Neurodiversity Celebration Month

Neurodiversity Celebration Month is a time to celebrate neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and bipolar, as identities to be accepted and respected. The goal is to move beyond awareness and celebrate these differences as strengths rather than hindrances.

Description & History

Neurodiversity Celebration Month recognizes and celebrates neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, as natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits. In school libraries, it’s a chance to promote acceptance, representation, and belonging by highlighting diverse ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.

April became a key time for this celebration due to its connection with World Autism Day (April 2) and Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month. A closely connected initiative, Neurodiversity Celebration Week, was started in 2018 by neurodiversity advocate Siena Castellon. She launched the week-long event to challenge misconceptions, highlight strengths, and support inclusive education. This global effort has helped fuel interest and resources for celebrating neurodiversity in schools worldwide.

Professional Learning Resources

Collection Development for Neurodiverse Students

This School Library Connection article explores how curating authentic stories and engaging with the neurodivergent community helps librarians create spaces where all students feel seen and valued.

Six Strategies for Neurodiverse Learners

This Edutopia article highlights how simple adjustments—building connections, incorporating movement, and using clear communication—foster a more inclusive learning environment. These strategies are easily transferable to the school library.

We Need (Neuro)Diverse Books

This professional development session recorded during the 2021 AASL National Conference discusses how to serve our neurodiverse populations by enhance our collections and foster empathy and inclusion through our programming.

Learner Engagement Resources

Educators 4SC High School Scenario

This is a lesson plan that can be utilized with high school students that walks them through a resource allocation plan for special needs students and can easily be adapted for neurodiverse students.

Empowering Young Neurodiverse Learners: A Book Walk for Educators

From Learning Ally, explore curated book walk options that build empathy, celebrate neurodiverse strengths, and spark discussions. Includes tips for creating inclusive spaces where all students feel seen and understood.

Implementing Neurodiversity Awareness in Education

From Bridge to Tomorrow, educators will find an overview of neurodiversity awareness in schools and why it matters, practical strategies they can use tomorrow, ideas for school-wide events, programs, and suggestions for making classrooms inclusive spaces.

Neurodiversity Activities for Students

Neurodiversity Celebration Week has a variety of activities to host in your library to show support for neurodiversity. Activities include classroom discussions, guest speaker events, poster competitions, and research projects.

Book Lists

DC Public Library: Books About Neurodiversity

The DC Public Library provides a curated list of books about neurodiversity, categorized by age ranges (birth - 5, 6-8, 9-12, teens, and adults/caregivers).

Denver Public Library Neurodiversity Children's Books

The Denver Public Library (DPL) offers a diverse collection of picture books and middle-grade novels featuring neurodiverse characters. Designed for K-8 students, this resource helps educators, librarians, & parents introduce stories that foster empathy.