What is neurodiversity week?
Once upon a time (okay, not that long ago), the world expected everyone to think, learn, and experience life in the exact same way. But here’s the thing — brains aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Enter Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative designed to recognise and embrace the incredible diversity of human minds.
Founded by neurodivergent advocate Siena Castellon, this movement challenges outdated stereotypes and shifts the focus from “fixing” differences to embracing them.
Whether we’re talking about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or other forms of neurodivergence, this week is all about understanding, appreciating, and empowering neurodivergent individuals.
But Neurodiversity Week isn’t just for those who identify as neurodivergent – it’s for everyone. It’s a chance to create a world where schools, workplaces, and communities truly value different ways of thinking.
If you’re a parent, teacher, employer, or just someone who wants to make the world a little more inclusive, this week is your time to step up.
When is Neurodiversity Week?
Neurodiversity Week takes place every year in March. In 2025, it will run from March 17 to March 23. During this week, schools, workplaces, and organisations worldwide participate in events, discussions, and activities to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals.
The week is packed with opportunities to learn and engage. Schools might hold special assemblies, workshops, or themed lessons to help students understand different ways of thinking. Workplaces can run training sessions, encourage conversations about neurodiversity, or highlight the contributions of neurodivergent employees. Online, there are webinars, panel discussions, and social media campaigns that let people join the conversation from anywhere.
No matter where you are, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help create a more accepting world.
Sign up
Get tailored content based on your week of pregnancy
By signing up, you agree to receiving our Newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Celebrating neurodiversity where you are
Neurodiversity Week is a chance to move beyond empty gestures and instead actively celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
For families, this could mean embracing neurodiversity at home. Parents can take time to learn more about their child’s unique way of thinking, encourage open conversations about neurodivergence, and highlight positive role models who are neurodivergent. Reading books, watching movies with neurodiverse characters, or simply validating a child’s experiences can make a big difference.
Educators can focus on strength-based learning in schools, helping students see the value in thinking differently, even in their learning differences. Activities like problem-solving challenges, creative projects, and interactive quizzes can help students appreciate different learning styles. Peer education is also powerful; encouraging neurodivergent people to share their experiences (if they’re comfortable) can foster understanding and empathy.
Workplaces can celebrate by recognising the contributions of neurodivergent employees. This might mean sharing success stories, promoting workplace adjustments that support diverse thinking styles, or encouraging team discussions around inclusion. Some businesses even take this opportunity to review hiring practices to ensure they’re truly accessible to neurodivergent applicants.
On a broader level, social media plays a huge role in spreading positivity. People can use their platforms to highlight neurodivergent voices, share resources, and challenge misconceptions. Even something as simple as amplifying neurodivergent creators or engaging in discussions can help reshape public perceptions.
Celebration doesn’t have to be grand, it just needs to be genuine. Whether it’s through small conversations or big initiatives, every action taken during Neurodiversity Week helps build a more equitable culture.
How to get involved in Neurodiversity Week
Sign up and access free resources
The best place to start is by signing up through the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website. This gives you access to a range of free resources, including:
- Quizzes and conversation starters
- Educational toolkits for schools and workplaces on how neurodivergent individuals function
- Lesson plans and assemblies for teachers
- Awareness posters and social media graphics
These materials make it simple to start meaningful conversations and spread awareness.
Get schools and workplaces involved
Teachers can bring neurodiversity into lesson plans, organise classroom activities, or invite neurodivergent guest speakers to share their experiences. Schools can also take the opportunity to assess how they support neurodivergent students with things like support groups.
Employers can hold awareness sessions, review hiring policies for inclusivity, or encourage open conversations about neurodiversity among staff and help them celebrate differences.
Recognising and valuing different thinking styles can lead to a more innovative and inclusive work environment.
Share on social media
One of the simplest ways to support the worldwide initiative of Neurodiversity Week is by using your platform to spread awareness.
Whether it’s posting personal experiences, sharing resources, or amplifying neurodivergent voices, social media can be a powerful tool for education and advocacy and challenges stereotypes.
Start conversations in your community
Getting involved in neurodiversity celebration week doesn’t have to be online. Hosting a book club featuring neurodivergent authors, starting a community discussion group, or even just having open conversations with family and friends can help shift mindsets and break down stigma.
No matter how big or small, every action taken during Neurodiversity Week helps create a world that truly values and includes all kinds of minds.
Neurodiversity and the importance of inclusion
Awareness is important, but true progress comes from inclusion. Neurodivergent individuals thrive when schools, workplaces, and society adapt to different ways of thinking rather than forcing people to fit a rigid mould.
In education, flexible teaching methods and strength-based learning help students with neurological differences reach their full potential. In workplaces, embracing neurodiversity leads to innovation, raising awareness, creativity, and fresh problem-solving approaches.
Beyond that, everyday actions — like reducing stigma, increasing representation, and fostering understanding — help create a society where all minds are valued.
Inclusion isn’t just about fairness; it makes the world richer for everyone.
Related Articles
Loved this article?
Share with a friend
