Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 - creating a world that understands it takes all kinds of different minds
Published 9 March 2026
Making Space is proud to support Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 (16–22 March), a global initiative challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
This year’s theme, “Working together to create a world that understands it takes all kinds of different minds,” reflects an important shift. It’s not just about awareness, it’s about moving towards acceptance and inclusion, embedding meaningful change across workplaces, schools, services and communities.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity’ is a way of saying everyone’s brain is different. Neurodiversity is a way of saying that human brains are different to each other. This is a biological fact. No two brains (or nervous systems) are the same. A neurodiversity approach views autism and other forms of ‘neurodivergence’ as natural variations in people.
The term neurodivergent covers a range of thinking styles, including Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. Around 15–22% of the population is neurodivergent. You can find out more here.
Rather than focusing solely on challenges, the neurodiversity approach values both strengths and support needs. Many barriers arise not from individuals, but from systems designed for a “majority”. True inclusion means adapting environments so people can flourish, not expecting individuals to adapt to systems that don’t meet their needs.
From awareness to action
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a call to action. It’s about inclusive leadership, systems change, strengths-based practice and removing barriers across workplaces and communities.
At Making Space, neuroinclusion isn’t a one-week focus, it’s embedded across our wellbeing services, workforce development and cross-sector partnerships year-round.
Expanding our neuroinclusion offer
We’re also excited to announce that a comprehensive range of training, workshops and consultancy services focused on neurodiversity, workplace wellbeing and mental health will soon be available. Our new offer will include:
- One-hour, half-day and full-day training sessions
- Neurodiversity awareness and supporting neurodivergent colleagues
- Mental health, stress management and leadership workshops
- Bespoke consultancy including policy reviews, accessibility audits and inclusive recruitment strategies
- Mental health support packages and e-learning modules
- Tailored resource development to meet organisational needs
For organisations seeking a complete solution, bundled programmes such as our Neuroinclusive Workplace Starter Bundle and Comprehensive Neuroinclusion Transformation Bundle will provide impactful, scalable support.
All services are designed to foster inclusive, trauma-informed practice and can be tailored to your organisation’s unique requirements. More details will be shared soon.
Championing neuroinclusion at Making Space
Our neurodiversity work is led by Daryhl Lewis, Wellbeing Services Manager, whose leadership combines professional expertise with lived experience.
From early years education to mental health services and the Criminal Justice System, Daryhl’s focus has remained the same: championing neurodiversity, building understanding and empowering professionals to provide confident, meaningful support.
This work reflects our values - kind hearts, dreaming big, courage and tailor making - ensuring support is adapted to each individual.
Impact in action
Over the past year, we have supported organisations to:
- Use inclusive, strengths-based language
- Adapt sensory environments
- Redesign communication pathways
- Create accessible resources
- Embed inclusive processes
Feedback shows that increasing understanding of processing styles, sensory experiences and communication preferences leads to immediate, practical improvements. This is where tailor making becomes real, and where neurodivergent people feel seen and respected.
Key milestones from 2025
In September 2025, we helped launch a pioneering neurodiversity toolkit across the Liverpool City Region’s criminal justice system. Co-created with lived experience at its heart, the toolkit is improving support, outcomes and inclusion across the sector, find out more here.
In November 2025, we welcomed 50 employers from across the North West to a Neurodiversity in the Workplace Workshop, to explore how small, practical adjustments can remove barriers and unlock talent. The event modelled neuroinclusive practice and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, find out more here.
Lived experience at the heart
Emily Reece, Making Space Wellbeing Project Development Worker, shared:
Celebrating neurodiversity is about embracing the richness of human difference. Working on this project empowered me to seek answers and receive my autism diagnosis, giving me clarity and confidence.
Rebecca Horridge, Making Space Wellbeing Project Development Worker, added:
There is no ‘normal’ brain, our differences are valuable. Through the support and training at Making Space, I recognised my ADHD and finally understood myself.
Their experiences highlight the importance of supportive, informed workplaces, for the people we support and our colleagues.
Daryhl Lewis, Wellbeing Services Manager, tells us what is ahead:
At Making Space, neuroinclusion is not an add-on, it is embedded across everything we do. In 2026, we will continue expanding lived-experience-led training, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, amplifying neurodivergent voices and supporting organisations to build sustainable neuroinclusive cultures. Our aim is simple: to create environments where neurodivergent people feel seen, respected and truly valued.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week reminds us that inclusion is not a one-off initiative, it is a cultural foundation. Together, we can create a world that truly understands it takes all kinds of different minds.
To learn more about our neurodiversity training and support, contact [email protected].
Follow the week online using #NeurodiversityWeek.