Series of special events for professionals and families to focus on Neurodiversity and Autism

This week Warwickshire County Council, along with partners, has been supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week (NCW) 2023.

Founded in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. The week is an opportunity for schools, universities, organisations and individuals to celebrate the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent and the strengths of a neurodiverse community. 

Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System will be holding a series of free online events in March for professionals and families, to enrich their understanding of Neurodiversity and Autism and the support available locally.

All events will be online and anyone who would like to attend can register using the links below: 

• Neurodivergent Language: Sharing learning from Neurodivergent people and their families/carers - Tue 28 March, 10.30-11.30am. The webinar will explore the topic of neurodivergent language: meaning the words we use to talk about neurodiversity, which can be heavily connected to a person’s identity and self-esteem. This interactive session will be an opportunity to hear experiences of neurodivergent people from across Coventry and Warwickshire and learn about a new resource being developed to help people feel more comfortable talking about neurodiversity. Register here. 

• Act for Autism: Self-awareness and self-identity including Q&A – Tue 28 March, 6.45 - 7.45pm. Be the first to see the latest film from the award winning Act for Autism film project. Join the cast for a live Q&A and find out how working on self-advocacy (speaking up for yourself) and self-awareness (knowing about your autism) is the key to positive self-esteem for autistic children and young people. This is suitable for all those living with or working to support autistic children and young people. Register here.

• Nurturing a positive Autistic identity for professionals – Tue 28 March, 1pm – 2.30pm. This webinar aims to provide professionals working to support autistic children and young people an opportunity to understand how they can nurture the young person to develop a positive view of their autistic identity and become advocates for themselves and others. Register here.

• Nurturing a positive Autistic identity for families and carers – Wed 29 March, 12pm – 1.30pm. This webinar aims to provide parents, carers and family members supporting a Neurodiverse young person with an opportunity to understand how they can nurture the young person to develop a positive view of their autistic identity and become advocates for themselves and others. Register here.

Further support for Neurodivergent families and children and young people

Last year, a new e-booklet for Neurodivergent people and their families living in Coventry and Warwickshire, was published providing a wealth of information and advice on services and support across the area. The booklet was co-produced with input from professionals across Coventry and Warwickshire, plus Neurodivergent people and their families. Please do share this with families and take a look yourselves - read the e-booklet online here.

In the last few weeks, WCC has launched a ground-breaking and unique Supported Employment Service and received national funding to give supported internships in Warwickshire a boost. We are also continuing to deliver on our SEND and Inclusion Change Programme to support Neurodiverse children and young people in Warwickshire.