Neurodiversity 101 & Autism Acceptance

Presented by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD (she/they)

Global advocate Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu presents on “Neurodiversity 101” & “Autism Acceptance”. These two presentations incorporate research, community-led efforts, nomenclature, and lived experiences via an intersectional lens.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify practical, inclusive strategies for communicating about autism that will aid in cultivating acceptance and empowerment
  • Learn key principles of neurological diversity, including an overview of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, the neurodiversity movement, and related concepts
  • Analyze hallmarks of autism within the neurodiversity paradigm, including strengths and challenges
  • Explore strategies for reciprocal, respectful connection across neurotypes

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, MA (she/they)

Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is a global advocate, educator, disabled person of color, non-binary woman, and parent in a neurodiverse, multicultural, twice-exceptional serodifferent biological and adoptive family. A prolific writer and social scientist/activist whose work focuses on intersectional justice, meaningful community involvement, human rights, and inclusion, Morénike is recognized as a leader in various disability justice endeavors, including serving as founder/principal consultant of Advocacy Without Borders, a grassroots intersectional non-profit initiative offering DEIA, education, advocacy, keynotes/lectures, training, research, expert review, and related projects.

Morénike co-chairs the Equity, Justice, and Representation Advisory Committee of the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) and is also a member of several executive boards, a collaborator with various like-minded organizations, and a highly sought after public speaker, trainer, and consultant who has presented at the White House, the United Nations, and numerous peer-reviewed international conferences.

Notable publications of Morénike’s include various chapter contributions and peer-reviewed articles as well as co-editing AWN’s groundbreaking anthologies Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity and the initial edition of All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism. Morénike, who has also been featured in the NY Times, NBC’s Today Show, the BBC, NPR, and other media outlets, is the author of the forthcoming Open Access monograph A Neurodiversity and Gentle Parenting Journey…in Color.

Part 1: Autism Acceptance

The session focuses on neurodiversity and autism acceptance, emphasizing resource sharing and diverse perspectives. It highlights the importance of comfort and accessibility, discussing the five Cs of accessibility. A strength-based approach is advocated, recognizing the positive traits of neurodivergent individuals. The discussion also addresses the significance of language in identity, challenges in obtaining accommodations, and the disparities faced by disabled individuals in education and healthcare.

Resources from this presentation

Part 2: Neurodiversity 101

Neurodiversity and autism acceptance are crucial topics that emphasize personal accountability and accessibility. The five Cs—comfort, cooperation, communication, connection, and consideration—are essential for effective presentations. The discussion highlights the emotional challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and the importance of family support. It also addresses the need for inclusive education and the complexities of social interactions, particularly for parents navigating these experiences.

Resources from this presentation