Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025

This year, we are celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week from March 17th to March 23rd.

What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week?

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week we come together to recognize and honor neurodiversity. Further, this week is aimed at dispelling stereotypes and preconceived notions surrounding neurological variations. By giving institutions and businesses the chance to acknowledge the diverse range of abilities possessed by neurodivergent people, it seeks to change the way they are viewed within society. 

Rather than disregarding the challenges faced by neurodiverse learners, we seek to celebrate the many unique ways in which they experience the world. Ultimately, we aim to establish a more equitable and inclusive global culture that values individual differences and empowers each person to reach their fullest potential.

What is neurodiversity?

The term "neurodiversity" refers to the variety of thought patterns that shape how individuals interact with their environment. It is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of conditions like Tourette's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Approximately 15%-20% of people globally identify as neurodivergent, making it essential to acknowledge their experience (Doyle, 2020). 

Many neurodivergent conditions exist on a spectrum, with varying levels of severity and different manifestations. While differently-abled individuals may face significant societal challenges, they often possess distinctive strengths, such as creativity, attention to detail, a deep passion for specific subjects, and unique problem-solving abilities. It's time to celebrate the numerous skills and opportunities that result from thinking and perceiving the world in diverse ways.

Neurodiversity in education

Due to challenges such as sensory processing, executive functioning, and social interaction, differently-abled and disabled children are frequently undermined in conventional learning environments. The education system, which is designed by and for neurotypical people, provides little support for diverse learners' needs, often leaving neurodiverse students marginalized (Oehme et al., 2023). This exclusion can set the stage for limited opportunities perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

Children in poor communities and in conflict-affected areas are particularly impacted by these issues. This rejection not only hinders academic progress but also impacts their self-esteem, contributing to ongoing emotional challenges.

At the Rabia Basri Foundation (RBF), we recognize this as a structural problem and aim to address this deep-seated dynamic though transforming the education system one school at a time. Working at the forefront of this mission, RBF implements inclusive practices in schools and local communities to aid neurodiverse students to excel in their academic career. By recognizing and embracing the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, we can begin the process of reshaping how they are perceived and supported, ultimately enabling them to realize their full potential.

How you can get involved

There are many ways in which you can participate in Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025, and help create a world in which every student can thrive. Here are some suggestions:

1. Educate yourself and others: Become knowledgeable about neurodiversity and talk about it to friends, family, and coworkers.

2. Support neurodiverse individuals: Pay attention to what they have to say, speak up for what they need, and support inclusive policies.

3. Encourage inclusive activities: Celebrate and teach about neurodiversity within schools and workplaces by hosting workshops or other awareness activities.

4. Post on social media: Support the neurodiverse community and spread awareness by using the hashtags #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek2025, #CelebrateNeurodiversity, #InclusionMatters and share this post!

5. Make a donation: Support organizations that advocate for people with neurodiverse conditions, such as RBF!

Resources

Neurodiversity Celebration Week. https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/ 

Rabia Basri Foundation Website: https://www.rbf.education/about 

Doyle, N. (2020). Neurodiversity at work: A biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 108–125. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldaa021

Oehme, K., Bradley, L., Cameron, M., Perko, A., & Clark, J. (2023). Increasing multidisciplinary professionals' capacity to support neurodiverse families. Diversity & Inclusion Research, 1, e12003. https://doi.org/10.1002/dvr2.12003

Image credits: Forbes magazine. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2023/03/17/what-are-the-takeaways-of-neurodiversity-celebration-week/