Dyslexia isn’t a type of neurodivergence, is it? Neurodiversity means being an autistic adult, right? Does having Tics mean you always shout a lot? What is the purpose of getting diagnosed?

Come along to this talk and hear Dr. Abby Russel discuss nine things you never knew about neurodiversity (or maybe you did!). Abby is a scientist based at the University of Exeter Children and Young People’s Mental Health Research Collaboration. Together we’ll look at specific facts about neurodivergence but also delve deeper into things that could help or hinder neurodivergent people. We’ll learn more about our senses, hyper- and hypo-sensitivity, and whether neurodivergence is increasing in the UK – or are we simply becoming more aware of it?

Thursday, 30 January 2025 from 3 – 6.30 PM (Main auditorium)
FREE Under the Umbrella Drop-In Sessions

Are you curious to learn what it might be like to experience a neurodivergence? Abby, Katie Emmison, and neurodivergent students have designed an immersive, interactive training for teachers that simulates what a typical school day might look like for neurodivergent children and adolescents. Heads up, it can often be very negative and include multiple suspensions, expulsion, and poor attainment.

To raise and increase awareness of these challenges, the Under the Umbrella team will hold drop-in sessions that allow you to step into the shoes of a young person navigating their school day with a neurodivergence. Come along between 3 & 6.30 P.M. to take part and learn what simple actions you can take to support someone. You can read more about these sessions here.

You can just drop in! However, to help us plan for the day, we’d appreciate it if you could Let Us Know You’re Coming.

Disclaimer: Abby is not neurodivergent, but has family members and works with researchers who are.