Before we discuss the importance of Neurodiversity Celebration Week for your organisation, let’s clear up what exactly neurodiversity is. Neurodiversity is a word that Judy Singer, an Australian disability activist, coined. Judy singer explains this concept simply with an analogy:

“Just as the concept of biodiversity (which neurodiversity was modelled from) has infinite variations within natural ecosystems, so too does “differences in the brain in neurodiversity have endless variations.

And let’s note that neurodiversity does not disregard mental conditions, as others may think. Instead, it’s a movement to ensure that people with neurodiverse conditions are valued within society and the workplace, and is considered ‘the norm.

In the past, people with neurodiverse conditions were disregarded, and their conditions were considered to be a disability. However, the Neurodiversity movement helped to create a safe space to acknowledge individual differences in the brain & to shun away the stigma around mental health. This is why celebrating neurodiversity is essential.

“Mother nature, in its infinite variations, does not care whether it is benevolent or malefic; similarly, no one chooses his or her biological, mental configuration -it just happens.”

Why celebrate neurodiversity celebration week at your organisation?

It lifts the stigma surrounding neurodiverse conditions in the workplace.

Celebrating neurodiversity celebration week at the workplace means your autistic employee or employee with dyscalculia feels positive and relieved despite all the complicated feelings they are going through. So many neurodiverse employees struggle with Trauma, identity issues & self-esteem issues—such an initiative can be a great way to help them express their concerns safely at work and stake off the pressure of masking their actual condition.

Helps educate employees about different neurodiverse personalities

Celebrating neurodiversity celebration week helps to educate employees about different neurodiverse conditions and allows them to learn from each other. This helps clear misconceptions & negative view of neurodiversity within the organisation and encourage an understanding of differences without judgement. It helps address questions like “why do I perceive them as arrogant? Is it because they don’t smile or make eye contact?” Therefore, it can help challenge misconceptions and reduce stigma.

It helps clear the issue of “unfairness” around adjustments

Only some people know neurodiverse people need more time, extra help and adjustments made. And as such, others may view your decision to offer flexible working hours to people with disability as unfair or biased. However, Celebrating neurodiversity celebration week helps to reshape the idea of fairness around these issues. It is an opportunity for managers to bring attention to the fact that neurodiverse employees may need extra support in some areas, to help alleviate their challenges and develop their strengths.

It helps reinforce zero-tolerance policies for bullying and discrimination

It’s hard to express the importance of workplace bullying or discrimination and ensure that everyone takes it seriously. Celebrating neurodiversity celebration week helps to emphasise that people with disability have the right to work, should be treated with respect and that any form of bullying or discrimination won’t be tolerated. It’s an opportunity to ensure an inclusive environment at the workplace, where everyone has the right to share their opinion without fear of judgement or repercussions.

Therefore, celebrating neurodiversity celebration week is a powerful way for your organisation to show its commitment towards fostering an inclusive workplace and creating an environment where people with disability are respected and accepted. It helps reduce stigma around mental health and allows us to recognise individual differences, celebrate them and bridge the gap between employees with different backgrounds and experiences.