It’s time to recognise and celebrate the strengths of people who are neurodiverse, as well as challenge preconceptions of what they can or cannot achieve.
That’s the message from Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN), which is encouraging New Zealanders to be more understanding and accepting of people who are neurodiverse as part of Neurodiversity Week, which runs March 17–23.
PSN’s Enliven Individualised Funding team supports many neurodivergent people with 60% of its clients being on the Autism Spectrum.
Enliven Individualised Funding Regional Manager Janette Third says that the majority of neurodivergent clients are under 25-years-old, meaning it’s important they receive support early on.
“Neurodivergence isn’t always visible so you can’t tell that someone is neurodivergent by looking at them.
“The term ‘neurodiversity’ is often used to cover Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities,” she says.
“The range of support a person living with autism needs can range across the full spectrum from someone who needs 24-hour care and support for every aspect of their daily life through to people who just need informal support through clearer communication and patience,” says Janette.
“Neurodiversity Week is an opportunity for us to let people living with autism know that Individualised Funding is available to help people get the support they need to ensure the best possible outcome to enable them and their families to live their best lives.”
About neurodiversity
The term ‘neurodiversity’ describes differences in the way people's brains work. The idea is that there's no correct way for the brain to work. Instead, there is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world including diverse sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition, and focus as neurobiological differences.
For more on Neurodiversity Week: Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 | Info & Resources or https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
This was created to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of people with non-visible disabilities. People wearing a sunflower lanyard are letting people know that they are living with a hidden disability and may need extra help, understanding, or just more time. For more information, visit https://hdsunflower.com/au/