Celebrating Neurodiversity Week 2026!

16 March 2026

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026, we have compiled useful resources on how neuro-affirming values can be applied at home and in schools. We also share how Satellite applies these values within our organisation.

What does it mean to be neuro affirming?

*According to Alisthub, a neuro-affirming mindset begins with the belief that differences in how people think, feel, and experience the world are natural and valuable. From that belief, positive attitudes and behaviours naturally follow.

What are neuro-affirming practices?

Neuro-affirming practices include:

• Recognising strengths and challenges associated with different ways people think and experience the world
• Creating inclusive spaces that respect different needs, preferences, and communication styles.

Using neuro-affirming practices at home

To support neuro affirming practices at home, Happy Dots, a therapy service for children, suggests the following approaches:

• • Create a safe and supportive environment by listening to your young person’s needs, even when they communicate non-verbally. If they need downtime after school, support that need. If they are passionate about insects, dinosaurs, or another hobby, join their excitement rather than redirecting it.

• • Another important aspect is respecting sensory needs. Every young person experiences the world differently. For example, families can offer flexible options such as textured materials, fidget tools, headphones, or a quiet room.

• • When a young person is upset, it can help to support them in understanding and labelling their feelings rather than using language that may intensify emotions. Practising co-regulation can help calm your child, instead of expecting them to manage these emotions alone.

Using neuro affirming practices at school

Flexible learning approaches help create classroom environments where multiple ways of learnings are expected and supported.

Examples include:

• Visual aids
• Movement breaks
• One-on-one instruction

These strategies support different learning styles and help students engage in ways that work best for them.

Happy Dots also suggest rethinking the idea of ‘compliance’. Instead of focusing on behaviours such as sitting still or maintaining eye contact, the emphasies should be on genuine engagement, participation and connection.

Rigid systems may not work for every learner. Allowing breaks, movement and alternative communication methods can help create a more inclusive learning environment.

Providing clear routines, such as visual schedules and advance notice of changes, can also reduce anxiety and increase confidence for many students.

How Satellite supports neurodiversity at work

Satellite has implemented several neurodiversity-affirming initiatives to support an inclusive workplace.

These include:

• Flexible working hours and work-from-home arrangements to help employees manage energy and focus
• A sensory-friendly space
• Fidget and sensory tools
• Considerate lighting and an information board in the lunchroom

By creating spaces that support neuro-affirming practices, we take an important step toward environments where neurodivergent people can be their authentic and unmasked selves.

Read the interview with Hannah from last year about neurodiversity.

Resources:

• Creating Neuro affirming environments at home and school
• An exploration of neuro-affirming practice and how can we implement it 
• Neuro Affirming Approaches: A guide for parents and therapists
• A neurodivergent-affirming approach to children’s mental health
• Working with families in neuro-affirming ways

*Source: Alisthub, Happy Dots, Satellite DE&I Group.