It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which aims to challenge stereotypes, correct misconceptions and transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported.

A range of activities will be taking place over the course of the week, including a tombola, the Autism Bus and lunch and learn sessions. Full details on the events are in the attached poster below.

• Autism Lunch and Learn - Microsoft Teams, Monday 17th March and Thursday 20th March, 12:00. The link to the meeting is here, or can be scanned in the below poster.
• Tombola - HRI main entrance, Tuesday, 18th March, 10:00 
• The Autism Bus returns - HRI main entrance car park, Friday 21st March, from 09:30 - 16:00

Consultant Nurse Learning Disabilities, Amanda McKie, said: "Celebrating neurodiversity can foster creativity and innovation by encouraging different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Neurodivergent individuals often have a different perspective on the world and can approach problems in ways that others may not have considered. This makes them an asset to any organisation, and especially to us here at CHFT."

Neurodivergence covers a wide range of conditions, which includes but is not limited to, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Epilepsy. There are many strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to the workplace. Here are some examples of strengths that the most common forms of neurodivergence can bring, though no two neurodivergent people are the same.

Autistic strengths in the workplace:  

• Creative perspectives
• Great focus and concentration
• Ability to retain detailed information
• Reliable, dedicated and punctual

ADHD strengths in the workplace:

• Boundary-pushing
• Creativity
• Insightfulness
• Multitasking

Dyslexic strengths in the workplace:

• Unique perception
• Pattern recognition
• Visual communication
• Big picture thinking

West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership have produced a neurodiversity toolkit for anyone interested in learning more about neurodivergence. You can find it on their website here: Neurodiversity toolkit :: Workforce Transformation