Last week marked a significant milestone in our journey to amplify neurodiverse voices with the successful launch of our book, “Autistic & Smashing It”. The event not only celebrated the book’s release but also became a beacon of insightful discussions, empowerment and community spirit that radiated throughout the networking sessions, panel discussions and Authors’ Q&A.
The launch began with the brilliant energy of our attendees connecting and networking. The atmosphere was electric with the buzz of professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries, all united in their interest in neurodiversity and inclusion.
Our program kicked off with a warm welcome speech that set the tone for an evening of learning and connection. Then, Val from Breathful Being guided us through a grounding breathwork exercise, allowing everyone to centre themselves and connect with their breath – bringing a sense of calm and presence.
A heartfelt thanks to Nayoka Oware for expertly hosting the panel discussion, Authors’ Q&A and her insightful questions. The panel discussion, featuring the insightful Lee Chambers, Charlie Hart, Holly Foxcroft, and Joulie Gindi (MSc) (co-author of “Autistic & Smashing it”), was the heart of the evening. It was an honour to witness these thought leaders tackle DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) issues with candour and depth.
Joulie Gindi highlighted a critical issue many organisations face: achieving diversity and inclusion while severely lacking in equity and belonging then wondering why DEIB is not working for them. Lee Chambers raised an important point about gender biases including the challenges faced by fathers in accessing baby changing facilities, illustrating how societal structures often overlook the needs of shared parenting roles. He shed light on the broader implications of racial biases and their impact on minority groups where Joulie also shared some insight. Charlie Hart provided a powerful window into the challenges at the intersection of Neurodiversity and the LGBTQ+ community, enriching the discussion with personal narratives that resonated deeply with the audience. Holly Foxcroft delivered insights on recruitment and organisational approaches to diversity issues with humour and wit, leaving us all with a lighter heart and a critical perspective on historical medical misdiagnoses of conditions impacted by gender bias including hysteria!
The authors’ Q&A with Joulie Gindi (MSc) and Adrian Pascu, was a lively and informative session, covering a wide range of topics from the book’s contents to broader societal issues. Q&As included children and the education system, what organisations need to do more of and the danger of nuanced or misunderstanding of bias and how it is not a bad thing unless it impacts people and their livelihoods negatively- even if subtly.
The panellists and their host were presented with life changing gifts including the donation of goats to families in East Africa on their behalf to prevent those families from starving while possibly creating a source of income and midwife kits to midwives in remote regions, symbolizing the far-reaching impact of their contributions.
The event concluded with a final networking session with the prevailing advice Joulie repeated – to “stay humble and curious”! The sentiment reflected the enlightening experiences shared during the event and the sense of empowerment amongst attendees.
Thanks and much appreciation to those who made it to the event and for all the positive feedback which has been overwhelming, with attendees expressing how the event broadened their understanding of Neurodiversity in the workplace and inspired them to reflect and act. Some of the feedback received included:
“Such an insightful evening, I thought I knew all there is to know about Neurodiversity at work, but how much I’ve learned was impressive.“
“I was blown away and truly inspired by the discussions. Like your book—I couldn’t wait to hear the next thing that was being said. I walked out wiser than I went in. Please do such events to inspire change and educate people. We are booking you for a workshop and strategy in our organisation“
“Each part of the event was so valuable -an event like this should be done over 2 days so people can network longer and learn even more.” “Maybe future events like this and run by the same people?“
“What I liked most is not just the lived experience of neurodiversity, but the lived experience combined with years of work experience and leadership or strategy acumen. This is what set the event apart from any other event I have been to as most lack the structure and knowledge of having all those experiences together”
“So valuable, I went to read the book again and reflecting on all that was discussed“
Photo & Video Credits: Allegorical Studio
