Most people already know about Autism Acceptance Month and day.
And maybe you've heard of Autistic Pride Day.
But you may or may not have heard of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. I personally didn't know what it was until very recently.
So what is Neurodiversity Celebration Week? And how can you participate?
Below you'll learn more about this weeklong celebration and find 10 Neurodiversity Celebration Week activity ideas.
What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week?
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is exactly what it sounds like. It's a week long event and international campaign to celebrate what neurodiversity is all about and how we can "help the world to understand, value, and celebrate the talents of neurodiverse minds." (source)
It's about creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent children and students while challenging stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions about autism and other neurodivergences, learning differences, and neurodiversity.
The mission is to increase acceptance, educate, and celebrate neurodiversity.
Some other quick facts about Neurodiversity Celebration Week:
- It takes place in March. This year's dates are March 18-24, 2024 and they have lots of great events to check out this year.
- It was founded by UN Young Leader Siena Castellon in 2018 when she was only 16 years old.
- Siena is autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic, and has ADHD and is the author of the book The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic.
- Schools can pledge their support and register on the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website.
You can learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week here.
10 Neurodiversity Celebration Week Activities
Now that you know a bit more about what this week is all about, here are some fun activity ideas, printables, and resources to help you celebrate.
1. Decorate and color these free printable neurodiversity infinity symbol coloring pages and hang them up around your classroom or in your house.
2. Read some picture books about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, or other forms of neurodiversity. The official website for the event even has free neurodiversity comic books.
3. Start learning more about neurodiversity yourself with these free neurodiversity ebooks. There's also a free picture book for kids on this list. Or start reading a book from one of my other themed book lists.
4. Use these free Neurodiversity Celebration Week powerpoint presentations to teach your kids about neurodiversity or hold a school assembly.
5. Check out the resource hub available on the Neurodiversity Celebration Week official website.
6. Watch the Amazing Things Happen video with your kids. Some other great short videos to watch include "Loop" and "Float," both by Pixar, and Neuro Bears.
7. Create neurodiversity word art clouds using words that relate to neurodiversity. Make it brain or infinity symbol shaped.
8. Learn about neurodiversity with the Uniting Minds collection from Kahoot!
9. Draw and design your own neurodiversity poster that celebrates what it means to be neurodivergent.
10. Grab a copy of the free neurodivergent narwhals coloring page from Neurodiversity Library to color.
