Join us for ION's World Autism Awareness Day 2025 Online Broadcast: Advancing Neurodiversity & the UN SDGs

2nd April 2025, 2pm - 7:30pm, UK London Time

Sign up to join is for the ION WAAD 25 Global Broadcast. An online event exploring how autism and neurominority inclusion aligns with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hear expert speakers from around the world share their insights in panel discussions, and a fireside chat, covering the following key areas: 

• Inclusive healthcare & well-being (SDG 3) – Ensuring healthcare systems support autistic individuals
• Quality education (SDG 4) – Creating inclusive learning environments for all
• Workplace accessibility (SDG 8) – Unlocking the potential of a neurominority workforce
• Reducing inequalities (SDG 10) – Shaping policies that promote full societal participation
• Building inclusive cities & communities (SDG 11) – Designing spaces that work for everyone.
• Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SD G16) - Importance of strong institutions for global inclusion.

Sign up today for your FREE place. 

Facing a Shifting World: A Neurodiverse Perspective on Chaos and Kindness

By Professor Charlotte Valeur

In an ever-evolving world marked by unpredictability and rapid change, understanding diverse perspectives becomes crucial.

This article delves into how neurominority individuals navigate chaos and exhibit kindness, offering unique insights into resilience and adaptability amidst global shifts.

The Third Culture: The Unmeasured Intelligence of Neurominorities 

Beyond the Box: A Culture and Intelligence That Defy Measurement

Traditional measures of intelligence often overlook the unique strengths of neurominorities.

ION’s latest article explores the concept of "third culture" thinking, Exploring how neurominority individuals bridge diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and contribute unmeasured intelligence in a rapidly evolving world.

Reframing Neurodiversity: Unlocking Humanity's Untapped Resource

By Susan Mackay

Neurodiversity is more than a difference, it’s an untapped resource that can drive innovation and progress. In this article, Susan explores how reframing neurodiversity can unlock new potential and create a more inclusive future for all.

“Nothing About Us Without Us”

Featuring Kim Shah (She/Her) in Journey Through the Senses, February 2025 edition, interviewed by Patricia Lynne Duffy.

The Institute of Neurodiversity-Canada’s Kim Shah discusses the importance of neuro-
inclusion both nationally and globally, and the neurominorities leading their own
movement.  She shares, “By recognising the unique contributions of individuals with neurological differences, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society for everyone. Doesn’t that sound like a future worth striving for?” 

March ION Chat: A Global Exchange of Neurominority Perspectives

ION’s March Chat brought together voices from around the world to share insights on neurodiversity, inclusion, and lived experiences. This global exchange highlights the power of diverse perspectives in shaping a more inclusive future. Take a moment to catch up on the chat via the button below.

Join us for the next ION Chat 

Join us for the next ION Chat. 

Friday, 4 April 2024, 10:30am - 11:30am UK London Time

ION Chat is a virtual space to talk about what matters to you, to hear from one another, share your journeys, and connect on a deeper level.

Register now and become an individual member. 

Neurodiversity - Masterclass Series

Wiith The Neurodiversity Collective, formally RPDU, 27 March, 5pm - 6pm UK London time, Online

This session will be led by Stephen Hodnett, Occupational Therapist at Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland. He brings extensive experience in education and therapy, coordinating the POTTS programme. He has played a key role in developing resources to support children with Dyspraxia/DCD, including the upcoming ADL Clinic and Resource Suite.

A Poem by Akshat Singha - Yes, I am Strange

Thank you to Akshat for taking the time to share his experiences through these poems. 

Main ajeeb Hoon
Sabhi yahi bolte hai
Waise to ye baat Mai already janta hoon
Par aaj is so called society ki Khushi ke liye bol hi deta hoon
Ha main ajeeb Hoon
Tabhi to Mai dhang Se chal nahi paaga , kha nahi pasta even samajh bhi nahi pata
Ha Main ajeeb Hoon tabhi to seedhe pagal ya viklang karar Diya jata hoon
Par Mera ek sawal hai
Kya ye Meri choice hai
Ki me auro SE alag Hoon
Agar nahi to Kyu society mujhe judge karti hai
Kyu mujhe aaye din kabhi sympathy ki chashni me ghol ke
To kabhi muh pe bolke ye manne pe majboor karti hai
Ki main ajeeb soon
Ha main ajeeb Hoon
To kya hua
Kya me insaan nahi hoon
Ya mere andar jazbat hi nahi haj
Kuch to kaaran hoga
Kyuki agar aisa nahi hai
To Kyu normal na hona acceptable Kyu nahi hain
Shayad isliye kyuki hamari normal society normal logo ko chod ke kisi ke liya bani hi nahi hain
Chahe kitna bhi koshish Karo bhoolne ki
Par ye society baar baar yaad dilati hai
Chalo tum sab ke liye ek baar aur bol deta Hoon ki
Haan main ajeeb Hoon

A Poem by Akshat Singha - Bullied

Sitting in the corner 
Crying on the inside 
Eyes were red and swollen 
Lips that can’t even smile 
He was bullied in class 
even tried to fight 
But how can he fight teachers 
Who thought 
Harrassing students 
Was their right 
He was judging himself 
Was he right 
He asked to himself 
Was he suitable for school  
Was he right 
Or according to his teacher 
He is just a boy 
Who was a failure in disguise
He was clueless 
Scanning students through his eyes 
Some seems loud 
Some seems quite 
But there was no one 
Who can look into his eyes 

And say 
“Don’t cry , I am with you everything will be all right ” 
Not even his parents 
Who thought he was lying 
He didn’t want to study 
That’s why he was crying 
People told him 
School Life is best 
He will remember throughout his life 
Maybe they were right 
He will definitely remember it 
But without a smile