Autism Community Ventures PBC

Sorry Gentlemen but it’s Women who are leading up the Neurodiversity movement; please tag in a women whom we should be thanking today. Every International Women’s Day, I reflect on how some of my deepest learning and best insights have come through the work of women leaders in the neurodiversity movement; and for this I owe them a debt. Mention others in the comments. Truly, women are leading the way. They are doing so in a world that is still wildly unequal for #Neurodivergent women. ?? The rate of under and mis-diagnosis of women and girls is shocking. ?? Many women are misdiagnosed with mental health disorders. Or, when those disorders co-occur, they are not given the benefit of a full assessment. ?? When they do obtain a diagnosis – often after a long fight – they are told it’s just ‘trendy’. That makes me angry! ?? Neurodivergent women who are also part of other marginalised communities face even higher barriers to diagnosis and worse access to services (if they can get access at all). I am thankful for my women friends in the ND community who have graciously shared with me their wisdom, their stories and their time to help me become a better ally and a better advocate for this diverse community. Below is a small subset of the ND women I look up to and who are leading the way in the #Neurodiversity movement (at least those that I can remember whilst writing this post). Please give them a follow so you, too, can benefit from their wisdom. ??PS: Am I right with my opening statement about women leading? Also let me know in the comments, which ND women leaders we should recognise and thank today? (Mentioning yourself is perfectly fine/encouraged!) Char Bailey Jacqui Wallis Nancy Doyle Prof. Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD FCGI Georgina Kennedy Kate Griggs Professor Charlotte Valeur Marcia Brissett-Bailey BSc, PG Dip (QCG), MA,IPSEA Elizabeth Takyi (BA Hons PGcert) Donna Stevenson Jennifer. Opal Onyinye Udokporo MA Dr Shirley Woods-Gallagher Ellie Middleton Dr Samantha Hiew Dr Mine Conkbayir MBE Lucy Hobbs Charlie Hart Dr Alison Lennox Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, ?? Maureen N. Dunne, Ph.D. Iveta Pudilova Beverley Sinton (she, her) Anna Kennedy OBE #Neurodiversity #IWD

?? ?? I just broke the ice at Benecon VERIS Conference 2025! Check out my icebreaker! - via #Whova event app. Looking forward to attending this informative conference in Scottsdale, Arizona and learning more strategies about cost containment, risk management, underwriting and holistic wellbeing to help our clients manage their #healthcare and #insurance costs. EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is honored to partner with VERIS on behalf of our clients. Let’s be EPIC together! What inspires you? #bestadvice #whatinspiresme #future #visualization #veris #epicness

Neurodiversity Celebration Week – LBG. It made me feel really proud to hear from our GEC sponsor ?Jasjyot Singh OBE and Rachel Osikoya at the ActionAble conference last week. They outlined the great progress we have made in 2024 and we also announced our broader Disability and Neurodiversity ACCESS role models last week as well. It was great to see so many amazing people recognised across the Group. We've been busy refreshing and relaunching our broader 2025 strategy and wanted to update on our plans for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025. The theme of the week is about celebrating different minds. Whilst we know that being neurodivergent can come with some challenges, it also brings unique strengths and perspectives that can be unlocked with the right adjustments. Bringing together different ways of thinking is key to solving transformational challenges. We built some fantastic foundations last year through our different Neurodivergent communities as well as our 13 regional HUBS right across the UK.?I do believe it’s these communities and our fantastic ThisIsMe training that are enabling us to drive real cultural change here in LBG and I’m so proud of colleague efforts right across the UK to make that happen. Celebrating Different Minds A panel discussion featuring senior LBG business leaders Ranil Boteju Peter Steel Maria Carmen Herrero and global Neurodiversity leader Maureen N. Dunne, Ph.D. will highlight the value of diverse thinking in solving key challenges and the importance of supporting Neurodivergent colleagues to achieve their potential. It will also cover how Neurodivergent colleagues will be key in a future world dominated by linear AI systems. Enabling Neurodivergent Colleagues A panel session with Group Health and Wellbeing lead Emma Stacey, our Group Head of Talent Neil Munro Munro, and Sakura B. and Dan Bird from our Neurodiversity Community to ?discuss how adjustments enable Neurodivergent colleagues in the workplace and recruitment and our plans for enhancing these processes in 2025. Driving Acceptance Across our regional sites in LBG A podcast hosted by two of ND community Marianne Thompson & Wayne Clarkson will focus on how our ND communities are driving behavioural change and acceptance. Our Regional ND HUBs will also bring Neurodivergent colleagues together to discuss their impact across the Group. A Movement for Neuro-Inclusion 2024 marked the year when our Neurodiversity strategy became a movement, thanks to the efforts of amazing colleagues across all levels of seniority within our Group. We want 2025 to be the year when we drive acceptance and empowerment for all ND colleagues right across the Group. Neurodivergent people are different not less. #NCW2025 #Differentnotless Lisa Rhodes Kate Grannell Ed James Jamie Johnson Harriet Roberts Kirstie Pollard-Hawkins Mahari Hay Gill Spensley Steve Carter Rebecca Dodds Tom Berry Adam Sanders Nicola Stewart

One year ago, I was in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for the recording?of my podcast?interview for Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. It felt surreal to be the first person to be invited on the show?to talk about #neurodiversity and a bit intimidating --?especially considering that his guests have been predominantly celebrities and household name authors and experts. I knew, unlike other podcasts, Dax is known to directly probe into the personal and the messy. That morning, I spent a lot of time swimming, doing breathing exercises, and most importantly, deciding that I would allow myself to be vulnerable?and talk openly about my personal story if asked alongside questions about my book and my academic?expertise. Many people?in the neurodiversity community knew my story for years but disclosure on a platform with 20 million monthly listeners was a totally different thing. Some well-intentioned people advised me strongly to dodge any personal questions. Disclosure is a very personal choice. That afternoon, I sat across from Dax and Monica in literal armchairs and had a most enlightening?conversation, one I will never forget. Dax had read my book, The Neurodiversity Edge, in depth, neither of us had any notes, and I found?myself really enjoying the conversation. I left feeling a sense of pride in owning who I was, who I always have been, and feeling like I, along with my fellow neurodivergent?#leaders, have the power to openly lead by example and forge a better path for younger generations. If you have not yet listened to the conversation, you can do so at the links in the comments. Dax is a curious, funny, and brilliant host. #neurodiversity #leadership #innovation #ai #culture #education #hr #ceo #socialimpact

One year ago, I was in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for the recording?of my podcast?interview for Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. It felt surreal to be the first person to be invited on the show?to talk about #neurodiversity and a bit intimidating --?especially considering that his guests have been predominantly celebrities and household name authors and experts. I knew, unlike other podcasts, Dax is known to directly probe into the personal and the messy. That morning, I spent a lot of time swimming, doing breathing exercises, and most importantly, deciding that I would allow myself to be vulnerable?and talk openly about my personal story if asked alongside questions about my book and my academic?expertise. Many people?in the neurodiversity community knew my story for years but disclosure on a platform with 20 million monthly listeners was a totally different thing. Some well-intentioned people advised me strongly to dodge any personal questions. Disclosure is a very personal choice. That afternoon, I sat across from Dax and Monica in literal armchairs and had a most enlightening?conversation, one I will never forget. Dax had read my book, The Neurodiversity Edge, in depth, neither of us had any notes, and I found?myself really enjoying the conversation. I left feeling a sense of pride in owning who I was, who I always have been, and feeling like I, along with my fellow neurodivergent?#leaders, have the power to openly lead by example and forge a better path for younger generations. If you have not yet listened to the conversation, you can do so at the links in the comments. Dax is a curious, funny, and brilliant host. #neurodiversity #leadership #innovation #ai #culture #education #hr #ceo #socialimpact

One year ago, I was in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for the recording?of my podcast?interview for Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. It felt surreal to be the first person to be invited on the show?to talk about #neurodiversity and a bit intimidating --?especially considering that his guests have been predominantly celebrities and household name authors and experts. I knew, unlike other podcasts, Dax is known to directly probe into the personal and the messy. That morning, I spent a lot of time swimming, doing breathing exercises, and most importantly, deciding that I would allow myself to be vulnerable?and talk openly about my personal story if asked alongside questions about my book and my academic?expertise. Many people?in the neurodiversity community knew my story for years but disclosure on a platform with 20 million monthly listeners was a totally different thing. Some well-intentioned people advised me strongly to dodge any personal questions. Disclosure is a very personal choice. That afternoon, I sat across from Dax and Monica in literal armchairs and had a most enlightening?conversation, one I will never forget. Dax had read my book, The Neurodiversity Edge, in depth, neither of us had any notes, and I found?myself really enjoying the conversation. I left feeling a sense of pride in owning who I was, who I always have been, and feeling like I, along with my fellow neurodivergent?#leaders, have the power to openly lead by example and forge a better path for younger generations. If you have not yet listened to the conversation, you can do so at the links in the comments. Dax is a curious, funny, and brilliant host. #neurodiversity #leadership #innovation #ai #culture #education #hr #ceo #socialimpact

One year ago, I was in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for the recording?of my podcast?interview for Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. It felt surreal to be the first person to be invited on the show?to talk about #neurodiversity and a bit intimidating --?especially considering that his guests have been predominantly celebrities and household name authors and experts. I knew, unlike other podcasts, Dax is known to directly probe into the personal and the messy. That morning, I spent a lot of time swimming, doing breathing exercises, and most importantly, deciding that I would allow myself to be vulnerable?and talk openly about my personal story if asked alongside questions about my book and my academic?expertise. Many people?in the neurodiversity community knew my story for years but disclosure on a platform with 20 million monthly listeners was a totally different thing. Some well-intentioned people advised me strongly to dodge any personal questions. Disclosure is a very personal choice. That afternoon, I sat across from Dax and Monica in literal armchairs and had a most enlightening?conversation, one I will never forget. Dax had read my book, The Neurodiversity Edge, in depth, neither of us had any notes, and I found?myself really enjoying the conversation. I left feeling a sense of pride in owning who I was, who I always have been, and feeling like I, along with my fellow neurodivergent?#leaders, have the power to openly lead by example and forge a better path for younger generations. If you have not yet listened to the conversation, you can do so at the links in the comments. Dax is a curious, funny, and brilliant host. #neurodiversity #leadership #innovation #ai #culture #education #hr #ceo #socialimpact

Excited to be part of the incredible energy at the ASU+GSV Summit 2025! I’m leading three powerful conversations at this year’s summit, tackling some of the most important topics in leadership, education, and inclusion: ?? "The Neurodiversity Edge" with bestselling author Maureen N. Dunne, Ph.D. – A fireside chat on unlocking the power of neurodiverse talent. ?? A fireside chat with J?rgen Vig Knudstorp (KIRKBI A/S and former CEO of the LEGO Group) on turning failure into fuel, play into innovation, and leadership into lasting impact. ?? From Classroom to Career: Breaking Barriers for Students with Disabilities – A panel with Jack Lynch (CEO of HMH), Sandy Lacey (Perkins School for the Blind, #HoweInnovationCenter), Simone Wright, Ed.L.D. (Denver Public Schools), and Coretta Martin (IEP&Me). NU Advisory Partners is proud to sponsor Stars Track, where top EdTech leaders will share insights on the future of learning, innovation, and impact. #ASUGSV #Leadership #Inclusion #Innovation #EdTech #education #ai #executivesearch #NU

As someone who is passionate about encouraging, providing, and advocating for inclusive environments and practices, I am pleased to share the publication of my media review in the Journal of College and Character. The review discusses The Neurodiversity Edge: The Essential Guide to Embracing Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Differences for Any Organization by Dr. Maureen Dunne. This book is a valuable resource for today’s students and workforce, offering practical insights on how and why organizations should embrace and support neurodiversity. https://lnkd.in/gF2b5_w2

Excited to be part of the incredible energy at the ASU+GSV Summit 2025! I’m leading three powerful conversations at this year’s summit, tackling some of the most important topics in leadership, education, and inclusion: ?? "The Neurodiversity Edge" with bestselling author Maureen N. Dunne, Ph.D. – A fireside chat on unlocking the power of neurodiverse talent. ?? A fireside chat with J?rgen Vig Knudstorp (KIRKBI A/S and former CEO of the LEGO Group) on turning failure into fuel, play into innovation, and leadership into lasting impact. ?? From Classroom to Career: Breaking Barriers for Students with Disabilities – A panel with Jack Lynch (CEO of HMH), Sandy Lacey (Perkins School for the Blind, #HoweInnovationCenter), Simone Wright, Ed.L.D. (Denver Public Schools), and Coretta Martin (IEP&Me). NU Advisory Partners is proud to sponsor Stars Track, where top EdTech leaders will share insights on the future of learning, innovation, and impact. #ASUGSV #Leadership #Inclusion #Innovation #EdTech #education #ai #executivesearch #NU