Building a Culture of Respect in the Neurodiversity Movement
by Prof. Charlotte Valeur, ION Founder and CEO
Across the globe, organisations and communities are recognising that how we engage with difference matters as much as the differences themselves. Prof. Charlotte Valeur, Chair and Founder of ION, shares a compelling piece on how the neurodiversity movement must move beyond awareness and acceptance towards genuine appreciation, underpinned by respect, civility, and a shared pledge to value every mind.
The Invisible Generation: Ageing, Autism, and the Silence Around Neurominorities
While much of the conversation around autism and other minority neurotypes focuses on childhood, far less attention is paid to adulthood and ageing. The Invisible Generation: Ageing, Autism, and the Silence Around Neurominorities sheds light on the stark realities faced by older neurominorities, highlighting the urgent need for support, community, and lifelong inclusion.
Get Involved in the #EveryAgeEveryNeuroType Global Campaign
We are seeking personal accounts from older neurominority individuals to feature in a special publication and on social medla on Late-Life Neurominorities.
Too often, the world only thinks of neurodiversity in childhood. Services, charities, and public understanding stop at adulthood, leaving older neurominorities invisible. But our lives do not end when school ends. Our stories matter. Why We Need the World to Know
We exist at every age. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and other minority neurotypes are not conditions of childhood, they are lifelong.
We become invisible as adults. Research, services, and charity focus almost exclusively on children. Older neurominorities are left out of the narrative.
Support collapses after childhood. When pediatric services and school supports end, many are left with little to no help in adulthood, and even less in older age.
Fear of rejection isolates us. After decades of stigma, many retreat into their homes, avoiding social life for fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
When parents die, we are vulnerable. For those who have relied on family care, the death of parents leaves many without advocates or safety nets.
We face higher risks. Older neurominorities often live with multiple health conditions, higher mortality rates, and risks of institutionalization.
Even the most “successful” struggle. Wealth or status does not shield us, aging can intensify neurotype traits, reduce independence, and strip away social networks.
Our voices are missing. Without our lived experience, society cannot design the housing, care, and communities needed to support us across the lifespan.
Our Vision We believe in neurodiversity living communities, places where all neurotypes, including neurotypicals, live together with dignity, mutual care, and support that adapts to changing needs across life.
Share Your Story If you are an older neurominority, or if you support someone who is, please consider sharing your lived experience and insights with us. Together, we can break the silence around aging and neurodiversity. Share your story by clicking on the button below and completing the form.
In a world that prizes productivity and brilliance, what happens when the scaffolding of tolerance fades with age? The Elderly Billionaire No One Sees explores how, as neurominorities we may experience the stripping away of the scaffolding of tolerance and accommodation that society gives us when we are “productive.” That's why true inclusion must extend across the lifespan.
Mastering Violin While Autistic and (Mostly) Nonspeaking: Sid Ramaswamy
by Shannon Des Roches Rosa from The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism Online Publication
Sid Ramaswamy, a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is a remarkable example of dedication and talent. Despite being autistic and mostly non-speaking, he has mastered the Carnatic violin, a South Indian classical music tradition, demonstrating the extraordinary ways in which individuals can communicate and express themselves.
From Disability to Diversity: A New Chapter for Neurodiversity in Switzerland
by Susan Mackay, Neurodiversity Coach
We are always keen to spotlight other organisations who champion neurodiversity and we celebrate the achievements 'The Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland' who recently won the Swiss Diversity Award in the Disability category. This recognition shines a well-deserved spotlight on the organisation’s tireless work to support, connect, and champion the value of neurominorities individuals across the country.
We look forward to seeing you at the next ION Chat on
Friday, 5 October 2025, 10:30am - 11:30am UK London Time
Discover a virtual space where you can talk about what matters to you, hear from others, share your experiences, and connect on a deeper level.
Register now to join us and become an ION individual member.
Neurodiversity - Masterclass Series
by ION and the Neurodiversity Collective
Discover the Neurodiversity Masterclass Series, now available to view and join sessions via Eventbrite. Gain valuable insights from experts and neurominorities exploring a wide variety of topics around neurodiversity.
Join us for the next session on the 23rd October at 5pm GMT: featuring John Marble, Author, Autism for Dummies and Neurodiversity for Dummies."The Normalcy of Neurodiversity" Register at eventbrite by clicking the button below
