Registration has closed for this event!
About the event
Thank you for your interest in this event. This event has now taken place, and though registrations are closed, if you would like to watch the recording then you can access it here (along with the other NCW 2024 event recordings!). We hope you enjoy.
The journey for all neurodiverse families is different, but by coming together to share stories, lived-experience and expertise, we hope you can know you’re not alone!
Please join us for this panel discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from parents with experience raising neurodivergent children, as well as experts in the field. Together, we’ll be exploring how parents, carers and guardians can support children at different stages in their lives.
Some of the topics covered include:
Being inclusive of neurodiverse children
Understanding potential challenges and barriers in education
Diagnosis and navigating the healthcare system
Communicating with teachers and clinicians
Why neurodiverse parenting maybe different
Acceptance and advocacy
This is a great opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity and how it can affect your child's development and well-being. As this is a panel discussion, there will be lots of opportunities to questions and interaction with you!
This is a free online event via Zoom.
Theo Smith | Event Chair
Neurodiversity Evangelist
Theo Smith is a social impact entrepreneur and leading Neurodiversity advocate. Smith promotes 'Neurodiversity by Design' rather than neurodiversity by accident and points to companies from IBM to EY to Microsoft who now see neurodivergent talent as a key element to their success. His book, Neurodiversity at Work won Business Book Awards 2022. Theo is a passionate speaker, author, and podcaster, bringing a unique voice to an emerging area of DE&I strategy.
Vicki Lamb
Chair of Trustees
My name is Vicki Lamb and I am the Chair of Trustees for the Essex based charity SEND The Right Message (STRM). I am also an ADHDer, parent to two neurodivergent children and a professional British Sign Language/English Interpreter. I know what inclusive excellence can look like, when it’s done correctly… and how profoundly damaging it can be for people, when it falls short. By-and-for charities (such as STRM) are invaluable, because organisations which are proudly neurodivergent-led are more likely to create culturally competent and affirming spaces; where families are not only accepted for who they are but celebrated too.
Kate Geen
DE&I Project Lead
I am a proud mum to autistic twin boys. I have so much gratitude for what they have taught me and how they have changed me and made me a better parent. I continue to learn from them every day and now have the privilege to work on removing barriers and improving neuro-inclusion within my organisation.
Jonathan Mok
Jonathan is a committed advocate for neurodiversity, having been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD in 2019 at the age of 37. Since then, he has actively shared his lived experiences with the community to promote greater awareness and understanding of neurodivergent conditions. Since 2021, Jonathan has been involved in organizing Hong Kong ADHD Awareness Week.
Jonathan is keen on returning to Neurodiversity Celebration Week to talk about his experience as a neurodivergent person taking care of his brother, who is autistic and has a severe intellectual disability.
Ceri Reed
Founder of Parents Voices in Wales CIC
Ceri founded Parents Voices in Wales in 2018 due to the disconnect between families, education and services. The organisation advocates for families whose children and young people experience challenges with neurodivergence and mental health. . Since that time Wales has moved towards a whole system, early help and needs led approach for neurodivergence and mental health. Parents Voices in Wales were the stakeholder group who coproduced the NEST NYTH Framework and now support Welsh Government in developing a Neurodivergence Code of Practice and facilitate coproduction across services in Wales to elevate the voice of families in service development and provision.