Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024
Approximately 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18 - 24 March) aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences whilst celebrating those who are Neurodivergent.
Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term to describe a range of conditions such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think, move, process information, and communicate differently.
Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, using the term neurodiversity allows us to take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and the challenges they may also face.
There are a range of online events including webinars, panel discussions and Q&As being hosted by Lexxic the official partners of Neurodiversity Celebration Week which aim to explore and discuss a range of important topics relating to neurodiversity.
A full list of the events can be found on the Neurodiversity Celebration week Website.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week events.
Tuesday 19 March
External Q&A session: Neurodiversity at Work Q&A - Ask the experts (online) 08:00-08:45
This free Q&A session is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. Chaired by a neurodiversity expert from Lexxic. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Culture, Community and Class in Neurodiversity - Who Gets Left Behind? (online) 09:30-11:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Disability Services Drop-In (Ground floor, Student Life Building) 12:00-13:00
Our Disability Advisers will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have related to disabilities and the support which may be available to you at university.
External Panel Discussion: The Benefits of Neurodiversity in the Workplace (online) 12:00-13:30
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Creating a Neuro-inclusive Classroom (online) 14:30-16:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Neurodiversity - Fuelling Creative Minds (online) 16:30-18:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Wednesday 20 March
External Q&A session: Neurodiversity at Work Q&A - Ask the experts (online) 08:00-08:45
This free Q&A session is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. Chaired by a neurodiversity expert from Lexxic. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Neurodivergent & LGBTQIA+ - The 'Double Rainbow' Intersection (online) 09:30-11:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Connecting Classrooms to Careers - Neuro-inclusive Tech for Future Leaders (online) 12:00-13:30
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Stories of Autistic Joy Book reading and Q&A with Author/illustrator Miles Nelson (The Curve, TG.03) 13:00-14:00
As part of Neurodivergence celebration week, TU Alumni Miles Nelson (author, illustrator and publisher of three successful books, co-bookshop owner and collaborator with other authors and trans activist), to deliver a reading of his work from the recent and inspiring book ‘Stories of Autistic Joy’. by Laura Kate Dale and 14 other authors from around the globe. This will be followed by a Q&A session. Giving attendees a chance to ask Miles about his personal journey and what lead to this celebration and coming together of unique and diverse artists.
External Panel Discussion: Neurodivergence isn't a Mental Health Problem (online) 14:30-16:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Understanding Neurodiversity as a Family (online) 16:30-18:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Thursday 21 March
External Q&A session: Neurodiversity at Work Q&A - Ask the experts (online) 08:00-08:45
This free Q&A session is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. Chaired by a neurodiversity expert from Lexxic. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Dyslexia in Higher Education Workshop (The Curve, TG.07) 10:00-11:00
A workshop hosted by specialist study skills and strategy tutors Jeni Parker and Laura Edwards providing a brief look at some of the ways dyslexia can present in HE, what it can feel like to experience this, some hints, and tips to help support and a celebration of the positives.
This workshop is open for both students and staff to attend. Please be aware that this workshop has a maximum of 25 spaces, email Disability@tees.ac.uk to book your place.
Staff Training: Disability Support at Teesside University 10:30-11:00
The purpose of the training is to provide an overview of Disability Services and support available for students. Training will cover: Eligibility, How students can access support, Supporting students with a Disability, the Student Support Plan Process and how to refer a student for support. Staff can book onto this session via the Learning and Development bookings platform.
External Panel Discussion: Late Discovered Autism & Menopause (online) 12:00-13:30
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Empowering Yourself as a Neurodivergent Woman in the Workplace (online) 14:30-16:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Neurodiversity for Parents & Carers (online) 18:30-20:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Friday 22 March
External Q&A session: Neurodiversity at Work Q&A - Ask the experts (online) 08:00-08:45
This free Q&A session is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. Chaired by a neurodiversity expert from Lexxic. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Neurodiversity - Understanding Alternative Education Provision (online) 09:30-11:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
Autism Support Group Launch (First floor landing, Student Life Building) 10:00-12:00
A session where you can meet with other autistic students providing you with an opportunity to meet, make friends, chat, and talk through issues or concerns. There is no expectation for those who attend to be actively involved in discussion, you can contribute if you would like but equally are welcome to just listen in. There will be activities available for you to engage in such as board games and colouring as well as refreshments. If you are waiting for a diagnostic assessment for autism, the session may be good place to find out from other students about their experiences of the assessment process. Please note that the session is not a therapy group, although there is an element of students supporting each other
External Panel Discussion: The Experiences of Neurodivergent Women & Girls (online) 12:00-13:30
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
External Panel Discussion: Global Perspectives - Neurodiversity around the World (online) 14:30-16:00
This free panel discussion is organised by Neurodiversity Celebration week and is open to anyone. You can find further information on the event and register your attendance here.
