March 2026

Diversity, Until It Comes Close to Power: When Openness Is Used Against Us

by The Institute of Neurodiversity (ION)

This article explores how neurominority individuals often hit a glass ceiling, as we move into positions of influence. Openness about neurotypes can be reframed as risk or uncertainty, making inclusion conditional, accepted in visibility but questioned in leadership. This limits who steps forward and narrows the diversity of thought in decision-making. The piece urges systems to recognise leadership beyond familiar templates and to value traits like creativity, persistence, and systems thinking.

Embodied Cognition and Neurodiversity: Rethinking How Humans Think, Feel, and Function

by Professor Charlotte Valeur, Chair and Founder of the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION)

In this thought-provoking article, Charlotte Valeur challenges traditional, brain-centric views of how we think and function, introducing the concept of embodied cognition as a more complete way of understanding human experience.

Drawing on the idea that cognition is shaped not just by the brain but by the body, emotions, and environment, the piece reframes neurodiversity as something far richer than a set of diagnoses. Instead, it highlights how our “bodyminds” interact with the world to influence how we perceive, learn, and make decisions.

By connecting embodied cognition with neurodiversity, Charlotte invites readers to rethink long-held assumptions about human capability, and to consider what this means for leadership, workplace design, and how we value different ways of thinking in a rapidly changing world.

ION Neurodisruptors Podcast 

Amanda Graham chats with Del Mak, Award-Winning Choreographer, Creative Director, and Judge

Del shares how curiosity, movement, and a multidisciplinary mindset have shaped his career, and how his engineering background influences choreography across music videos, live shows, theatre, film and immersive experiences.

Del has worked with global stars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Gwen Stefani. As well as appeared in the 2012 Summer Olympics and as a TV judge alongside RuPaul and Drew Barrymore.

Human Intelligence in the Age of AI: Why Embracing Neurodiversity May Hold the Key to Retaining the Human Advantage

By Susan Mackay, Neurodiversity & Inclusion Coach

In this insightful piece, Susan Mackay explores what it truly means to be intelligent in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Rather than framing AI as a replacement for human capability, she invites readers to reconsider the unique strengths of human intelligence — from creativity and empathy to complex, non-linear thinking.

The article challenges us to look beyond narrow definitions of intelligence and recognise the value of diverse ways of thinking, particularly as we navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Join ION at the World Autism Awareness Day Global Broadcast, 2 April at 2pm UK time

It's not too late to register your place at the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) 2026 broadcast, hosted by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), supported by the United Nation's Department of Global Communications.

Join us on Thursday 2 April 2026 at 2pm UK Time for landmark gathering bringing together global leaders, lived-experience voices, innovators, artists, youth advocates, educators and policymakers. Together, we hope to shape bold dialogue, practical solutions, and collective commitments toward a more inclusive global future. Register now to secure your place for this landmark global online event. 

ION Singapore Event: Why Neuroinclusion is Critical to the Future of Work: In a AI Augmented World

Thursday 9 April 2026, Singapore

As organisations navigate an increasingly AI-augmented and knowledge-driven economy, one question is becoming critical: Are we designing workplaces for how people actually think, or how we assume they should?

ION Singapore is convening a Leadership Forum to explore how organisations can unlock cognitive capital, the collective ability of people to think, learn, innovate, and make decisions in complex environments. This is not another conversation about inclusion as a compliance exercise. It is a strategic discussion on the Brain Economy where cognitive diversity is a driver of performance, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

Why this matters now: Singapore’s future as a knowledge hub depends not just on technology, but on how well organisations harness diverse ways of thinking. Yet many leaders are grappling with cognitive overload, burnout, and rigid workplace design.

What this dialogue will explore:

• Cognitive diversity as a competitive advantage

• Rethinking organisational and workplace design

• Moving beyond accommodation to designing for diversity by default

• The role of leadership in shaping future-ready organisations

Featuring: Professor Charlotte Valeur, Founder, Institute of Neurodiversity Global

Hazleen Ahmad, Chair & Founder, ION Singapore 

A curated, cross-sector leadership panel discussion with senior leaders across corporate, consulting, academia, and workforce institutions.

If you are thinking about the future of work, organisational design, and sustainable performance, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Limited seats are available, register your place today. 

Neurodiversity Collective (ION RPDU) Masterclass

Join the Neurodiversity Collective (formerly known as ION RPDU) for the next in the Neurodiversity Masterclass series on:

ION Two Day Conference: Neurodiversity in Later Life: 21–22 May 2026

This international conference will bring together lived-experience voices, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and advocates to address one of the most overlooked areas of neurodiversity: ageing, invisibility, access to care, systemic exclusion, and how societies can better support neurominorities across the full lifespan.

The two day conference will explore the following topics:

● Ageism and the erasure of older neurominorities

● Mental health, institutionalisation, and systemic barriers

● Healthcare, social care, and community inclusion

● Lived experience and reality across later life

● Building inclusive systems for ageing populations

The conference will be delivered in a hybrid format (in-person and online) to ensure global accessibility.  We are seeking over-60, neurominority individuals, who would like to be a part of this conference. To register your interest in taking part please email us via the button below:

Join us for the Next ION Chat: 1 May 2026

There will be no ION Chat on the 3 April 2026 as it is Good Friday, a public holiday in the UK. We look forward to seeing you at the next ION Chat on

Friday, 1 May 2026, 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.