March 16th to March 20th 2026 is neurodiversity celebration week. I know at my own children’s school they have been learning more about neurodiversity this week and celebrating it in various ways. It made me reflect that as adults, this isn’t something we do very often. So let’s celebrate it – because neurodiversity is your child’s ultimate super power.
Neurodiversity is essentially a natural variation in the way human brains work. It encompasses a number of different diagnoses such as (but not limited to), autism, dyslexia, ADHD and tourette’s.
What is neurodiversity celebration week?
This week of celebration began in 2018 to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes around neurodiversity. They aim to share the wonderful skills and talents of those with neurodiversity. This year they have gone from raising awareness to trying to lead organisational change. Many schools take this opportunity to help the children learn more about neurodiversity, what that means, and how to support other children should they need it.
What are your child’s superpowers?
Quite often if an individual has neurodiversity, there can be a lot of focus on what they CAN’T do. The clue is in the name ‘diversity’, not every person will work in the same way and meet the same standards. Guess what – that’s ok! Instead of hearing what your child is unable to do, let’s flip it and celebrate the amazing things they can do. Your child’s neurodiversity has helped them develop some amazing super powers. The Neurodiversity hub has some great ways these super powers shine through. I bet you can think of even more than those listed below:
Autism
People with autism can have many superpowers and here’s just a few of them:
- Amazing attention to detail. This means those with autism may pick up things others miss
- Honesty. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘ honesty is the best policy’ but that isn’t always easy for everyone. People with autism are likely to be a lot more honest, which can mean others trust them more.
- Creative thinking. Those with autism are known for being great at thinking outside the box. This creative thinking can help solve problems and think up wonderful new ideas.
Greta Thunberg has an autism diagnosis, and she has publicly said she sees it as her superpower. It has le her intensity with her work on climate change. As well as this she feels her strong sense of honesty means others trust in her and want to support what she is doing.
ADHD
In my experiences ADHD was usually seen as an excuse for naughty children. I am so glad we have come on leaps and bounds these days, and have realised children with ADHD are not naughty. Although many still do not get the support they need, hopefully we can continue to strive for progress. Far from being naughty, these kids have amazing super power abilities due to their neurodiversity.
- Hyper-focus. Those with ADHD can become hyper focused on areas meaning deeper learning, high productivity and achieving results.
- High energy. Those with ADHD quite often have high energy, and are spontaneous and enthusiastic. This makes them great motivators. This could be a reason those with ADHD make great leaders.
- Curiosity. Curiosity can lead to amazing problem solving, thinking outside the box, and coming up with innovative ideas.
Quite a lot of people in the public eye have shared that they have ADHD. My personal favourite is the incredible Lucy Bronze. She attributes her success with Chelsea Women’s and the England lionesses to having ADHD and autism. Her hyper focus and high energy have been the perfect combination for her incredible success.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is often seen as an individual having issues with reading. It actually goes beyond that, and an individual may have issues with writing skills, processing information and organisational skills. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with super powers too though!
- Thinking in 3D. Those with dyslexia have been shown to be able to manipulate 3d images in their minds. This means they make incredible architects and fashion designers.
- Observant. People with dyslexia are good at finding a needle in a haystack. When looking at vast amounts of visual data they are able to identify ‘the odd one out’. This has led to people with dyslexia supporting the British Intelligence Agency.
- Creativity. Once again research indicates that those with neurodiversity are likely to be creative and be able to think in a more creative way. This leads to fresh ideas, and great problem solving skills.
These super powers are part of the reason Lewis Hamilton is such a successful Formula One driver. Dyslexia and ADHD have helped him to focus, and think quickly when travelling at extremely high speeds.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is where there is a neurodiversity in relation to maths. You know the drill by now though, it comes with super powers too!
- Practical. Those with dyscalculia are often good with their hands and have great spatial awareness.
- Eloquent. Research suggests those with dyscalculia have good verbal and written communication skills. Potentially a budding author or public speaker?
- Creativity. You may have seen a theme developing now. One super power that comes with neurodiversity is definitely the ability to be creative.
Dyscalculia isn’t very common and so there aren’t many celebrities in the public eye that have shared they have dyscalculia. However, Roman Kemp has recently said he stresses about finances due to dyscalculia, this hasn’t stopped his success though.
Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is known to affect movement and co-ordination. It can also affect organisational skills, speech and language, and dealing with emotions. It comes with some super powers too though!
- Patience. It is said those with dyspraxia are extremely patient and emphatetic.
- Creative thinking. As with many other neurodiversities, individuals with dyspraxia are very good at thinking outside the box, and presenting unique opportunities.
- Good people skills. Despite there being the potential for speech and language issues, those with dyspraxia often have good listening skills and high emotional intelligence.
Mr Harry Potter himself has shared a dyspraxia diagnosis. Daniel Radcliffe says despite his dyspraxia being mild, it has made things hard for him at times. Having to work harder has meant he feels he is more determined and imaginative.
Tourette’s
The main thing people seem to notice about those with tourette’s are tics. These can be physical and verbal.
- Resilient. Those with tourette’s may be struggling to control tics, and as such they are more likely to build resilience.
- Creativity. There is thought to be an enhanced level of creativity in those with tourette’s.
- Concentration. Those with tourettes are likely to have high levels of concentration
Billie Eilish is one of the most famous people in the world, but perhaps not many know that she has tourette’s. She admits it can feel exhausting at times.
Celebrate neurodiversity
Although there is still much to share and learn about neurodiversity, take the time to celebrate your children’s super powers today. As well as raising awareness we also need to celebrate everyone’s differences!
On a final note, well done to you. Mum’s are superheros too! It can be difficult sometimes with a neurodivergent child, especially when trying to get them the support they need. Take a moment to reflect on all that you do, and realise, you might just need to get a cape too!
