This week, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week by highlighting the unique communication needs and strengths of our neurodivergent employees. Throughout the week, we will be sharing valuable insights and information across our social media channels to raise awareness and promote inclusivity, including sharing the experiences of the member of our Neurodiverse Staff Network.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a global event that aims to challenge misconceptions, break down barriers, and celebrate the incredible strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. Supported by Lexxic, the leading neurodiversity experts in the UK, this week is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive world that understands and values the talents of neurodivergent minds.
Siena Castellon, the Founder of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, said: “I founded Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2018 to change the way learning differences are perceived.
“As someone who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, I know firsthand the challenges and strengths that come with neurodiversity. This week is about celebrating those strengths and promoting a balanced view of neurodivergent individuals.”
For Neurodiversity Celebration Week this year, our Neurodiverse Staff network have decided to focus on Communication. This theme emphasises the importance of understanding and adapting our communication styles to better support neurodivergent individuals. By focusing on communication, we aim to create a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Throughout the week, the Council will share tips and strategies for effective communication with neurodivergent individuals, debunk common myths, and highlight the experiences of our neurodivergent staff members. We will also promote events and resources to further educate and engage our community about different neurodivergent conditions.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Equality Champion and Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “It is crucial that we create an accepting work environment for our neurodivergent colleagues.
“As the Council’s Equality Champion, I am committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. By understanding and adapting our communication styles, we can support our neurodivergent employees and celebrate their unique contributions.”
As an employer, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion through education, awareness, and policies. We are proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, which means we offer an interview to all disabled applicants (including those with neurodivergent conditions as defined under the Equality Act 2010) who meet the minimum criteria for a job role.
Additionally, we offer our employees specialist software to support with everyday tasks, such as reading text aloud, adapting font size, page colour, and other settings to support with their needs, and routinely support our staff with reasonable adjustments where needed.
Louise Davies, SLT Champion for Neurodiversity and Director for Public Health, Protection, and Community Services, said: “As the SLT Champion for Neurodiversity, I am dedicated to advocating for neurodivergent individuals and promoting awareness. Our goal is to ensure that our policies and practices are inclusive and supportive. This week, we are focusing on communication to help create a more inclusive environment for all.”
The Council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) continues to support neurodivergent young people to ensure that provision for young people is accessible and inclusive and through initiatives like the Neurodiversity Youth Forum; empowering young people to celebrate their neurodivergence, challenge stereotypes, and promote awareness across the community.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Founded by Siena Castellon in 2018, over 3,100 schools, 4,350 organisations, and 139 countries participated in the 2024 campaign. In addition, over 1,200 further/higher education institutions and 900 non-profits have signed up to the campaign. The 2025 Neurodiversity Celebration Week campaign runs from March 17–23, 2025.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is supported by Lexxic, a psychological consultancy specialising in neurodiversity. We believe in a world where all minds belong, so it’s our mission to inspire a world that empowers and values neurodiversity. With a team of over 60 people, Lexxic partners with organisations, universities and schools to make a positive difference. We help create neuroinclusive cultures, provide training and psychological services to neurodiverse individuals.
To find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week, please visit: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
Posted on 17/03/2025