How Neurodiversity Week Challenges Stereotypes

March 13, 2023

Neurodiversity Celebration Week runs from March 13-19. It is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.

Let’s challenge the stereotypes
We think, move, communicate, and process information in different ways. Neurodiversity is often used as an umbrella term to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD.

From March 13-19 Neurodiversity Celebration Week highlights and celebrates the challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

We’re not all the same

Approximately 15-20% of population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many challenges neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.

Did you know?

• No two people are the same and so we will all have different profiles
• Although we talk about specific neurodifferences such as Autism and Dyslexia, the reality is that these can co-occur
• Every neurodivergent individual has a unique pattern of strengths and challenges
• We tend to operate on an approach to diagnosis and labels which can mean that quite often the focus is on the challenges rather than the many strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals
• It is important that we take a person-centred approach, by tailoring strategies to each individual
• It is important to harness the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, this helps to build confidence and self-esteem, and ensures individuals are given the opportunity to flourish in their day-to-day