Leading with kindness. Designing with courage, Hazleen Ahmad isn’t just building change, she’s redefining systems for a more inclusive world.
From Singapore to the UAE, Bahrain to the UK, her 30-year journey blends science, strategy, and soul. As Global Deputy CEO, Singapore President & Chair, and mother to neurominority children, she’s making sure neurominorities are no longer the exception — but the new norm.
✨ This isn’t advocacy. This is the architecture of empathy.✨
From Misunderstood to Mission-Critical: The Potential of Neurominority Talent
by Susan Mackay
In a world that demands adaptability, innovation, and emotional intelligence, the strengths of neurodivergent individuals are not just relevant, they’re essential. In From Misunderstood to Mission-Critical, Susan draws on her experience to share a personal and professional journey into neurodiversity.
What begins as a late diagnosis becomes a powerful reframing, not just of identity, but of what the modern workplace truly needs. This article is a call to move beyond awareness and towards action: recognising neurominority talent as mission-critical for a thriving, inclusive future.
ION Neurodisruptors Episode 2, hosted by Amanda Graham, Featuring Haresh Patel
In this episode of the ION Neurodisruptors Podcast host Amanda Graham chats with Haresh Patel, Production Sound Mixer and Post Sound Editor on various Hollywood Films.
From a childhood fascination with a record player to capturing the voices of iconic actors, Haresh shares how sound shapes our emotions, bodies, and memories. Discover the unseen power of sound and how it brings stories to life in ways we don’t just hear, we also feel.
This article is a powerful reminder of something many of us feel but rarely say out loud: how much energy neurominorities spend contorting ourselves just to be accepted by neurotypical norms, whether it’s in conversation, relationships, or work.
In this raw and relatable reflection, Amanda explores what it means to constantly monitor how we speak, move, and interact, and the deep relief that comes when we find spaces where we truly belong. Not where we’re tolerated, but where we’re understood.
It’s a celebration of connection, community, and the joy of being seen without having to explain. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of masking and the freedom of finding their people.
New ION Guide - Teaching Through Special Interests: Unlocking Learning for All Students
At the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), we recognise that for many neurominorities, special interests are not distractions—they’re essential. They provide safety, focus, joy, and identity in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
This practical guide explores how teaching through special interests can open up learning, trust, and connection—especially for students from neurominorities. By honouring what matters most to them, educators can unlock meaningful engagement and support growth for all learners.
New ION Guide - Empathy and Curiosity Across Neurotypes and Cultures
Empathy and curiosity are powerful tools for building understanding across neurotypes and cultures. When combined with respect and kindness, they create space for deeper conversations and genuine connection.
Curiosity asks, “What is your experience?” Empathy answers, “I care how that feels.”
This ION guide invites educators, leaders, and peers to approach difference not with fear or judgment, but with openness. When we lead with empathy and curiosity, we don’t try to fix or compare—we simply listen, learn, and grow together.
Introducing the ION Forum & Awards, a powerful half-day event dedicated to advancing neuroinclusion in Singapore! Date to be confirmed.
Join us as we bring together diverse voices of young people, parents, professionals, and organisations, as we spark real conversations, share lived experiences and spotlight what’s possible when neurodiversity is recognised and embraced.
Let’s build a more inclusive future, together.
If you're interested in joining us as a guest, speaker, corporate partner, or sponsor, we would love to hear from you, email Safiah at: Safiah@ioneurodiversity.sg
Join us for the next ION Chat
Join us for the next ION Chat on
Friday, 4 July 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.
Neurdiversity Masterclass: Learnings from designing a Neurodiversity Program in the workplace – the Ubisoft case
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:00 - 18:00 BST
Join us for a powerful session: "Learnings from designing a Neurodiversity Program in the workplace – the Ubisoft case" Featuring Pierre Escaich, Neurodiversity Talent Program Director at Ubisoft. With 27 years in the gaming industry and personal lived experience, Pierre has built a 600+ strong global ERG and now leads initiatives to support neurodiverse talent across Ubisoft. Don’t miss this inspiring masterclass on building inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent creativity can thrive.
.jpg?width=800&upscale=true&name=ION%20Podcast%20YouTube%20Intro%20(1).jpg)
