GET INVOLVED IN HELPING TO SHAPE A NEW NEURODIVERGENT LANGUAGE RESOURCE

The language we use to talk about neurodivergence is constantly shifting and evolving. Whilst we recognise that some people might not have particular language preferences, we know that language can feel important to many neurodivergent people. Language also forms part of how we can work together to create more neuro-inclusive and welcoming communities. Yet, there is no prescriptive approach we can take, because neurodivergent people have unique experiences, and a variety of different preferences.

With this in mind, as part of the Coventry and Warwickshire All-age Autism Strategy work, we have been exploring the impact of language. The purpose of this project has been to encourage people to think about the language they use when talking about neurodivergence and to support people to feel more comfortable and confident choosing and using language.

Throughout the project, we have been listening to the experiences of neurodivergent people and their families, alongside the experiences of professionals and allies. People have shared many different examples of the language we can hear when talking about neurodivergence, including words and comments that can feel uncomfortable, and why. It has been an opportunity to listen to what feels important to local people, and to share this learning widely.

In 2023, a live webinar was delivered to share the key themes we discovered from listening to people throughout this work. A recorded version of the webinar has been co-produced which you can watch on the Integrated Care System's (ICS) YouTube channel: Click here to watch the webinar 

We are now reaching the final part of this project. A group of neurodivergent people, professionals and allies have been working together to co-produce a series of 5 infographics. Infographics are a visual way to present information and are often used on social media. The aim of the series is to share 4 key themes about how we can approach language. These are:

1. Listen and observe

2. Avoid assumptions, we are all unique

3. Strengths and challenges

4. Learn and adapt.

Each theme helps us to consider the language we use and will include quotes from people with lived experience. We will be promoting the infographics more than once, which means we have the opportunity to include a range of different quotes to reflect diverse perspectives about neurodivergent language.

The infographics are aimed at younger to older adults, and we hope that they will be a helpful resource for the general public, neurodivergent people and their families, professionals and services (including health, social care and education.) They will be shared as a series of 5 via the local authorities and ICS social media platforms. The finalised infographics will also be available on the ICS website, including printed versions and templates, which local organisations can use and display.

We are keen to hear your views on the infographics that are being coproduced and have created a questionnaire for you to get involved: Click the link here

Closing date: 3rd February 2025

If you would like to help shape the resources, please complete this feedback form. If you have any questions about this project, please email disabilitiescommissioning@warwickshire.gov.uk

Thank you for your support and interest in this work. Whilst this project is nearing the end, we hope its legacy will be to encourage conversations and curiosity around the language used to talk about neurodivergence into the future.