Every Changemaker

“Every Changemaker” is the title of the concluding chapter of my book, The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work. That chapter is a celebration of the accomplishments of the global neurodivergent community and a guide to facilitating change from any position in society. When writing my book, I studied the practices of many large companies, spoke to innovative CEOs building inclusive organizations, and met many wonderful, amazing changemakers. Neurodivergent communities are filled with talent, creativity, and determination. In “Every Changemaker,” I wanted to highlight changemakers from around the world who may or may not be in positions others would consider “prominent” but who are making a difference in the lives of those who need support and opportunities.

And every changemaker matters. ?

Here is an excerpt highlighting some of these changemakers.

Ayira’s Neuro Soul Café

Ayira’s Neuro Soul Café is much more than a café. It is a place where employees are young neurodivergent people, where neurodivergent neighbors and their families are welcome to come and interact with each other, and where guests can also attend workshops on topics?related to neurodiversity. The café is slowly becoming known in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The founder, Diana Ayoo, explains her inspiration behind the café: “Ayira is named after my 6-year-old daughter called Ayira. She has a very unique condition called Primrose syndrome together with autism. As a mother and in this part of the world, I know that the neurodivergent are stigmatized and they are not really taken care of. I wanted to show the world that . . . they can be given a chance in society and contribute.”

Diana Ayoo cannot employ every neurodivergent young person who needs opportunities. When I connected with her in the fall of 2023, she had 6 employees. Some come just to check in; work can give someone a powerful sense of participating in something meaningful; a sense of mattering.

For those who are paid staff, working at Ayira’s Neuro Soul Café has been life-changing.

Twenty-five-year-old Simon Njuki says that at the cafe, he feels accepted and loved, even though the larger society rejects people with dyslexia. The love Diana Ayoo extends to her employees gives Simon Njuki “an opportunity to go further.”

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An opportunity to go further and make meaningful contributions is something that many neurodivergent people, all over the world, long for. And the larger society needs the contributions of neurodivergent people, even if it is not quite aware of it.

How can we all make a difference?

Large corporations like Microsoft, Dell, or Deloitte have the kind of resources that most of us might not be able to fathom. Their neuroinclusion work helps improve lives, and I would love to see it expand and deepen.

Innovative smaller and midsized companies like [ ], [ ], and [ ] show us what is possible with a radical, company-wide approach to inclusion.

And people like Diana Ayoo show us what is possible if just one person puts their mind and a loving heart into a mission. Positive change happens. Maybe not a perfect, “in the ideal world” change, but it is the most meaningful change for people like Simon Njuki.

Much more change is needed. Systemic and lasting change involves changing nation-level structures and legislation, organizational structures and processes, as well as social norms and individual attitudes. This means that many people, with and without the power of the office, can play significant roles in facilitating the change.

Below are just a few examples of people starting where they are, with what resources they have, and making a difference.

Siena Castellon was a high school student in the United Kingdom when in 2018 she founded Neurodiversity Celebration Week to focus not just on the struggles but also on the talents and strengths of neurodivergent people. Since then, Neurodiversity Celebration Week has become a tradition all over the world, helping correct misconceptions and advancing more equitable cultures not just at schools but across many contexts.

Also in 2018, a group of five young neurodivergent people in Brazil started a podcast by autistic people, for autistic people, Introvertendo, or “Introverting.” The much-needed Portuguese-language podcast has since expanded to include a sign-language version, and has inspired others to start sharing neurodiversity messages in Portuguese.

In 2021, an international group of nonspeaking autistics took part in the short educational film Listen, helping change stereotypes about those who communicate via assistive technology.

Unique and creative approaches to neuroinclusion can be seen all over the world.

In 2023, in the United Kingdom, dyspraxic health economist Tumi Sotire and dyslexic public policy expert Charles Freeman saw how the science of economics could be used to address issues relevant to neurominorities and teamed up to create content and generate a dialogue on the role of economics in neuroinclusion and neuroequity.

Also in 2023, in Poland, Agnieszka Halikowska started a small NGO,? "Ponad Schematami"— Beyond Labels” — to support neurodivergent adults, with a focus on ADHD, and to debunk myths through the power of theater and neurodivergent art exhibitions.

We can use our talents to effect change in an infinite number of ways. Some can become entrepreneurs like Diana Ayoo. Some can start a podcast, create art, or raise capital. Most of us can also support colleagues with considerate communication, give another person the benefit of the doubt, and assume the best rather than the worst—and possibly change their lives. Our forms of contributing to the world with more belonging express our authenticity, and every changemaker counts.

Every act of kindness and honoring human dignity can have a far-reaching ripple effect.

???I love the neurodivergent community. It is filled with changemakers. And I am truly grateful for all the changemakers who bring love, dedication, and integrity to advancing neuroinclusion.??