Episode 24: Bold ambitions, real change – the power of neurodiversity advocacy
Published on 18 March 2025 • Hosted by Dr Lisa Colledge
What does it take to create lasting change? A bold idea, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and the courage to take action—again and again.
In this special Podcasthon episode of Culture by Neurodesign, I had the privilege of speaking with Tjerk Feitsma, Director of The Neurodiversity Foundation, about how a small, determined movement can transform into a global force for inclusion. What started as an effort to introduce neurodiversity as a concept in the Netherlands has since expanded into an international movement spanning 50+ countries.
From developing AI-driven solutions, to helping nonverbal individuals communicate, to working with companies to address hiring bias, The Neurodiversity Foundation has taken on some of the biggest challenges facing neurodivergent individuals today. Perhaps most strikingly, they’ve built a celebration of neurodivergent identity—Neurodiversity Pride Day—that has grown beyond all expectations.
From an idea to a global movement
Back in 2016, “neurodiversity” was not a commonly used term in the Netherlands. Recognizing the power of language in shaping societal change, Tjerk and his team set out to make it a conversation worth having. They launched workshops, collaborations, and awareness campaigns, steadily starting to shift perspectives. Now, major institutions in the Netherlands increasingly engage with the concept, and their work has sparked similar efforts worldwide.
But their mission has never been just about awareness. One of their most ambitious projects is a communication technology initiative, designed to help nonverbal individuals express themselves through AI-powered tools—an idea that was ahead of its time. Years before AI became mainstream, they saw the potential to break down barriers for people who struggle with traditional speech.
And then there’s the workplace challenge—one that many neurodivergent individuals know all too well. The Foundation has worked to highlight the biases that shut neurodivergent people out of jobs before they even get a chance. Research shows that 41% of applicants who note a disability on their applications are automatically filtered out—not because they lack skills but because of systemic discrimination. By working with organizations to improve hiring practices, the Foundation is helping to shift the focus from outdated stereotypes to real talent.
Neurodiversity Pride: a celebration that keeps growing
One of the Foundation’s most remarkable achievements is Neurodiversity Pride Day, held every 16 June. What started as a small gathering has grown into a worldwide celebration in 50+ countries. This year, Pride flags will be raised in cities worldwide, and events will bring together thousands of people—all united in celebrating neurodivergent identity.
The vision is even bigger: they are working towards official recognition from the United Nations and, in the long term, even a Neurodiversity Pride event in space. It’s ambitious, yes, but history shows that bold ambitions lead to real progress.
How you can take action
Tjerk’s message is clear: change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people work together, share ideas, and keep on taking small, meaningful steps toward inclusion. Here are two ways that you can start today:
1. Be genuinely curious. Take the time to learn about neurodivergence beyond the stereotypes. Simply being fully present and listening with kindness—without assumptions—can make a world of difference.
2. Celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Day. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or an ally, take 16 June 16 as a moment to recognize and celebrate the value of cognitive diversity.
The work of the Neurodiversity Foundation proves that when we dare to think big and welcome diverse perspectives, change is not only possible but inevitable.
Find out more about the work of Tjerk and The Neurodiversity Foundation here:
Information and resources for Neurodiversity Pride Day are available here. Remember to mark your calendar for 16 June.
The Neurodiversity Education Academy has many articles, courses, and apps, and a learning community of 1,400 educators.
Podcasthon raises awareness for a huge number of charities worldwide by having as many hosts as possible dedicate an episode of their show to a charity they support, and releasing them in a coordinated wave in mid-March. This third Podcast is the first time it has emerged from France, and over 1,200 educators all over the world are participating! Follow along here on LinkedIn.
I'm Lisa, and I take inspiration from neurodivergence-inclusion to help leaders create cognitively inclusive cultures that connect people with different cognitive styles, empowering everyone to contribute their best.
If you'd like to learn more about how prioritizing this single program would help you to boost not only engagement and wellbeing, but also innovation and resilience, please take a look at my free signature program: Neuro-Inspired: 12 Steps to a Future-Proof Workplace Culture.
