Celebration of Neurodiversity Pride Day

Monday, June 16, 2025 is Neurodiversity Pride Day. On this annual global celebration by and for neurodivergent and neurotypical people, we are organizing a symposium between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with various speakers and workshops. Celebrate neurodiversity* with us and register soon!

Taking neurodiversity into account within organizations is an important issue: every team consists of a variety of individuals with a mix of sensitivities and talents. How do the talents and sensitivities that everyone brings to the table relate to each other? How do we deal with that? Everyone is somewhere on the neurodiversity spectrum, and that requires adjustments. Adjustments in how people do their work, but also in tolerance and understanding for each other. And that doesn’t happen automatically; you really have to work at it. The first step is awareness of neurodiversity and learning to recognize, help, and grow with each other.

 

That is why the Network USP Inclusive is working on a neurodiversity movement within its member organizations (HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University). The network aims to improve inclusion with regard to neurodiversity in the workplace. We focus on creating awareness and forming a community around the theme of neurodiversity. The symposium on Neurodiversity Pride Day contributes to this.

Program

You can sign up by section in the registration form:

10.45 – 11.00: Arrival
11.00 – 11.10: Welcome and opening address (ENG)
11.10 – 12.00: Keynote by Dr. Mateusz Platos  (ENG)
12.00 – 12.30: Lunch break, free lentil soup is available
12.30 – 13.30: Elective workshops
13.40 – 14.00: Closing (ENG)

Keynote (ENG)

The keynote will be held by Dr. Mateusz Platos, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University. He studies the well-being and support of neurodivergent individuals in different areas of life. The focus of his keynote is on the workplace: “Universities are not only places of learning—they are also workplaces. In this keynote, I will explore the experiences of neurodivergent staff working in academic and professional roles within higher education. Drawing on both (limited) existing research and my own professional experience, I will highlight the barriers neurodivergent employees often face. I will also discuss practical ways that colleagues, managers, and institutions can create more inclusive environments that support diverse ways of thinking and working. By doing this, we will all benefit from being more creative, productive, and – most importantly – satisfied with our work.”

Elective workshops

You can sign up for 1 of the following workshops by the registration form:

  1. ‘Exploring High Sensitivity’ with Susanne (HU) and Silviana (UU) from lived experience (NL):

    In this session, we’ll explore the topic of ‘high sensitivity’ together. What does it mean, and how can it impact your life? What are some things to keep in mind, for example at work or in social situations? We’ll share insights from our own lived experiences, and there will be plenty of space to exchange tips and personal stories. Maximum of 25 participants, full=full.

  2. ‘Neurodivergent Internationals in the Netherlands’ by Emma England (UU) from lived experience (ENG):

    Neurodivergent people mask according to the social norms and customs of where we live, study, and work. When we emigrate, these standards change and the impact can be severe. No orderly queue in a shop or using the polder model in meetings can add significant overwhelm to an already overloaded bucket. Then there are differences in healthcare, getting (in)formal support, finding community, and awareness of neurodiversity. This workshop explores these differences and offers a safer space for discussion and practical hints and tips. It is aimed at everyone who is, works with, or supports neurodivergent internationals. Maximum of 25 participants, full=full.

  3. ‘Mindful Walk workshop’ by TNO Utrecht (ENG):

    Together with Mindfulrun.nl TNO organises a Mindful walk. The aim is to breath better, with as result more energy. During guided mindfulness exercises, you will learn techniques to breath better, stay present and fully engage with the environment. Everyone is welcome, also people in a wheelchair. Bring your walking shoes. We look forward to seeing you there! For further questions feel free to e-mail neurodiversity@tno.nl. Maximum of 15 participants, full=full.

  4. ‘The impact of takiwātanga on autistic pride in Aotearoa New Zealand’ by Dr. Nicolina Newcombe (ENG):
    Dr. Nicolina Newcombe is an autistic person from Aotearoa New Zealand. She obtained a PhD in Education from the University of Waikato and currently works as an Inclusion Advisor. Nicolina will join the neurodiversity pride day to share her insights Māori understandings of autism and its impact on autistic pride from lived experience, and to engage participants in an interactive, meaningful conversation. Maximum of 25 participants, full=full.
  5. ‘An integrative approach to inclusion’ by Rosalie Ekstein (NL):
    In this seminar Rosalie Ekstein will take you on a tour to the world of neurodivergence (differently wired brains). From perspectives to terminology and evidence based tips and tricks for the inclusion of neurodivergence at work, Rosalie will show you how inclusion intersects with DEI and should be adressed as such. Recent insights and developments such as law and policy will be included. After all, inclusion is not just an ideology, it is also an legal obligation, besided from being an powerfull tool for reducing the shortage on the labour market. Together we can strive for a future where more people can belong in equity. No maximum of participants.

  6. ‘Divergence in Experiencing Nature: An Inclusive Exploration of the Outer and Inner World’ by Cassandra Barkman (UMC Utrecht), from a perspective of lived experience (NL):

    During this workshop we will be introduced to nature as a source of inspiration, teacher and mirror. Drawing from applied ecopsychology, we explore how natural environments can support self-awareness, healing, and the appreciation of difference. We do not enter nature to do something, but to receive. Divergence—deviating from the norm, seeking new paths—is not a problem in nature, but rather a prerequisite for resilience and biodiversity. This is also how we view neurodiversity: not as something that needs to be fixed, but as something that deserves space and grounding. Through three accessible exercises—looking, feeling, and sensory perception—we allow the environment to tell us something. You decide how you want to participate: in silence or in conversation, sitting or walking, alone or together. Everything is allowed to move with your rhythm.

Practical information

Date: Monday, June 16th, 2025, from 11.00 – 14.00 hours.

Location: Utrecht Science Park, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Padualaan 97, lecture hall PL97-1001.

Lunch: free lentil soup is available for participants who sign up early.

Admission: free.

For whom: this celebration is for everyone working at an organization in (or connected to) the Utrecht Science Park; employees, managers, (HR) professionals and other interested parties. Also welcome if you don’t know much about the topic of neurodiversity yet!

Accessibility: the venue is wheelchair accessible and a rest room is available. Is there anything else we can take into account for you? Please let us know via the registration form, and we will look at the possibilities with you.

Registration: you can register until Friday, June 13, 2025.

Register!

*Neurodiversity or mental diversity refers to the variation in neurological, cognitive, and psychological characteristics among people. As with the term biodiversity, it refers to natural variation across the entire population: it is not just about the exceptions. Many people do not fall within the statistical average. This ‘deviation from the average’ is called ‘neurodivergence’. The term ‘neurodivergent’ is usually used for people with ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia, giftedness, and high sensitivity. The term is also sometimes used for all kinds of other variations, such as acquired brain damage, Tourette’s syndrome, language development disorders, intellectual disabilities, and mental illnesses or vulnerabilities.