Neurodiversity Celebration Week: What is it all about?

BBC News

17-03-2025

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is from 17 - 23 March in 2025. It's when people all over the UK are encouraged to think about and celebrate neurodiversity, as well as challenge stereotypes people might have about it.Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that influence how people communicate with the world around them.It is an umbrella term - a word that sums up lots of different things. It includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette's.Thousands of schools have signed up to take part, to celebrate and raise awareness about what it means to be neurodivergent. Siena Castellon started Neurodiversity Celebration week in 2018, she said: "People often focus on the challenges of neurological diversity. "I wanted to change the narrative and create a balanced view which focuses equally on our talents and strengths."
What does neurodivergent mean?
The word neurodivergent comes from two parts - neurological and divergent.Neurological is a term for things to do with our brain, and divergent is about moving away from a set path.It is a term used for lots of people who have different thinking or communication styles.These include conditions like, autism and ADHD, which can influence how people communicate with others and the world around them.There's also dyslexia, which influences how people read and spell, or dyspraxia, which can influence movement and co-ordination.
Neurodivergence can refer to a number of different things.Some people might like to refer to specific conditions instead. However, there can also be some crossover within neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD.Around 15-20% of all the people living in the world are thought to be neurodivergent. There are lots of famous people who are neurodivergent, including superstar gymnast Simone Biles who has ADHD, presenter and conservationist Chris Packham who is autistic, space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock who is dyslexic, and singers Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi have Tourette's.
Mateo, Riley and Lucy-Lu all go to the same school, and they are all neurodivergent.Mateo is autistic, and says he struggles with certain foods. He wears ear protectors when things are noisy. Lucy-Lu has ADHD and dyslexia, and says she finds it hard to focus in school, and will often fidget. She also uses ear protectors sometimes.Riley has ADHD, and says he finds it tricky when he can't deal with his emotions if something he does not like happens.Luckily in their school, they have lots of different things to help them throughout the day, including stand-up desks, sensory walls and activities, and places to go if they feel overwhelmed.However, not everyone has access to the same support.
Riley, Mateo and Lucy-Lu's tips to make sure EVERYONE feels included:
1. Never tease or make fun of someone for being different or finding something difficult.2. Be kind, encouraging and understanding.3. Remember that you have the power to make a BIG difference to someone who could be having a difficult time.
If you are neurodivergent, you can get support in school, from family and friends and if you need it, from the NHS.Remember you can always talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. If you're not sure who you would like to talk to, you could ring Childline on 0800 1111.