Introduction to Neurodiversity

This workshop introduces neurodiversity not as a diagnosis, but as a way of understanding the natural diversity of human traits — including differences in thinking, attention, emotion, behaviour, social interaction, and sensory experience. From a functional contextual perspective, we explore how these traits do not exist in isolation, but interact with environments, expectations, and developmental stages. A behaviour that is challenging in one context may be adaptive or even a strength in another. Rather than asking “What is wrong?”, we instead ask, “What is happening here, in this context, and what might help this person function more effectively?”

The workshop also addresses the practical reality of living in a predominantly neurotypical world. While neurodiversity recognises variation as part of natural human difference, individuals and families still benefit from insights, skills, and strategies to navigate school, work, relationships, and everyday demands. We explore patterns of strengths and vulnerabilities through a contextual,…