Neurodiversity Resource Hub

This week (13-19 March 2023) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week – a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

We at the Mind Matters Initiative are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and neurodiversity is a key part of this. We are delighted to be bringing you our Neurodiversity Resource Hub as part of our continued commitment to support neurodivergent individuals working in the veterinary professions and to raise awareness of the ways in which neurodiversity can enrich the entire workforce.

What is neurodiversity and why does it matter?

As human beings, we are all unique. We each have our own interests, talents, likes, dislikes, ideas, opinions, and ways of working. The same goes for our brains. Some are neurologically different to others. For over a million people in the UK, these neurological differences mean they learn and think differently to others, which can lead to a diagnosis of neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. These individuals are neurodivergent – their brains function differently from what is considered typical (i.e. neurotypical individuals).

Neurodiversity is the term used to describe the diversity of human minds and the infinite variations of neurocognitive functioning within the human race as a whole. It’s the about accepting that people’s brains function differently from each other and that this isn’t wrong or problematic. It’s simply a natural indicator of population diversity.

There is huge strength to be found in diversity, and it is vital to ensure that all individuals working in the veterinary professions feel supported to be who they are in order to thrive in the workplace.

We hope our neurodiversity resource can serve as a useful source of information for everyone, both neurotypical and neurodivergent.

The hub