March ION Chat was, as always, a space filled with rich discussion, diverse viewpoints, and deep insights from participants across the world. The open nature of these conversations makes them truly special—a place where people can freely share their thoughts, experiences, and challenges in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Whenever I get the chance to join, it’s something I deeply enjoy.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: A Shift in Focus?

One of the key topics of today’s discussion was the upcoming Neurodiversity Celebration Week (NCW). It is encouraging to see how many businesses are now using this time to highlight neurodiversity within their workplaces. ION volunteers are speaking at a number of different events mainly for our corporate members this year. However, there is feeling that the original intent behind NCW has taken a backseat.

The initiative came about to encourage schools, parents, and children to celebrate neurodiversity, helping to shape more neuroinclusive educational environments. After all, education is the foundation of future opportunities and employment, making it one of the most critical areas to drive systemic change. Yet, while corporate initiatives have amplified awareness, the focus on schools and young people seems to be losing momentum. The discussion reinforced the importance of bringing attention back to education as the cornerstone of long-term inclusion.

ION’s Plans for World Autism Awareness Day

We also explored the upcoming World Autism Awareness Day, which ION is actively organising. One delegate asked why it was not “Acceptance” day and the reason is that it is a UN endorsed global day that all members of the UN have agreed upon years ago. To change the name will require all countries to come together and vote on that change.

This year, the event will feature a blend of all neurotypes, with a majority of autistic individuals, ensuring that the voices of those with lived experiences are front and center. We have also worked to ensure global representation, with speakers and participants from different regions of the world. One of the panels are focused on non-speaking autistics and inequalities and led by Aditi from ION India. She is an award winning author and has, with a group of other non-speaking autistics, started a WhatsApp group called Silent Expressions for non speaking autistics.

One particularly exciting aspect of our event will be its connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Neurodiversity is directly linked to multiple SDGs, from quality education and decent work to reduced inequalities and good health & well-being. Our discussions will explore how neurominorities contribute to global progress and what actions can be taken to ensure a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

Schizophrenia and Neurominorities: The Ongoing Battle for Understanding

A particularly moving moment in today’s chat was when a participant asked whether schizophrenia is considered part of neurominorities. The answer, of course, is yes—absolutely. This sparked a deeper conversation about the challenges of being understood and how difficult it can be for people with schizophrenia to have their unique ways of thinking and their strengths recognised.

Unfortunately, this struggle for recognition, acceptance, and understanding is something many of us within the neurominority community face. Hearing stories of exclusion and the lack of empathy and awareness in society is always heartbreaking. While many of us have developed ways to navigate and manage life, not everyone is as fortunate. Our thoughts are with those who continue to face barriers, and we hope that ION can continue to be a place of belonging, support, and connection for all neurominorities.

Looking Ahead

As always, the ION Chat left us with important reflections, meaningful connections, and a sense of collective purpose. The conversation doesn’t end here—it continues in our daily efforts to push for change, foster inclusion, and create spaces where neurominorities are valued for their strengths.

I’m already looking forward to the next ION Chat on the first Friday of next month, where we will continue these essential discussions and build on the momentum we have created together. It is open and free for all.

 See you all there!