Neurodiversity Celebration Week


Here at F&B Digital Therapy, we are excited to get involved in Neurodiversity Celebration Week, spanning from 18th- 24th March 2024. This is a worldwide initiative aiming to challenge the current stereotypes around neurodiversity whilst recognising the positive side of such that is often not paid attention to. You can find more information about the initiative here - https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/.

By answering some questions about neurodiversity, we hope to increase the knowledge and reduce the stigma around certain conditions.

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiverse, (a term interchangeable with neurodivergence), refers to a community of individuals who may act, think and learn in different ways to those considered neurotypical. This means that their physical brain functions differently to what is considered ‘the norm’. This can include neurological conditions such as: ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Tourette’s Syndrome, among more.

Neurodiversity is fairly common, and research shows 15-20% (1 in 7) of the UK population is Neurodiverse in some way. Figures may also be higher, as some people remain undiagnosed well into adult life.

Neurodiversity is just a different way of brain functioning, it doesn’t mean someone neurodiverse thinks or acts in a ‘wrong’ way. However, society has unfortunately not adapted well to be inclusive of these differences, which means neurodiverse people can really struggle with day-to-day life. This can lead to a range of mental health issues, including: anxiety disorders (social anxiety, GAD, health/death anxiety, OCD, panic disorder), low self-esteem and confidence, depression or PTSD.

Is Neurodiversity a Disability?

According to the Equality Act (2010), a disability is classed as a ‘physical or mental impairment’ that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ (12+ months) negative effect on a person’s ability to do ‘normal daily activities’. In other words, any condition that you have struggled with for a long time, that makes day-to-day life really hard. Whilst some Neurodiverse people may not consider themselves disabled, under this definition it can be said that Neurodiversity is a disability and therefore protected from discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act.

Am I Neurodiverse?

There are a number of online resources that may help you get a better understanding, including psychometric tests or symptom checklists on websites such as:

Whilst tests like these may be a starter to understanding your symptoms and whether you may be Neurodiverse, it is important to note this is not the same as a formal diagnosis. Speaking to a professional who can advise further on symptoms is recommended. Receiving a formal diagnosis may not be beneficial for everyone, but symptoms can be a result of a wide range of conditions that a professional may help you understand better. Self-diagnosis is valid, but it is important to do a lot of research first.

How Can we Celebrate Neurodiversity?

There is a lot of focus on the perceived weakness of neurodiverse people, which can hinder the many positives that they have. By celebrating their strengths, we can help reduce the stigma attached to such conditions. Doing so will help people embrace their neurodiversity and be themselves more, without having to mould themselves into neurotypical standards.

Below is not an exhaustive list of positive qualities neurodiverse people may have:

- a strong sense of justice

- creativity

- uniqueness

- attention to detail

- trustworthiness

- ability to think outside of the box

- ability to detect patterns

- passionate

- strongly empathic  

- ability to question things

- ability to hyperfocus

Different neurodiverse conditions may bring about different strengths. You can find more strengths of Autism specifically here - https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/

Sometimes it is hard to recognise your positives and strengths, and at F&B Digital Therapy we personally have lived experiences of neurodiverse conditions.  That’s why we aim to help people address any anxiety, low self-esteem, confidence issues, depression or PTSD that has developed because of, or in combination with, your condition. You can find more information about the type of support we offer below.

What is CBT?

F&B Digital Therapy provide typed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This is a practical approach to therapy, looking at how your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are all linked together. CBT aims to break the vicious cycle it is easy to get into, by teaching you ways to challenge your thoughts and behaviours.

Here is some more information on CBT

How can CBT help ADHD / Autism etc.

Unfortunately, CBT may not be suitable for everyone who is Neurodiverse. In some cases, it may help you manage your symptoms day-to-day, in others it may not. What it can definitely help with, is celebrating you for you. It can help change your negative thought processes towards yourself, help you understand where they came from and teach you how to build your confidence back up again. CBT can also help teach problem solving strategies, skills to deal with difficult emotions and techniques to manage anxiety and worry.

Here at F&B Digital Therapy, we provide typed CBT - We know accessing NHS services in the UK is often not neurodiverse friendly. There can be long waiting lists, high levels of uncertainty, and expectations of having to engage in face to face/video appointments.

Typed CBT can be specifically helpful with Neurodiverse people for the following reasons:

  •            You don’t have to mask as much as a face to face/telephone interaction.
  •        You may find it easier to process written information.
  •         It may be less overwhelming.
  •        You can attend sessions in the comfort of your own home, where there may be less distractions.
  •        You may find it less exhausting.
  •        You can revisit your sessions afterwards if you need more time to process the information.




Find out more about text therapy here and more about our fees and services we offer here.

If you would like more information, don’t hesitate to drop us an email at fandbtherapy@hotmail.com, or follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fandbtherapy/ and TikTok @fabdigitaltherapy.  #

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