Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a global initiative that challenges misconceptions about neurodivergence while promoting inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. From 17-23 March 2025, we’ll celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued.
To support this, CDN’s EDI Strategic Network has launched the campaign Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action, aimed at engaging students, staff, and the wider community through educational resources, interactive activities, podcasts and inspiring stories.
As part of this campaign, the Network has created an inspiring podcast series highlighting personal stories and experiences from students and staff. These episodes offer insights into how educators and staff provide diverse support for neurodivergent individuals. Join us for powerful conversations from Ayrshire College and West College Scotland as we explore the challenges, strengths, and transformative support that help foster an inclusive learning environment. Tune in for inspiring episodes that showcase journeys of self-empowerment and success. Discover the podcast series here.
How to get involved: We would love your support in promoting the Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action campaign and the wide range of activities available. Amrit Kaur Bedi, Equality and Inclusion Lead from Glasgow Kelvin College, has created the following Marketing Campaign Plan (download here) to support you with suggested activities, blog posts, and ideas.
Each day will focus on a different aspect of neurodiversity, featuring awareness-raising activities, a famous neurodivergent figure, and signposts to further resources. Discover more below:
Daily Themes and Activities
| Monday 17 March
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) |
Theme: Celebrating energy, creativity, and innovation. Famous Figure: Simone Biles (Olympic Gymnast) Activity: Interactive ‘Strengths of ADHD’ session – Participants reflect on ADHD-related strengths like hyperfocus, creativity, and resilience. Further Reading: Understanding ADHDBooks: • Driven to Distraction – Dr. Edward M. Hallowell & Dr. John J. Ratey • ADHD 2.0 – Dr. Edward M. Hallowell & Dr. John J. Ratey • The Disorganized Mind – Nancy A. Ratey • Fast Minds – Craig Surman, Tim Bilkey & Karen Weintraub • Your Brain’s Not Broken – Tamara Rosier Podcasts: • ADHD Experts Podcast – ADDitude Magazine • The Faster Than Normal Podcast – Peter Shankman • I Have ADHD Podcast – Kristen Carder • ADHD Rewired – Eric Tivers • Women & ADHD – Katy Weber Films & Documentaries: • The Disruptors (2022) – A documentary on ADHD • Take Your Pills (2018) – A Netflix documentary on stimulant medication • ADD & Loving It?! (2009) – An informative documentary on ADHD • The Reason I Jump (2020) – While primarily about autism, it explores neurodivergence broadly • Temple Grandin (2010) – A biopic of an autistic woman with ADHD-like traits Web Links: |
| Tuesday 18 March
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
Theme: The power of deep focus and unique perspectives. Famous Figure: Greta Thunberg (Climate Activist) Activity: Sensory Awareness Workshop – Experience a sensory-friendly environment and discuss how different sensory needs can be accommodated. Further Reading: What is Autism?Books: • NeuroTribes – Steve Silberman • Thinking in Pictures – Temple Grandin • The Reason I Jump – Naoki Higashida • Uniquely Human – Dr. Barry Prizant • Different, Not Less – Temple Grandin Podcasts: • 1800 Seconds on Autism – BBC Sounds • The Autism Podcast – London Autism Group Charity • Autistic Culture Podcast • The Thoughty Autistic • SquarePeg Podcast Films & Documentaries: • The Reason I Jump (2020) – Documentary on nonverbal autism • Temple Grandin (2010) – Biopic of the autistic scientist • A Brilliant Young Mind (2014) – Fictional story about an autistic mathematician • Inside Our Autistic Minds (2023) – BBC Documentary with Chris Packham • Life, Animated (2016) – Documentary about an autistic young manWeb Links: |
| Wednesday 19 March
Dyslexia |
Theme: Rethinking dyslexia as a strength in problem-solving and storytelling. Famous Figure: Richard Branson (Entrepreneur) Activity: ‘Flip the Script’ Challenge – Participants read or listen to inspiring stories from successful dyslexic individuals and discuss their impact. Further Reading: Dyslexia BasicsBooks: • The Dyslexic Advantage – Brock L. Eide & Fernette F. Eide • Fish in a Tree – Lynda Mullaly Hunt • Overcoming Dyslexia – Sally Shaywitz • The Gift of Dyslexia – Ronald D. Davis • Thinking Differently – David Flink Podcasts: • The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show • Dyslexia Quest – Elisheva Schwartz • The CodPast – Sean Douglas • The Dyslexia Mom Life Podcast • Nessy – Dyslexia Explored Films & Documentaries: • The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia (2012) • Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth) (2007) • Mical (2020) – A short film about dyslexia • Skavlan (BBC Interview with Richard Branson on Dyslexia) • Headstrong Nation: Inside the Hidden World of Dyslexia & ADHDWeb Links:
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| Thursday 20 March
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) |
Theme: Celebrating adaptability and perseverance. Famous Figure: Daniel Radcliffe (Actor) Activity: Hand-Eye Coordination Challenge – A fun set of exercises that simulate dyspraxia challenges, followed by a discussion on accommodations and strengths. Further Reading: What is Dyspraxia?Books: • Dyspraxia: The Facts – Amanda Kirby • The Dyspraxic Learner – D. J. G. Callis & L. McCabe • Understanding Dyspraxia – Maureen H. McCluskey • Living with Dyspraxia – Stephanie M. Johnson • Children with Dyspraxia – David J. A. Nicolson Podcasts: • The Dyspraxia Podcast • Living with Dyspraxia • The Neurodivergent Insights Podcast • The Learning Differences Podcast • Succeed with Dyslexia Films & Documentaries: • The Dyspraxia Diaries (2019) – Documentary on navigating life with dyspraxia • Temple Grandin (2010) – Depicts a neurodivergent character (featuring dyspraxia-related traits) • Rain Man (1988) – While about autism, it highlights the need for understanding different neurotypes • A Brilliant Young Mind (2014) – Explores neurodivergence through a mathematician’s perspective • My Brilliant Brain (2005) – Documenting various forms of brain development and neurodiversityWeb Links: |
| Friday 21 March
Tourette Syndrome |
Theme: Embracing authenticity and self-expression. Famous Figure: Billie Eilish (Singer-Songwriter) Activity: ‘Break the Myths’ Quiz – A myth-busting session on Tourette Syndrome to challenge common misconceptions. Further Reading: What is Tourette Syndrome?Books: • Twitch and Shout – The National Tourette Syndrome Association • Defeating Tourette Syndrome – Jim Eisenreich • The Tourette Syndrome Handbook – Bruce J. Cohen & S. L. H. Rickards • Tourettes and Me – Matt L. Peters • Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals – Lorna Wing Podcasts: • Tourette Syndrome Association Podcast • The Tourette Syndrome Podcast • Twitching Out Loud • TS Family Podcast • Tourette’s Talk Films & Documentaries: • GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999) – Features a character with tics • Tourette’s: I Have Tourettes (2016) – BBC Documentary • I Have Tourette’s But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me (2015) – A documentary exploring life with Tourette Syndrome • The ADHD & Tourette’s Episode (2019) – PBS Documentary • Tourettes and Me (2017) – Channel 4 documentary featuring a young man’s experience with Tourette’sWeb Links: |
| Saturday 22 March
Dyscalculia |
Theme: Recognising different ways of thinking about numbers. Famous Figure: Cher (Singer & Actress) Activity: Number-Free Puzzle Challenge – Engage in logic-based puzzles that don’t rely on numerical skills to highlight different cognitive strengths. Further Reading: Understanding DyscalculiaBooks: • The Dyscalculia Toolkit – Ronit Bird • Maths Anxiety – John B. Baird • Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia – Susan M. W. Hall • The Dyscalculia Solution – John N. R. • Dyscalculia: A Handbook for Teachers and Parents – Brian Butterworth Podcasts: • The Dyscalculia Podcast • Math for People with Dyscalculia • Dyscalculia: Learning to Love Numbers • Dyscalculia: Overcoming Math Anxiety • Math Anxiety and Me Films & Documentaries: • A Brilliant Mind (2009) – Exploring mathematical genius with a focus on dyscalculia-related experiences • The Math Myth (2015) – Documentary on challenges around learning math • Mathematics and Dyscalculia (2016) – Short film on how different learners approach math • Rising Above: The Power of Math (2020) – Documentary on overcoming math struggles • Brain on Fire (2017) – Depicts how neurodivergence can impact cognitionWeb Links:
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| Sunday 23 March
Celebrating Neurodiversity as a Whole |
Theme: Embracing diversity of thought in all aspects of life. Famous Figures: Collective look at neurodivergent leaders in different fields. Activity: ‘Neurodivergent Voices’ Panel – Invite neurodivergent individuals to share their experiences and insights. Further Reading: What is Neurodiversity?Books: • Neurodiversity – Steve Silberman • The Neurodiversity Paradigm – Judy Singer • Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Karina J. M. R. • The Power of Neurodiversity – Thomas Armstrong • The Spectrum – Dr. Dean Beadle Podcasts: • The Neurodiversity Podcast • Neurodiversity at Work • The Inclusive Leaders Podcast • Neurodivergent Insights • Neurodiversity Talk Films & Documentaries: • Neurodiversity: The Hidden World (2018) – Documentary about the neurodiversity movement • The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia (2012) – A broader take on learning differences • Inside the Neurodivergent Mind (2021) – A look at various neurodivergent experiences • The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Inspirational, featuring themes of overcoming neurodivergence challenges • Temple Grandin (2010) – Biopic that explores neurodiversityWeb Links: |
Training and Resources
As part of the global Neurodiversity Celebration Week there are 24 fantastic free events from March 17 to March 23, 2025, and absolutely everyone is invited to join us for this incredible line-up.
Over 80 inspiring speakers will share their unique perspectives on neurodiversity. You’ll hear from experts with lived experience, top professionals, and passionate advocates.
Check out the schedule below, or download the Interactive Event Schedule:
