Learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week and support services available at City.
Published Thursday, 16th March, 2023 in University news
Monday 13 – Sunday 19 March marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week. It’s a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported.
Not all brains think or feel in the same way and neurodiversity refers to how we are different in the way we socialise, learn, what your attention span and mood are like as well as other mental functions.
You might be familiar with some types of neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, but neurodiversity is about much more than this.
Dr Sarah Hopp, Student Disability & Neurodiversity Service Manager, said:
"By widening our understanding of the definition of being human, neurodiverse people can feel included and flourish too."
City’s Student Disability and Neurodiversity Service
The Student Disability and Neurodiversity Service is your first point of contact where you can book a confidential assessment to see an advice and support if you experience any difficulties with your learning.
Support focuses on developing strength awareness and uses a wide range of strength-based strategies to help you reach your academic and holistic potential.
They can help you with transitioning into university life, provide one-to-one study skills sessions and advice on using digital tools.
If you would like to get in touch with any of the services, you can use their e-referral form.
All City students can also reach out to Student Health and Wellbeing located in the Drysdale and University buildings.
The Introduction to Accessibility module
Every student is also welcome to take the Introduction to Accessibility module available on Moodle. It’s a foundation-level course that gives you information on mental health, cognition and neurodiversity, hearing, physical and motor skills, and vision disabilities.
You can take the course in your own time and see your progress as you go through the material.
Participate in Neurodiversity Celebration Week Events
Neurodiversity Celebration Week was started in 2018 by Siena Castellon when she was 16 years old. As an autistic student, who also has dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, she experienced significant challenges, prejudice and bullying throughout her education.
That’s why she decided to launch Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2018 to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes that still prevent autistic people and people with learning disabilities from reaching their potential.
You can register and attend 24 events taking place every day throughout the week to learn more about neurodiversity and listen to participants share their personal stories and experiences.