Supporting every mind: Region comes together to promote neuroinclusion
Partner agencies across Coventry and Warwickshire champion neuroinclusive practice for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026.
Warwickshire County Council, alongside Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice, is proud to support Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026, taking place from 16 to 22 March.
The term neurodivergent simply means that some people's brains work differently to what may be considered 'typical'. People who are autistic or who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and other neurological differences are a key part of a balanced, neurodiverse society.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week offers a global platform to recognise strengths, challenge misconceptions, and celebrate the contributions neurodivergent people make in education, workplaces and communities. Established in the UK in 2018 by autism advocate, author and campaigner, Sienna Castellon, the initiative aims to reshape public understanding and ensure people are fully supported and valued.
More details about this year's national programme can be found on the Neurodiversity Week website. Activity includes a range of free virtual events, panel discussions and webinars that encourage meaningful action beyond awareness. The 2026 theme explores equity, organisational change, leadership, universal design and neuroinclusive practice.
Highlights include:
· Beyond awareness: Building the case for equity
Monday 16 March 2026, 1 - 2pm
This session explores the legal, economic, and human dimensions of neuroinclusion.
· Scaling support, reducing barriers
Tuesday 17 March 2026, 1 - 2pm
A look at how universal design can make workplaces more accessible for all.
· Neuroinclusive leadership in action
Wednesday 18 March 2026, 1 - 2pm
Highlighting the critical role of leadership in fostering psychological safety and inclusion.
· Embedding neuroinclusion in the employee journey
Thursday 19 March 2026, 1 - 2pm
Practical guidance for HR and managers across the full employee lifecycle.
· The future of neuroinclusion: Innovation, data and impact
Friday 20 March 2026, 1 - 2pm
Exploring how technology and cross sector partnerships can drive sustainable change.
Local resources and support
Coventry and Warwickshire parents, carers, professionals and local organisations can also access a dedicated online hub offering practical guidance and tools to support autistic and neurodivergent people of all ages. The Happy Healthy Lives Neurodivergence and Autism pages include:
· Neurodivergent people and their families e-booklet - a detailed guide to local services, support and information across Coventry and Warwickshire.
· Autism awareness training - a short video created withAct for Autism to help communities better understand autism and how to offer meaningful support.
· Guide to reasonable adjustments for autistic adults - clear advice on small, practical changes that can significantly improve access to services.
· Communication guidance - supportingfamilies and professionals to use language that is respectful, empowering and inclusive.
· One-page profile resources - helping individuals communicate theirstrengths, needs and preferences using a simple, person-centred tool.
Education settings can also access Warwickshire's SEND and Inclusion Resources for Schools and Settings, which offer practical tools to help staff identify where pupils may need extra support and make reasonable adjustments that benefit all learners. These teacher-recommended resources include short training videos, inclusive teaching strategies and resources grouped across the four main areas of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They offer simple approaches that help create more inclusive, flexible learning environments, supporting this year's focus on equity and meaningful action.
As part of the PINS (Partnership for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools) initiative - a collaborative programme designed to help schools become more confident and inclusive in supporting neurodivergent pupils - Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice (WPCV) has created an online resource to help parents and carers better understand and support their neurodivergent child. Browse the WPCV Neurodiversity Padlet here.
Warwickshire County Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care, said:
"Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a powerful reminder of the progress we can make when awareness is matched with meaningful action. This year's focus on equity and inclusive practice encourages all of us, across schools, services and workplaces, to think differently about how we design environments that allow every individual to thrive.
The resources available, from our Neurodivergent People and Families e-booklet to the autism awareness training video and guidance on reasonable adjustments, give families and professionals practical tools to create more understanding, accessible and person-centred support. By embracing these resources and continuing to listen to neurodivergent voices, we can build a community where every mind is recognised, respected and empowered.
For more guidance on services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, visit: