15 March 2024

Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by recognising and celebrating the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

See the below schedule of events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024.  The discussions will all be focussing on key neurodiversity topics, and aim to educate while inspiring conversations about neurodiversity. All events are free of charge and open to all. Please do sign up to as many events as you like and share with your networks, so we can all join together in celebrating different minds!

Find out more on Neurodiversity Celebration Week's website or see the below drop downs.

Below are some top tips on how to make meetings neurodiverse friendly.

Tips for all meeting types

  • Give plenty of notice for the meeting 
  • Inform staff members what is expected of them during the meeting and if they need to prepare anything in advance  
  • Have a clear agenda with timings. Make sure enough time is booked for the meeting including regular breaks
  • Ask staff members if they need any reasonable adjustments such as the formatting of papers or slides, easy read, audio or film versions of handouts, paper work printed on coloured paper or changing background colours on presentation slides.
  • Share essential reading well in advance of meetings highlighting important parts
  • Give instructions one at a time, slowly and clearly without distractions
  • The chair of the meeting should ensure that only person talks at a time as someone who is neurodiverse can find it harder to recall to their point when interrupted
  • Avoid interrupting a person who is writing, allow the person to pause and write down what they need to before asking your question or changing topics
  • Share minutes or instructions as soon as possible after the meeting remembering to accommodate for any reasonable adjustments
  • Ensure there is the opportunity to ask questions after the meeting.

In person meetings

  • Make sure there is a quiet space available for the meeting away from distractions such as doors, phones, or loud machinery
  • If you are using a new meeting place give staff members the opportunity to see the meeting room before
  • Think about room set up, don’t block the exit, make it easy for people to leave if they need to
  • Allow staff members the choice to stand or sit during meetings.

Virtual meetings

  • Record the meeting so team members can watch back afterwards
  • Avoid the use of distracting backgrounds
  • Ask staff members to turn on the audio cancelling function in teams or stay on mute to reduce any distracting background noise
  • Make sure the close caption (subtitles) option is available
  • Ensure that any comments in the chat function are read out verbally.

  • The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
  • CPD Learning Disability Awareness

Find out more about these mandatory training opportunities on ESR.

Happily different

A morning at the hairdressers was anything but relaxing for Caroline Keep. As a child she was super sensitive to having her hair brushed or plaited. “For me it was like having a root canal treatment,” she recalls.

Many years later, an assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) suggested she would benefit from being assessed for autism.

Continue reading in our MC Magazine.

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I've never been happier

After 28 years living in a world of confusion and frustration, Linton Jonas was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and given the right support. Eight years on he’s loving life.

Read Linton's story in our MC Magazine.

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This is me

Autism Spectrum Condition is a lifelong condition that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. It is described as a ‘spectrum disorder’ because it affects people in many ways and to varying degrees. As social media and access to information increases so does the demand for professional help.

Christine McGuinness, who featured in a documentary about her autistic children, found out she had the condition at 34.

Hear more from Christine in our MC Magazine.

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My life began at 40

Lori Lloyd lived with undiagnosed ADHD for years. She tells how getting help changed her life.

Everything I did was on impulse, and nothing lasted, including relationships –I married three times in six years. My last marriage was to the solicitor looking after my second divorce!

Continue reading Lori's story in our MC Magazine.

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I didn't let it hold me back

John Sloan, 49, is a social work apprentice studying for a Bachelor of Science degree. After being diagnosed with dyslexia, John strived to keep learning. “Back in the day I didn’t enjoy school but understanding my diagnosis and getting solid practical support from Mersey Care has made learning as an adult much easier.”

Read John's story in our MC Magazine.

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As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Maisy shares her personal experience of living with autism.

Maisy is a qualified social worker and joined Mersey Care's BABS service in the role of a CYP IAPT Trainee in 2024. Maisy will soon be moving over to work in CAMHS as a Senior Mental Health practitioner.

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My experience of autism, by Maisy Culley

From as early as I can remember, I always felt different. I was the one who cried when separated from my main care giver; I was told I should go play with other children, but I just wanted to be by myself. I was called miserable and spoilt by those around me. Everyone used to look at me like I was strange.

I complained of smells, colours, the way clothes felt, and the uncomfortableness of being me. I couldn’t understand jokes. I would hide in social situations, and people would question why.

I presented with poor mental health throughout my teenage years. I just wanted to be part of something and tried my best to socialise, but still got told ‘’you’re quiet, you need to make friends’’ - I thought I was; but throughout school people took advantage of me, I was bullied and called a “baby”.

I was late diagnosed with autism at 22. This was a relief as I finally understood why I was different, but now I know I will have to deal with these problems for the rest of my life.

I am still on a journey of accepting myself for who I am and the superpowers I have. Yes, I am hypersensitive and have debilitating anxiety, but I now have control of finding what works for me and what doesn’t.

I always got told I wouldn’t be able to have a professional career due to my ‘’problems’’, however I find that I am able to empathise with individuals on a completely different level. I am the expert by experience and my experience is the reason I am now in the profession I am in. I still have my daily struggles; however these are my superpowers.

I am not afraid to tell people I am autistic, and I want to continue to be an advocate for those who are going through an assessment, have a diagnosis and for those who, like me, are continuing on their journey of acceptance.

It’s hard for neurodivergent individuals to fit into a neurotypical world, however, now is the time for a neurotypical society to adapt to us.

Key things to remember about autism

  • You can be autistic and have great emotional awareness
  • You can be autistic and have friends
  • You can autistic and a professional
  • You can be autistic and have children
  • You can be autistic and be verbally articulate.

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