The Conversation Around Neurodivergence is Growing – But We Need to Go Further
- Athene Parker
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Today is World Autism Awareness Day, a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in understanding neurodivergence, but also how much further we still have to go.
As a parent to a preverbal autistic son and someone navigating my own undiagnosed AuDHD, I’ve seen firsthand how misunderstood and underdiagnosed neurodivergence still is, particularly in women and those assigned female at birth. So many people go through life feeling different, struggling with environments that don’t quite fit, without ever realising that their brains are simply wired in a way the world hasn’t yet learned to accommodate.
We are only just beginning to have the right conversations about how brain development affects our sensory experience of the world and how deeply connected our nervous systems are to our sense of balance and wellbeing. For too long, the focus has been on how neurodivergent people can adapt to society, rather than how society can better support neurodivergent people.
In the creative industries, where original thinking and fresh perspectives are so highly valued, neurodivergent talent should be thriving. Yet, so often, workplaces are not set up to support different ways of working. Instead of tapping into the strengths that come with thinking differently, many businesses still operate in ways that make it harder, rather than easier, for neurodivergent people to succeed.
I recently wrote a piece for Shots about the creative strengths of neurodivergence and how our industry can do better at recognising, supporting, and championing neurodivergent talent. You can read it here:
There is still so much work to do, but the more we talk, share, and push for change, the closer we get to a world where neurodivergence isn’t just understood, but embraced. 💛
