Celebrating neurodiversity video resources

Earlier this month we supported Neurodiversity Celebration Week.  Below you will find a series of video resources from previous events which cover a range of neurodiversity related topics. 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week took place between 18 - 24 March this year. As part of the University activity, the Disabled Staff Network hosted an online event with special guest speakers from Sheffield Voices, calling for self advocacy in neurodiversity.  

Julian Gwinnett, a member of the Disabled Staff Network (DSN), said: “During Neurodiversity Celebration Week we celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and Tourette's syndrome.

"This week is about challenging stereotypes and societal norms, breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to embrace their differences – enabling all of us to recognise the many advantages that come with seeing, understanding and experiencing the world differently.

"Let’s celebrate neurodiversity and create a more accepting and inclusive world, one that includes everyone!”

Revisit some of our support materials from 2023:

Brain in Hand: Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals in Higher Education

Manage life's bumps in the road, the unexpected and unfamiliar, with simple digital tools and real human support just when you need it. Brain in Hand is your link to the organised, calm, in-control you who knows exactly what to do when things get difficult. It's with you every step of the way, helping you to solve problems, stay on top of things, and manage anxiety so you can achieve your goals. Brain in Hand is a digital self-management support system for people who need help remembering things, making decisions, planning, or managing anxiety. It's not condition-specific, but is often used by people who are autistic or managing anxiety-related mental health challenges. Combining practical human support and digital self-management technology, Brain in Hand helps people live more independently. Watch the video. 

Autonomy Plus

In this inspirational talk, autism advocate Sara Heath will discuss her work with Autonomy a self-help and social group which she founded with her son, Eric, in 2004. Supporting the members through the 'Plus part of Autonomy' led her to develop her skills and eventually to set up a self-employed business, Autonomy Plus. Sara will also talk about how her additional private work, as an autism advocate, supports reasonable adjustments under Equality Law for autistic children and young people and adults, in education, with transport, with NHS interventions and in employment and training. Watch the video.

Autism in Children: A Parent’s Guide

This event is hosted by Zoe Stuart and Peter Harwood, SEND Leads at the University and in association with the University’s Disabled Staff Network and the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing. The webinar covers a general introduction to autism and what this means, including exploring the diversity of characteristics. It also discusses how autism may present in children, and differently by gender, as well as what parents/carers can do if they think their child might be autistic. This event was recorded on Tuesday 19 September 2023. Watch the video.

Inclusive Practice Seminar on Neurodivergence 

On International Day of Disabled People, the University begins its new monthly series of Inclusive Practice Seminars with Anita Goldschmied, Lecturer in Learning Disabilities, talking about how to better tailor academic and working practises. Watch the video.