As Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 gets underway, the University's Neurodiversity Network is almost 2 years old. Since we set it up in 2024, the chairs & members have always wanted it to be a space where people could come together, share stories and advice, support each other when needed, and inspire changes.
Since we started, we have been so happy and pleased with the response from all of you. Whether you've helped us promote events; shared resources or tips; or simply joined and come along as one of our members; it has been brilliant to get to know you and see the positive impact that being part of this community has made.
Some of our highlights are included below:
- Working with the Staff Disability Network Group to showcase attitudes to disability and neurodiversity and how they can differ from what preconceptions and myths have grown around a topic.
- Running several events within the University to highlight the many differences, strengths and inspiring details of working & living as a neurodivergent researcher/staff member/student. Examples include the PGR CommuniTea sessions for researchers, and several events with all staff and student networks.
- Opening out to charities and external organisations: We have thought about, and listened to you all, as to what events that you would like. We have since held events based around employability and the transition processes into work.
- Bringing in new members and welcoming them into the community and seeing what ideas can be generated. At the time of writing, there are plans coming together to host another lunchtime natter event and to build strong resources and projects within the Network.
- New Research and Ideas at the University of Aberdeen: From exploring the relationship between eating disorders and autism, to collating information on changes to diagnostic pathways in the Aberdeenshire area, there is always something to post and discuss.
- Equality, Inclusion and Diversity across UoA: The network is consistently determined to advocate and inspire change in policies and initiatives across the management and governance of our institution.
Moving forward into the new term, we are consistently looking for new partnerships, ideas and information. Excitingly, we're hoping to be attending external events across the year.
If you'd like to get more involved, or if you're thinking about joining the network, then please continue to explore our webpage, or get in touch with us.
