Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative celebrated annually between March 16-20.
Founded in 2018 by multi-award-winning author and autism advocate Siena Castellon, the campaign aims to transform how people perceive people with neurological differences.
Dedicated to recognising the many skills of neurodivergent people and making society more inclusive by acknowledging and celebrating differences, Neurodiversity Celebration Week challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodiversity.
In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we asked neurodivergent people what they wish people understood about neurodiversity. Here’s what they said.
On labels and learning
Coach, author and speaker Vie Portland who was diagnosed with ADHD around 18 months ago explains that stereotypes around neurodivergence makes it difficult for people to consider whether they might be neurodivergent. She says, “I didn’t fit what was considered the norm, at least, I didn’t fit the medical model of it, because I’m a middle aged woman and there’s very little studies on us. It’s easy to believe we’re all the same, but, as with every other human, we share similarities but we’re not the same; we are each unique. We all have labels but those labels never cover all of who we really are, so I would love it if people didn’t judge, and that they would listen and learn.”
On routines having meaning
An anonymous contributor who is on the autism spectrum says, “The habits, routines and standards I have in place for myself and others can be annoying for people, but these provide a structure that keeps me functioning. When there’s a small misstep it makes me feel untethered, anxious and even angry, because everything feels wrong to me.”
On having big ideas
Greer Jones, who has ADHD and hosts podcast Neurodivergent Conversations, says, “What I would like the world to know about neurodivergent people is that we are going to have crazy, big ideas, but let us run with them. We look at companies like Microsoft and Apple (just to name two): the creators are both neurodivergent, and the things they created were once big ideas but now help make life easier. So let neurodivergent brains dream big; if they are passionate enough about it, they will follow it; if not, they will likely forget about it and move on.”
On being high functioning
An anonymous contributor with ADHD says “I wish more people understood that my inconsistent patterns don’t stem from a lack of care and that being high functioning/ functioning well is not the same as being okay.”
On family dynamics and self-perception
Wellbeing leader, coach, and travel entrepreneur Rashda Shanaz who had her ADHD diagnosis confirmed in December 2025 explains, “The impact it can have on family dynamics, interpersonal relationships and also how you have perceived yourself for years. I knew I had the capability to run the multiple businesses I started around five years ago, alongside my career in healthcare. However there was something stopping me or getting in the way. Realising it was ADHD all this time made a lot of sense, but also left me disappointed that it was not thought of earlier.”
If you’re neurodivergent, what do you wish people understood about neurodiversity? Visit Lyrical Muse for informative content.
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