In a world filled with constant notifications and distractions, we have all likely questioned our capacity to process so much information and stimulation. Being overwhelmed and unfocused is not always cause for medical intervention, but awareness of neurodiversity has expanded greatly since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic. Neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average person. Forgetfulness and messiness can be inconvenient but neurotypical people have those lapses too.
Neurodiversity is often used to describe conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Once considered something in need of a cure, our current understanding of neurodivergent people has reframed their experiences as more of a hidden superpower. In the workplace, neurodivergent employees might need special accommodations (such as flexible hours and greater ability to work remotely) but when given the necessary tools, they can offer unique contributions to any company, campus, or organization.
While greater research and treatment is needed, progress is evident. If you are looking to dig deeper into this conversation, here are the top Neurodiversity speakers on the circuit today.
Neurodiversity Speakers
Haley Moss is an attorney, artist, author, and advocate for people with disabilities. Haley was diagnosed with autism at three years old. Doctors told her parents she would be lucky if she could hold a minimum-wage job. Today, she is the first openly autistic lawyer in Florida — and she’s hoping to raise awareness and spread a message of inclusion.
Jennifer Cook is an autism advocate and the on-camera expert for Netflix’s Award-Winning series Love on the Spectrum. As the author of nine bestselling books, Jennifer is redefining what it means to be female on the spectrum.
Tee Franklin is a Black, queer, disabled, autistic wheelchair user, as well as a television and comics writer. Tee wrote the GLAAD-nominated DC Comics/Harley Quinn series Eat, BANG! Kill Tour and is the first Black woman to write both Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy comics.
Ashley Franklin understands trying to thrive in multiple areas with ADHD while navigating the challenges of life as a mother with neurodiverse children. She loves writing books featuring kids with big hearts and even bigger imaginations. Her work includes The Masjid Kamal Loves, Not Quite Snow White, and The Little Mermaid: Make A Splash.
René Brooks is a late-life ADHD success story. René started Black Girl, Lost Keys to empower black women with ADHD and show them how to live well with the condition. She is excited to inspire people with this disorder who are struggling in silence or shame.
Elora Dodd entertains while she educates as an Autistic comedian and advocate. Her TikTok and Instagram accounts, @online1roomschoolhouse, have a combined six hundred thousand followers. A highly regarded voice in the autism community, particularly in the online autism community #actuallyautistic, Elora’s autism-related content is widely praised for having helped others to better understand the condition. Next year, she will release her first book The Actually Autistic Guide: A Helpful, Hilarious, and Definitely not Definitive Handbook for Living Life on the Spectrum.