Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a global initiative that challenges misconceptions about neurodivergence while promoting inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. The week took place from 17–23 March 2025, during which we celebrated the strengths, talents, and contributions of neurodivergent individuals, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued.
To support this, CDN’s EDI Strategic Network launched the successful 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 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 below.
Each day of the campaign focused on a different aspect of neurodiversity, featuring awareness-raising activities, a famous neurodivergent figure, and signposts to additional resources.
Although the campaign is now complete, the below resources remain very useful.
Have a resource you’d like to see featured on this page? Get in touch with us at marketing@cdn.ac.uk
Daily Themes and Activities
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:
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 man
Web Links:
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 & ADHD
Web Links:
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 neurodiversity
Web Links:
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’s
Web Links:
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 cognition
Web Links:
- Dyscalculia.org
- Dyslexia Action – Dyscalculia
- National Center for Learning Disabilities – Dyscalculia
- Understood.org – Dyscalculia
- The Dyscalculia Network
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 neurodiversity
Web Links:
Neurodiversity Podcast Series
We are excited to launch our new Neurodiversity Podcast Series, created by CDN’s EDI Strategic Network, in celebration of their recent campaign Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action. This initiative engaged students, staff, and the wider community through educational resources, interactive activities, podcasts, and inspiring stories during Neurodiversity Celebration Week (which took place from 17–23 March 2025). The series provides a platform for students and staff to share their personal stories and experiences, as well as insights into how educators and staff ensure a diverse range of support is provided.
Join us as we hear powerful conversations from individuals at Ayrshire College and West College Scotland, offering a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and the transformative support that makes a difference. From overcoming challenges to celebrating strengths, these podcasts provide a unique look into how the college community is embracing neurodiversity and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Tune in below for an inspiring series of episodes featuring students and staff who share their journey toward self-empowerment and success.
Podcasts
Episode 1
In this episode, Charlotte Mitchell, Equality and Diversity Performance Lead at Ayrshire College explores the concept of neurodiversity, discussing how society can embrace its strengths, foster a culture of acceptance, and recognise individual needs. In preparation for Neurodivergent Week, Charlotte speaks with some of Ayrshire College’s neurodivergent students.
Episode 2
In this episode, Charlotte talks to Connor, the Student Vice President at Ayrshire College, about his neurodiversity. Connor shares how he has dyslexia and autism, describing it as “a bunch of jumbled-up stuff going on in my head, and I have to organise it into words and sounds.”
Connor also discusses the support he receives, such as noise breaks, extended time to complete tasks, and the use of assistive technology. He praises the students and staff for their support throughout his course. As Student Vice President, Connor is passionate about amplifying the voices of neurodivergent students.
Episode 3
In this episode, Charlotte talks to Finlay, who shares his experience of enjoying the college learning week and how the college has helped him become more independent, allowing him to showcase what he can do on his own. Finlay describes his neurodiversity, mentioning challenges with socialising, overthinking, and listening. He also discusses the mutual support he and his classmates provide each other.
Alongside his educational journey, Finlay shares his passion for history, as well as his fascination with Scottish myths and legends.
Episode 4
In this episode, Charlotte chats with Holly about her neurodiversity. Holly describes it as “like a river—sometimes I don’t even notice it, but other times it moves rapidly.”
She explains how neurodiversity can make simple tasks more challenging and the difficulties she faces. Holly also shares how the college has supported her with additional breaks, extra time for tasks, and flexible working arrangements. Together, they discuss the social and gender differences in neurodiversity.
Episode 5
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Natalie who was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. Natalie shares her experience, saying, “I knew I learned differently and faced challenges, often becoming overwhelmed, especially with written text. I developed coping methods, and my preference is audio-visual learning.” She also mentions recognising traits of ADHD, which can be harder to diagnose, especially in females.
Natalie discusses how her recent diagnosis has led her to reflect on her learning process and approach to engaging with text. With the college’s support, additional measures have been put in place to create a more accommodating and effective learning environment for her.
Episode 6
In this episode, Stephanie, a neurodivergent student, and her assistance dog, Archie, join Charlotte to discuss the benefits of being diagnosed as neurodivergent and the support the college provides. Stephanie reflects on her journey, sharing how, after years of struggle, being diagnosed helped her understand her differences. “Now, I see it as something really beneficial. If I put my mind to something, I can do anything!”
Join us for an inspiring conversation on self-empowerment, acceptance, and the transformative power of diagnosis.
Episode 7
In this episode, Zara chats with Charlotte, who explains how her ADHD affects her learning. She shares how meeting new people can make her nervous and how fidgeting helps her focus. Zara also discusses the support she receives, including time in the wellbeing room, assistive technology, and accommodations from her lecturers, such as speaking slowly and ensuring a quieter classroom.
Zara talks about her determination to try tasks independently, despite her ADHD and walking disability, and how her neurodiversity influenced her course choice. She hopes to work with neurodiverse students in the future.
Episode 8
In this episode, Vicky introduces Savannah, Active Campus Coordinator at West College Scotland. Savannah provides a diverse range of support to various individuals, with a particular focus on neurodiversity in sport. She continually educates herself on how to best coach athletes, ensuring a person-centered approach that meets each individual’s unique needs.
Savannah discusses how neurodiverse students often face challenges with communication. To support this, she ensures that she clearly demonstrates new skills, as well as addressing sensory issues and the routines they may rely on. She emphasises the importance of being thoughtful and planning ahead to accommodate these needs.
Episode 9
In this episode, Vicky chats with Sylvia, Library Assistant at West College Scotland, about her dyslexia, how it presented itself, and the challenges she’s overcome. Sylvia shares, “I always felt different—like something was wrong with me. I was behind in writing and terrible at reading.”
They discuss how dyslexia has impacted Sylvia personally and professionally. Sylvia explains, “I don’t want to be just dyslexic, I want to be more,” and how it pushed her to learn a second language and never let her dyslexia hold her back.