Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (NCW) is a worldwide initiative, which began in 2018, driven by the experiences of one autistic teenager with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Siena Castellon, founder of NCW, had a desire to change the way that learning differences are thought about. She channeled this passion into setting up a week of talk, events and celebrations, aiming to create a more balanced view of neurodiversity, focusing on strengths and talents as well as the challenges which some neurodiverse people face.
Siena Castellon has also written a great book called The Ultimate Go-To Guide for Autistic Teenage Girls. You can find out more about it and other great books on the Autistic Girls Network website.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week’s mission
To achieve this mission, there is a wealth of information, resources and events available to all from the NCW website. In the schools section, there are sets of posters for a range of neurodiversities, which can be displayed to provide talking points. Did you know that Keira Knightley (actor) is dyslexic or that Florence Welch (singer from Florence and the Machine) is dyspraxic and that Will. I. Am (singer/producer) has ADHD?
Resources for schools
Under the schools resources section, there is a multitude of information, with links to download factsheets, videos, checklists and guidance, under the different headings of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Tourette Syndrome. There are links to PowerPoint presentations, with different versions suitable for primary schools, secondary schools or at universities. These could be used with groups of students, in classes, or in whole school assemblies.
Events to help celebrate
During NCW, there is also a packed schedule of online events taking place, all of which are free to attend. From introductory webinars to panel discussions, to talks and presentations, there is something for everyone.
You can find the schedule here and sign up for as many events as you wish.
Valuing neurodiversity
As an organisation, CENMAC values the strengths that neurodiverse individuals bring to our team, and are proud to be neuro-inclusive.
There is a wealth of resources on the NCW website to support businesses and organisations in understanding various neurodiversities and some useful guides on how to support neurodiversity in the workplace.
We hope to see you online at some of the events during NCW and look forward to celebrating all of the different kinds of minds there are.
Author: Mary Long, CENMAC Deputy Team Leader
