Neurodiversity celebration week 2024
15 Mar 2024
Celebrating the talents and strengths of our neurodivergent community
Monday, 18 to Sunday, 24 March marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative working to transform the way neurodivergent people are perceived and to recognise the many advantages and talents that come with neurodiversity. This week is the perfect opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity and how we can support neurodiverse colleagues/friends and family members. Though there are challenges that come with being neurodiverse in a world made for neurotypical people, neurodiversity brings advantages and talents which are often overlooked. According to the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website, approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. If you want to find out more, have a look at the ‘What is Neurodiversity?’ page.
At the University , we are working to create a sense of belonging for all our staff and to celebrate and cultivate diversity. With diversity of people comes diversity of thought which benefits all of us and leads to greater inclusion and belonging.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 Events
Neurodiversity Celebration Week have a full schedule of online webinars and panel discussions throughout the week aimed to educate and encourage discussions around neurodiversity.
- For more information visit Neurodiversity Celebration Week event programme.
Neurodivergent wellbeing
Neurodiverse people can experience increased negative impacts on their mental wellbeing. Differences in interacting with the world, negative or unhelpful attitudes from others, barriers to accessing support and the stress of 'masking' (acting neurotypically in order to avoid negativity) are some examples of negative impacts on neurodiverse people’s wellbeing that can occur. As colleagues, friends, and family members, we can take steps to understanding and supporting neurodivergent people, who are navigating a neurotypical world.
To explore this further, the Colleague Wellbeing Team in collaboration with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team are organising a webinar for the end of April that will discuss and explore neurodivergent wellbeing. Pease do check back on this news article in the coming week for further details.
Support at the University
- If you are Neurodiverse (diagnosed or not), we have the Neurodiversity Network which is a network for Neurodiverse Staff to share upcoming events and talk about their experiences;
- We also have the Disability Advisory and Support Service who can provide further information on support available at the University;
- You can also contact the EDI Team with any queries: equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk.