Neurodiversity Celebration Week programme
LionHeart will mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week for the first time this month with a programme of online webinars and panel discussions.
The week is designed to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, and celebrate the positives they can bring, instead of focusing on the negatives, whether that's in a work or educational setting.
Did you know some 15 to 20% of the population is thought to have a neurological difference? This includes those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism and ADHD.
The Neurodiversity Celebration Week website says: "Regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. And no matter whether you are a school, university or organisation you can benefit from different thinkers!"
Some of the challenges faced by neurodivergent people are to do with the environment, systems or situations they are placed in. For example, some will struggle in a school setting or a workplace with rigid rules or expectations - when better understanding of neurodiversity and a willingness to embrace flexibility could make it much easier for those people to thrive.
In a neurodiversity survey run by LionHeart in 2021, just over 70% of the RICS professionals who responded told us they were dyslexic. A number of our corporate partners were also interested in how we might develop support and understanding for neurodivergent surveyors.
We've since developed a special webinar aimed at increasing people's understanding of neurodivergent conditions and what neurodiversity means.
During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, from March 13 to 19, we'll be running a special programmme which includes online discussions and panellists with first-hand experience.
The programme is as follows:
Neurodiversity Understood
An introduction to understanding neurodiversity, the positives of a neuro-diverse workforce and how to become more inclusive.
(March 13)
Neurodiversity: The Parents' Perspective
We all know that parenting doesn't come with a manual, but that's even more true of bringing up neurodivergent children.
Some of the LionHeart team share their own experiences of the unique challenges and rewards of learning to look at the world through a different lens.
(March 15)
Neurodiversity at Work: Panel discussion
What's it like being neurodivergent - and in surveying? Some of the LionHeart ambassadors share their different experiences, including being diagnosed as an adult. (March 16)
LionHeart training and wellbeing project manager Jo Grant, who organised the programme, said: "Feedback from the first few Understanding Neurodiversity sessions we have run has been very good; it's obviously such a big subject to cover but we hope it does increase people's understanding around it and opens eyes as to some of the small adjustments that can be made in a workplace setting to increase inclusion.
"We're really looking forward to the two online discussions, in which we'll hear from some of the LionHeart ambassadors and their experiences as neurodivergent surveyors, and some of the LionHeart team who will share their parenting journeys. We're very grateful to everyone who has agreed to take part."
To book your free space on any of the sessions please click here
