Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. It is an opportunity for universities to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate difference and empower every individual.

Individuals think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. Regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. 

‘Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits’. (Baumer, Frueh, 2021).

Getting involved:

The Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 events schedule includes a range of introductory webinars, panel discussions and more, designed to educate and inspire conversations about neurodiversity. All events are free to attend and open to all.

Neurodiversity Staff Network workshop event:

Monday 18^th March 12-2pm Online Self-advocacy Workshop from Diversity and Ability 

The session aims to support neurodivergent staff in building confidence and communication strategies to navigate systems to access accommodations. The network are launching a neurodiversity programme including talks and training sessions for cross-network members as we recognised that neurodiversity is all year long.

Please use the link above to book tickets.

Workshop: How can we support, engage and include neurodivergent students?

Thursday 21 March 11:30 until 13:00

University of Sussex Campus

Target audience: Academic staff (especially teaching faculty)

This workshop will comprise of three short talks followed by a panel Q & A:
Sophie Anns will discuss her project 'Academic Learning Experiences of Autistic Students and how to support them'.
Gavin Mensah-Coker will discuss his project on the intersection of neurodiversity and ethnicity.
Sophie Forster will discuss evidence-based strategies to engage attention in lectures (and why failure to do so excludes neurodivergent students).

For more information and to register for the event please visit the event page.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week Drop-in at the Library

The Library is holding a drop-in space to celebrate neurodiversity in the Wellbeing area. Visitors are invited to explore a vibrant display filled with information, activities, and resources that showcase the strengths of diverse neurological differences, fostering a creative approach to learning and life.

Attendees are encouraged to drop by at any time during the week to engage with the display, explore available resources, and contribute suggestions for a more inclusive environment. Through this initiative, the Library strives to empower individuals, celebrate differences, and foster a culture of acceptance and appreciation.

Further resources:

• Neurodiversity Celebration Week Resources Hub
• A recent study published in the journal Neurodiversity, by Dr Lisa Quadt, autistic Research Fellow in Clinical Neuroscience at BSMS, and Palwasha Najeeb, a fifth-year medical student at BSMS, challenge the traditional deficit-based perspective by adopting a ‘neurodiversity-affirming’ approach:  ‘Unlocking autistic wellbeing: A new perspective emerges from research’

Support and information for Staff:

Introduction to Neurodiversity training is available to all staff on Learnupon Search ‘neurodiversity’ on the Learnupon catalogue to access this training.

Neurodiversity: An Introduction (Full Course or Short Film)

A 30-minute video-based online training course (or 13-minute brief overview film) that looks at the strengths that neurodivergent thinkers can bring to organisations and the challenges they face in the workplace. It also explores strategies and inclusive practices to create the best possible conditions for neurodivergent thinkers to thrive in the workplace. This training is recommended for managers and supervisors, but open to all Sussex staff.

Neurodiversity Staff Support Network

The Neurodiversity Staff Support Network aims to support staff who identify with neurodivergence or curious about neurodivergence. Neurodivergence sits across social identity and medical conditions that includes but 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 Network or would like further information about the Network, please e-mail ndstaffnetwork_admin@sussex.ac.uk

Support for 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.

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