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Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. It is an opportunity for universities to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate difference and empower every individual.

Individuals think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia and Autism. Regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. 

‘Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits’. (Baumer, Frueh, 2021).

How to get involved

The Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 events schedule includes a range of introductory webinars, panel discussions and more, designed to educate and inspire conversations about neurodiversity. All events are free to attend, open to all and recorded with links shared via email post-event.

Events

Tips and Tricks for Neurodivergent Students

Monday 17 March 10.30am – 1pm

On campus

Join other neurodivergent students to reflect on our study skills, learn about support available and create a supportive learning community. This event is for students and doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This event is organised and hosted by the Global Studies Neurodivergence Working Group.

Please find more information about the event and how to book here.

Bendy Bodies, Bendy Brains

Monday 17 March 2025, 12:30-1:30pm

Online, via Zoom

Dr Jessica Eccles, Associate Professor (Reader) in Brain-Body Medicine, will discuss Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) research which demonstrates how differences in the body are associated with neurodiversity.

She will show work that illustrates how this brings both challenges and strengths. She hopes to encourage curiosity and challenge stereotypes. All are welcome to attend this free online event.

Leader and Manager Essentials: Building Trust and Psychological Safety in Teams

Tuesday 6 May 10:00am until 11:45am

University of Sussex Campus

Creating a neuro-inclusive workplace isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action. Psychological safety is a shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. It describes a working environment characterised by inclusivity, interpersonal trust and mutual respect in which people are comfortable being themselves and feel able to ask for help, admit mistakes, express their views and suggest ideas.

This workshop gives an introduction to psychological safety and explores how to create a safe and supportive working environment that fosters trust, inclusion, collaboration and wellbeing within teams.

Register on this workshop through LearnUpon. Please log in to LearnUpon first for this link to take you directly to there.

There are also events coming up in Inclusivity Week on campus, including:

Workshop: Neurodiversity-Affirming Pedagogies

Friday 4 April 10.30 – 12:00

On campus

This interactive workshop will explore key findings from a recent research project on neurodivergent experiences of learning and teaching at Sussex. We will discuss how to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to accessibility towards practices that actively value and support neurodiversity. You will gain practical strategies to foster inclusive, flexible, and student-led learning environments that reduce barriers and better reflect a diversity of cognitive styles.

Resources and support for staff

Workplace adjustments remove or reduce barriers a staff member may be facing, enabling them to do their job. Effective workplace adjustments remove barriers and enable staff to fulfil their potential, and the University’s updated Workplace Adjustment Toolkit provides guidance for staff and managers.  

Complete the Introduction to Neurodiversity training on LearnUpon.

A 30-minute video-based course that explores strategies and inclusive practices to create the best possible conditions for neurodivergent thinkers to thrive in the workplace. 

Business Disability Forum

All staff have access to the Business Disability Forum Knowledge Hub by registering with their Sussex email address. This includes their Neurodiversity Toolkit with supporting information including factsheets, communication and guidance for managers.

Neurodiversity Staff Network

The Neurodiversity Staff Network aims to support staff who identify with neurodivergence or are curious about neurodivergence. Neurodivergence sits across social identity and medical conditions that includes but is not limited to ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia.

The Network operates and meets predominantly through Microsoft Teams where staff are able to connect with each other, share helpful resources and provide peer support.

Please visit Neurodiversity Staff Network for further information and details of how to join the network. Their latest newsletter is available to access here.

Resources and support for students

Information for students is available on the disability support page and the Student Hub for health, support and wellbeing services available at Sussex.

Here students can find out more about reasonable adjustments for teaching, exams, and assessments.

Further resources

• There is a Neurodivergent Researchers and Supervisors Canvas page, developed by members of the student Neurodiversity Society and the Sussex Research School.
• Neurodiversity Celebration Week Resources Hub

April is Autism Acceptance Month

On 2 April 2025 (World Autism Awareness Day) through the month of April, the National Autistic Society will be marking World Autism Acceptance Month. Autistic people face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society – in the health and social care systems, in education, in employment, and everywhere in between. It is crucial that autistic people, and their families and carers, can access tailored information, guidance and support to overcome those barriers, along with opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills and build friendships for fulfilled lives.

ACoRNS and the COALESCE Lab present - Shine a Light: Student Voices on Autism

Wednesday 2 April, 1pm – 4pm

On campus, Pevensey 1

A showcase of Psychology students contributions to autism research, including posters, infographics from Global Classrooms, and student project talks with Q&A. Dedicated workshops on topics such as wellbeing in autism and creating lived experience videos, along with a sensory room for students to unwind.

Open to all Sussex students and staff who want to celebrate and learn more about autism.

For more information please contact: acorns@sussex.ac.uk

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