Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18-24 March) is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is about recognising that everyone’s brain works differently.
Neurodiversity is based on the concept that neurological variances should be recognised and respected just like any other human variation, such as gender, race or sexual orientation.
Some of the different ways of thinking, learning, interacting and perceiving the world have been given labels, such as:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
Neurological differences in the way that our brains are wired means that you may find some things challenging that others find easy. You may also find things easy that other people find challenging.
Around 15-20% of all the people in the world are thought to have a neurodivergence. No two people will experience this in the same way.
There are lots of famous and successful people who are neurodivergent, including Will.i.am, Ryan Gosling, Greta Thunberg, Daniel Radcliffe, Bill Gates and Billie Eilish.
Neurodiversity support and resources at Kent:
- Student Support and Wellbeing have friendly, expert staff who can provide support with managing and embracing neurodiversity (including autism and learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD) to help you access learning and thrive at Kent. Meet the team and find out more.
- See the Library’s reading list on neurodiversity with print and digital books as well as useful podcasts and websites.
- Discover accessibility services that make learning and studying easier in the library.
- Browse tools to help stay focused, organise yourself or assist with accessing content you need.
- The Student Learning Advisory Service staff are also undertaking additional training to make sure they can fully support neuro-divergent students.
- At Kent there is a student Accessibility Network which is for anyone with accessibility needs and campaigns for community, inclusion and education.
- You can also explore Kent Union’s curiosity hub for a collection of books, videos, podcasts and much more.
Upcoming events:
- Neuro-Insurgence: Open Mic Night at the Gulbenkian on 4 April, 19:00-22:00
- Autism Model Making Club on Wednesday 20 March – a weekly social club for autistic students who enjoy making and painting models.
- There are a number of free, online talks being held by the national organisation. You can check out the events schedule on the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website.