Hi, I’m Julie and I’ve been a therapist with Everyturn for 9 years now! I’m based in The Notts Talking Therapies and my role includes CBT therapist, Mindfulness Lead and Teacher and I’m one of our Neurodiversity Champions.
As an Autistic Person, I’m really pleased to have been invited to share with you that this week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
I’d like to share a little bit about why I think this event is so important as well as how you can access the resources and workshops for free!
While there has been a huge shift in understanding Neurodiversity in recent years, there is sadly still so much change needed, before we can understand, support, learn from and celebrate neurodivergent people.
I see this week as a much welcome platform on which we can continue to improve the perception and understanding of what it means to be Neurodivergent.
As with any marginalised group, increased understanding and connection improves us as a society, helping us to be better allies, neighbours, friends, partners, employers, parents and…. well, better humans.
As a mental health service this understanding is even more crucial. While Neurodiversity describes an inherent neurological difference, many of the mental health difficulties experienced by Neurodivergent people arise from a lack of inclusivity – eg a lack of understanding, societal barriers, systemic failings and person-environment mismatch, rather than being attributable to ‘inherent deficits’.
It is therefore our duty to be a part of events such as those taking place this week, if we wish to continue the movement towards inclusivity and wellness for all.
What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week?
Neurodiversity Celebration week is a worldwide event that:
- Challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
- Aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived.
- Seeks to improve the support offered to Neurodivergent individuals across all services.
- Provides huge amounts of up to date information and resources.
- Celebrates the incredible strengths and talents that Neurodivergent people bring to society.
- Continues to push towards creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
Where did it start?
I only got involved last year, but it’s been going for a lot longer.
“I founded Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2018 because I wanted to change the way learning differences are perceived. As a teenager who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, my experience has been that people often focus on the challenges of neurological diversity. I wanted to change the narrative and create a balanced view which focuses equally on our talents and strengths.” …Siena Castellon, Founder
How can I be involved?
There is a week long programme of online events and workshops that you can access here.
These are free to sign up to.
If any of the subjects appeal to you, then click on that tile for more information and to sign up for the individual workshops.
There are also some awesome resources available here.
Quotes from the event organisers
“When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.”
“Together, let’s create a more inclusive world that understands and champions neurodiversity in all its forms.”
“Working together to create a world that understands it takes all kinds of different minds.”
“If we work together there is no limit to the change we can make.”
“It is time to recognise the many strengths and talents that come from thinking and perceiving the world differently”
“By celebrating the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, we can begin the seismic shift of changing the way neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported, empowering them to achieve their potential.”
“Together, we can change the narrative.”
