiversity and neurodivergence across the University of Sussex. We are seeking contributions in research, teaching & learning and staff & student support, to increase the visibility of existing activity and strengthen awareness of neurodiversity beyond our community.

Who can contribute?

We welcome expressions of interest from all staff and students at the University of Sussex.

What and how?

Contributions could connect in some way to neurodiversity or neurodivergence. The forum will be organised into three sections: Research, Teaching & Learning practice, Staff & Students support. The format can be a poster, a panel, a discussion, digital work, or other suggestions you may have. To contribute, email Cecile at nds_admin@sussex.ac.uk the following:

• The project title:
• Team/individual name:
• Category: [ ] Research, [ ] Teaching practice, [ ] Staff support
• Format (poster, discussion, etc)
• Summary (brief – 100–300 words) - how does it support neurodiversity or neurodivergence?

Important dates & location

• Call for contribution deadline: 30 April 2026, 4pm
• Neurodiversity Forum: June 10th, 2026 – time tbc
• Location: Library

Different Strokes: Celebrating Neurodiversity through creativity - Led by Rebecca Worthy and Tiffany Murphy. Thursday 19th March, Festival of Ideas, all day event at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts. 

Weaving the Neurodivergent Brain-Body Together - Sussex School for Progressive Futures Events at ACCA Part of the series: Festival of Ideas. Wed 18th of March

COALESCE is a research group bringing together autistic people, educators, researchers and community partners to explore inclusive learning, creativity, and co-production.

BendyBrain YouTube Series – by Dr Jessica Eccles is a series of interviews and discussions exploring connections between hypermobility, neurodivergence and associated health conditions.

ACoRNS (Autism Community Research Network Sussex) – a partnership between researchers and local stakeholders improving support for autistic children and families. 

In Brighton

Neurodivergent Group – The Clare Project Drop-in group for people who are autistic/neurodivergent and also trans, non-binary, intersex, gender-variant or questioning. A chance to connect with each other, chat and receive support. (First Monday of the Month) 2:30-4:30pm

NeuroCurious:  An Evening event at PLATF9RM Hove exploring neurodiversity and how to better support neurodivergent people in life and work; includes explicit accessibility measures such as a quiet room and fidget library. NeuroCurious: 3rd Edition. 23 April 2026

ADHD Aware provide a range of ADHD peer support group meetings each month online and in person, for ADHD adults, their partners, and parents of ADHD children / young adults.

 Neurodiversity UK  (Access to work support group. Third Wednesday of the month, 7pm-8.30pm) 

Further Resources & Reading

Recommended by the Neurodiversity Staff Network

• Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism – Robert Chapman
• Bodyminds Reimagined – Sami Schalk
• Embrace Autism – Workplace accommodations for autism & AuDHD - A website offering a thorough look at  accommodations and adjustments

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