NeuroInclusivity

Neurodiversity isn’t just about acceptance—it’s about power. The way we think, create, and communicate reshapes the world in ways that can’t be replicated. No matter how you get the message out—speech, AAC, writing, movement—your voice matters. This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let’s recognize the magic we bring—not despite our differences, but because of them.??? ?? This week only, enjoy 15% off your order total with the code NEURODIVERSITYWEEK at checkout in our Etsy shop! It's a party over at NeuroInclusivity! ?? neuroinclusivity.etsy.com #NeurodiversityCelebration?#AAC?#CommunicationCards?#ActuallyAutistic?#AuDHD?#MentalHealthMatters?#MindsOfAllKinds?#DifferentNotLess?#Disabled?#Spoonie?#ChronicIllness?#Neurodivergent?#NeuroInclusivity

We are so excited to hang out with everyone attending the Thriving in Wellness Watch Party—and to give one lucky winner $50 to spend in our shop! ?? (Details in post) #NeuroInclusivity #ThrivingInWellness #Neurodivergent #AuDHD #CommunicationCards #Neurodiversity #Disability #Inclusion #ActuallyAutistic

?? BIG NEWS! ?? We’ve been in the studio, recording, learning, and laughing—and now it’s YOUR turn to be part of something that’s been a year in the making ?? What happens when neurodivergent voices come together to create something truly special? You’re about to find out. The Thriving Series drops on MONDAY! This isn’t just another series—it’s a movement. Real conversations. Real tips. Real support. The Thriving Series brings neurodivergent voices to the forefront, offering tailored advice and strategies that help us thrive, not just survive. In a world often dominated by neurotypical perspectives, finding practical tips that truly speak to our unique experiences can be tough. This series is designed for neurodivergent individuals by neurodivergent individuals and will have you thinking, “I’m not the only one" ???? The Thriving Series is made possible by the incredible generosity of The Sinneave Family Foundation whose unwavering support empowers neurodivergent communities to thrive. With their dedication and vision, we’ve brought this project to life alongside our amazing partners—Reframe Learning & Engagement Studio, NeuroInclusivity, and ND Connect —who share our commitment to neuroaffirming wellness. We’re so grateful for this collaboration and can’t wait for you to check it out! MONDAY, MARCH 17TH. GET READY. ?? #ThrivingSeries #Neurodivergent #NeurodiversityAffirming #Neurodiversity #AuDHD #WeThriveTogether ?? https://lnkd.in/gnyxUv2c

As a neurodivergent person, I spent years trying to fit into systems that made me feel like I couldn’t keep up or do things 'the right way.' Honestly, it wasn’t until I embraced entrepreneurship—and realized there is no 'right way'—that I truly started to excel. Running my own business has allowed me to structure my work and life in a way that aligns with how my brain operates. Here’s how it’s become the perfect fit for me—and why it might just be the perfect fit for you too! Your fellow neurodivergent, Kalea Kirsh (she/her) AuDHD | Founder of NeuroInclusivity #NeuroInclusivity #NeurodivergentOwned #Entrepreneurship #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #CPTSD #SmallBusinessOwner #ADHDBusinessOwner #Authenticity #AAC #AutisticWomen

When I give talks discussing neurodiversity and the need to shift from individualistic interventions to systemic change, I often encounter questions such as: ?? “What about people who are a danger to themselves and/or others?" ?? “Are you saying individuals with high support needs shouldn’t receive therapy?” ?? “How can you say neurodivergence isn’t a problem when some people suffer so much from their conditions?” ??These are valid questions that speak to common misunderstandings around the intersection of neurodiversity and treatment. ?? To clarify, this is not about rejecting therapeutic interventions, but rather, reframing their focus. The goal is to avoid viewing neurodivergent individuals through the lens of a 'broken neurotypical brain' and instead focus on understanding their distress—not their differences—as the primary concern. To clarify, I’m referring to the distress the neurodivergent individual feels, not how their neurological makeup might inconvenience others. ?? Therapy can be immensely valuable for navigating barriers, processing challenges, and enhancing well-being. However, the aim should be to support individuals in achieving self-actualization, not to enforce conformity or alignment with societal expectations of "normalcy." When we treat a person’s neurological divergence as a problem to be fixed, we invalidate their identity and reinforce arbitrary and unfair guidelines of how they "should" behave, think, or feel. ?? The real change comes when we shift from seeing neurodivergence as a pathology to be treated to a natural, valuable variation in human experience that deserves respect, accommodation, and understanding. ?? Minds that think differently are invaluable; diversity in thought drives adaptation and survival. It fosters creativity, innovation, and scientific discovery by challenging the status quo and offering new, unconventional solutions. The very breakthroughs we take for granted—from revolutionary technologies to paradigm-shifting ideas—are often the result of minds that refuse to fit into predefined moulds. #Neurodiversity?#Neurodivergent?#ActuallyAutistic?#ADHD?#AAC?#ASD?#DEI #AutismAcceptance #DifferentNotLess #AuDHD #NeuroInclusion #NeuroInclusivity

At the end, someone approached me and asked, with curiosity: “But… doesn’t saying ‘with autism’ show that there’s more to a person than just autism?” I paused and replied thoughtfully: "Being Autistic doesn’t mean there’s nothing else—it actually means there’s so much more." Autism isn’t something separate from who a person is—it’s woven into their identity, their way of seeing and being in the world. To label someone as Autistic doesn’t reduce who they are; it acknowledges a part of their wholeness. Autism and success or personhood aren’t mutually exclusive. ???? - Kalea Kirsh (she/her) #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #LateDiagnosedADHD #LateDiagnosedAutism #Autism #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #InclusiveLanguage #PersonFirst #IdentityFirst #NeuroInclusivity #AutisticAdvocate #NeuroInclusion

Today was #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, a day dedicated to reminding us that through interventions and conversations, we can save lives. However, current methods of prevention often fall short. Imagine a massive fire that has been raging for years, consuming everything in its path. People continue to die in this fire, yet the strategy for prevention is to offer fire safety tips and treat victims for smoke inhalation, while never addressing the fire itself. This fire keeps spreading, making safety tips and treatments increasingly ineffective. This analogy reflects the current approach to suicide prevention. While there is a focus on individual strategies and crisis management, the underlying issues fueling the crisis are often neglected. Suicide attempts are driven by complex and multilayered causes, typically centred on absolute desperation and hopelessness—the belief that suffering will only worsen and that enduring another minute is unbearable. These feelings, often dismissed as distorted, can be valid, particularly for marginalized individuals whose lived experiences and social environments reinforce this despair. A deeper examination of systemic issues is needed. ?? So, what does real prevention look like? It's addressing these factors, among many others: ?? Cost of Living The unrealistic cost of living leaves many Canadians unable to secure safe and stable housing. If basic housing needs are unmet, addressing grocery prices, non-insured healthcare, and social opportunities becomes even more challenging. ?? Waitlists Wait times to see a covered mental health professional are extensive and unacceptable. Many Canadians spend years upon years waiting to receive mental health support, with some of these individuals committing suicide or dying of an overdose before their name reaches the top. While private practices offer faster service, the cost of $100-$200 per session is prohibitive for many. ?? Crisis Lines Experiences with crisis lines can be disheartening. Common issues include waiting on hold with blaring classical music for 45+ minutes until the line disconnects, receiving standardized tips that are not applicable in acute crises (like "just hop in a warm bath"), and being accused of "taking up the line" when more time to speak is needed. Additionally, crisis lines are not accessible to everyone, excluding those who are nonspeaking or situationally mute, non-English speakers, or those who cannot afford phone service. ?? Healthcare Individuals with chronic illnesses often contemplate or complete suicide due to the unbearable nature of their symptoms. This situation is exacerbated by long waits to see specialists who often don't take their experiences seriously. Dozens of factors could be listed, but given the word count, this summary will suffice: ?? We MUST stop focusing on preventing smoke inhalation while ignoring the massive fire itself ??

?? You SERIOUSLY won't want to miss out on this one-time event!! ?? ?? Calling all carers/service providers for autistic girls and champions of inclusion alike! ????? Dive into our new comprehensive event guide, designed to prepare you for Tuesday's epic 'Raising Autistic Girls to Thrive' event! ?? We know planning and preparation are key, especially for our neurodivergent community, so we've crafted this affirming resource to ensure you're fully ready for Tuesday's transformative gathering. ?? Exclusive Event Features: ?? ?? Valuable first-hand insights into neurodiversity-affirming approaches for supporting autistic girls. ?? Connect with a community that truly understands and supports you. ?? Discover the resources and support available to you. ?? Meet and Learn From: ?? ?? Gemma Gray, the Autistic founder of Colouring Outside the Lines, for a rare, one-time opportunity! ?? Dori Zener, a trailblazer in neurodiversity-affirming services, with 20+ years of experience. ?? Explore and shop from NeuroInclusivity, a local business championing inclusion with neurodiversity-affirming products! ?? This event is: ?? ?? Neurodiversity Affirming ?? In-Person ??Accessible ??Neurodivergent-Led Let's empower, inspire, and uplift this underrepresented demographic together! RSVP before it's gone and secure your spot for a life-changing experience! ?? ?? Raising Autistic Girls to Thrive ?? ?? Tue 18 Jun 2024 ?? 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT ?? Edithvale Community Centre, 131 Finch Ave W ?? Registration: https://lnkd.in/gRF2thpw #RaisingAutisticGirls #RaisingAutisticGirlsToThrive #AutismInGirls #AutisticGirls #AutisticWomen #AutismInWomen #Neurodiversity #NeurodiversityAffirmingTherapy #NeurodiversityAffirming #Neurodivergent #Autism #Autistic #TorontoEvent #NeurodiversityEvent #NeurodiversityResources #ColouringOutsideTheLines #DoriZenerAndAssociates #NeuroInclusivity #NeuroInclusion #AutismAcceptance #Support #Community #Accessibility #EmbraceNeurodiversity

If you were to ask most people whether autistic individuals need treatment, we're pretty confident almost everyone would say yes. While autistic people benefit from support (like any other person!), when people think of 'treatment' for autistic individuals, it often brings up ideas of transformation, reform, conditioning, and compliance. These goals are pursued in the name of benefitting the neurodivergent individual, unfortunately, with a closer look, one can see these often reflect the desires of society, service providers, family, teachers, etc. to make autistic individuals more "socially acceptable" or "digestible" While we acknowledge and understand that differences can lead to distressing experiences, such as social isolation or potential bullying, it's important to note that these challenges are not the fault of the neurodivergent individual. Instead, they reflect societal attitudes that often reject those who communicate, regulate, and express themselves differently. Rather than focusing on fixing every divergent person to avoid these consequences, we advocate for a cultural shift toward acceptance, inclusion, and curiosity. It's crucial to recognize that this shift in mindset and approach to "treatment" doesn't begin with the individual who is different or divergent but with society as a whole embracing authenticity and individuality. Difference is not a negative trait; it's a fundamental aspect of our species' diversity. Our survival and progress depend on embracing various perspectives and abilities. Now let's talk distress. When a neurodivergent individual experiences distress and seeks support to address their challenges, it's crucial to listen to their needs and work towards their self-defined goals, not society's expectations. Treating distress involves acknowledging and addressing an individual's hardships, and supporting them in finding solutions that work for them. On the other hand, treating differences involves trying to make individuals conform to a standardized norm, which sadly erases their unique identity and strengths. 'Fixing' someone who doesn't need to be fixed in the name of support causes damage. Instead, let's empower the neurodivergent individual (and anyone, for that matter) to identify what they find hard and truly want to work on or change for themselves! Before offering support to a neurodivergent person, we encourage you to ask yourself: "Am I trying to treat the distress they are identifying, or am I trying to make them more like everyone else?" Welcoming diversity and understanding that everyone has different strengths and needs are key to preventing harm and allowing neurodivergent individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. #AutismAcceptance #NeurodiversityisBeautiful #AllKindsOfMinds #ActuallyAutistic #ActuallyADHD #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #DisabilityRights #TreatDistressNotDifference #NeuroInclusivity #NeurodivergentOwned #Authenticity #AAC #Inclusion #AuDHD #ASD #Disability