Neurodiversity Week, celebrated recently, was a week-long celebration aimed at raising awareness and promoting understanding of neurodiversity, a concept that acknowledges the naturally occurring variations in human neurocognitive capabilities. Neurodiversity embraces the idea that each person’s brain is unique, and differences in thinking, learning, and behaviour are not deficits but strengths.
Throughout the week, OHFT hosted a series of engaging events designed to educate and inspire both staff and the community. One of the highlights was the Neurodiversity Celebration Week Event where the Disability Equality Staff Network Chairs and ADHD, Autism & Dyslexia Support Group Leads shared their knowledge and expertise on neurodivergence. This event provided a platform for neurodivergent individuals to share their experiences and for attendees to learn about the importance of creating an inclusive environment.
Another notable event was the session on Exploring MS Copilot where a demonstration of how AI-powered assistant technology can support neurodivergent colleagues by streamlining tasks, boosting productivity, and improving collaboration.
The Inflatable Brain Adventure
A standout feature of the week was the University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry’s inflatable brain, which once again sparked fascination and curiosity. Originally developed as part of the MYRIAD research project, the inflatable brain continues to be an engaging educational tool. Andreia Costa, Project Manager at Oxford Health BRC, has been a driving force behind showcasing this unique resource. Her passion for neurodiversity advocacy led her to launch a series of Neurodiversity talks at Thameside Primary School in Abingdon, where the inflatable brain captivated young minds.
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, these talks aimed to raise awareness of neurodiversity among children. Andreia was accompanied by Alex Richardson, a 22-year-old ambassador of the National Autistic Society, who shared his experiences of growing up with autism and answered questions from the children. The inflatable brain served as a powerful educational resource, inspiring learning and encouraging discussions about the brain’s complexities.
Neurodiversity Workshop
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the Oxford Health BRC Neurodiversity Conference, scheduled for September 2025. This two-day event will be held at the Saïd Business School and the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry. The conference will bring together researchers, clinicians, local organizations, and the neurodivergent community to collaborate and drive meaningful change. The focus will be on identifying gaps and advancing neuro divergent research efforts, as well as community support, advocacy, and lived experiences.
OH BRC Project Manager for Training & Career Development Andreia Costa told us:
“As a passionate parent advocate for neurodiversity, I am well positioned to drive meaningful change. Working with researchers at OH BRC, fellow parents, and local organisations supporting neurodivergent children, I see an incredible opportunity to foster greater collaboration between research, organisations, and the wider public.
I also feel that we tend to forget neurodivergent adults, who might have been late diagnosed, and I believe that more research is needed to support their mental health as they age.
There is so much that can be done. Therefore, hosting the Neurodiversity Conference in Oxford in September will extend the conversation beyond Neurodiversity Awareness Week and Autism Acceptance Month that take place in Spring. The recent Neurodiversity talks at Thameside Primary School, featuring the captivating inflatable brain, were a remarkable success in raising awareness among young minds.
As we look forward to the Neurodiversity Conference in September, our goal is to bring together researchers, clinicians, local organizations, and the neurodivergent community to drive meaningful change. By identifying gaps and advancing neurodivergent research efforts, we aim to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”
OH BRC continues its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing conversations around neurodiversity. The events and initiatives during the week highlighted the importance of embracing neurodiverse minds. As OH BRC looks forward to the Neurodiversity Conference in the autumn, the momentum built during Neurodiversity Week will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive positive change.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (OHFT) is developing a comprehensive Neurodiversity Strategy to support neurodivergent individuals covering 5 key elements:
- Inclusive Environment – a more inclusive environment by removing barriers to care and employment, ensuring equal access to services.
- Training and Education – an emphasis on training and education for staff and service users, including advanced clinical and awareness training to improve understanding and support.
- Workforce and Wellbeing – a focus on the wellbeing of its neurodivergent workforce by providing support networks and developing a Neurodivergent Friendly Personal Development Review (PDR) form.
- Community Engagement – engaging with the community to gather feedback and co-create services that meet neurodivergent needs.
- Ongoing Projects and Workstreams – identified workstreams focusing on access to services, intervention and support, workforce wellbeing, environment, training, and communications.
The strategy will better support neurodivergent individuals, both within the organization and in the wider community. This strategy is driven by the belief that every person should be supported to live a happy, healthy life with acceptance, understanding, and compassion.
For further information email: andreia.costa@psych.ox.ac.uk
