The journey from Christchurch to Greymouth set the stage for an extraordinary day of neurodiversity celebration. Though the scenic road trip didn't include any cheeky kea encounters, it led our Young Neurodiversity Champions (YNC) team to their first-ever Neurodiversity expo on the West Coast, where magic was about to unfold at the Westland Recreation Centre.
The free Neuro Know How event - Celebrating Kanorau ā-roro brought together whānau, schools, and community groups in a powerful display of inclusion. Around 30 participants engaged in our "Welcome to My Brain" workshop, sparking incredible conversations about how different brains work in various situations.
"Every student deserves to be seen, understood, and supported in their journey through education,"
shared YNC Champion Lily in her moving presentation. Together with Young Neurodiversity Champions CEO, Kartini Clarke, they demonstrated through their lived experiences what's possible when proper support is in place.
Creating a Neuro-Inclusive Haven
A highlight was our sensory space, designed to show how simple yet effective these areas can be in any setting. Throughout the day, visitors used this quiet haven to decompress, read, draw, and recharge before rejoining the expo's activities. "It's about creating spaces where neurodivergent students are not just accommodated but celebrated for the value they bring," Lily emphasised.
Welcome to My Brain: Breaking Down Barriers
"What makes your brain unique?" This simple yet powerful question kicked off our 'Welcome to My Brain' workshop, where participants of all ages came together to explore and celebrate neurodiversity. Through interactive games and honest conversations, our young champions guided the community in understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how our brains work.
Community Coming Together
The event was a testament to what communities can achieve when they prioritise inclusivity. Kartini, a key organiser, reflected on the day's impact: "When we bring communities together to celebrate neurodiversity, we're not just creating a one-day event - we're building lasting connections and understanding that ripple through our entire region."
Special thanks goes to the Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour Service (RTLB) team who, with support from the Council, made this event possible. Their commitment shows what communities can achieve when they prioritise neurodiversity.
Looking Forward
The success of Neuro Know How demonstrates the growing appetite for neuro-inclusive events across New Zealand. For communities interested in hosting similar events, the Young Neurodiversity Champions are ready to bring their expertise, energy, and inclusive approach to your region.
From the scenic drive to the West Coast to the meaningful connections made, this event showed that when we create spaces that welcome all types of brains, amazing things happen. As one local participant put it,
"It was awesome to feel comfortable in a safe space, play Welcome To My Brain and learn about others wonderful minds"
Want to bring the Young Neurodiversity Champions to your community? We're just a message away! Together, we can create more spaces where every brain is celebrated.