Let’s Talk Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026, the University of Manchester Neurodivergent Staff Network brings you a powerful, honest, and deeply human conversation about late diagnosis, masking, family life, workplace inclusion, and the journey towards genuine self‑acceptance.

Hosted by Matthew Harrison, co‑chair of the Network, this episode features four colleagues — Amy, Hannah, Marianthy and Simon — who share their lived experiences of autism, ADHD, burnout, parenting, neurodivergent community, and finding ways to thrive at work.

Together, they explore:

• What changed for them after discovering they were neurodivergent
• The emotional and practical realities of late diagnosis
• Masking, burnout and the cost of “coping”
• Parenting neurodivergent children and family dynamics
• Finding connection through community — both online and in person
• Navigating reasonable adjustments and disclosure at work
• Building accepting, sustainable ways of living and working
• The positives, strengths and empowerment that come with embracing one’s neurodivergent identity

This is an open, compassionate and often moving discussion that highlights the diversity within neurodiversity — and celebrates the many ways neurodivergent people contribute to our university and beyond.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, supporting others, or simply wanting to learn more, this episode offers insight, solidarity and real stories from colleagues across our community.

To learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week, visit: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com

This episode focuses on Staff Networks as 8th May was the National Day for Staff Networks. https://www.nationaldayforstaffnetworks.co.uk/

Networks are all about people; they are about progressive change; they are all about supporting the employee journey and inspiring a feeling of belonging. 

The purpose of the National Day for Staff Networks is to shine a light and recognise the multiple benefits that staff networks/resource groups offer and in so many cases offer their organisation. Research in 2020/21 showed that 51% of workers wanted to join a network as they returned to working in shared physical spaces. Nearly 40% of organisations relied on their networks to keep them informed on the wellbeing of employees.

At the University of Manchester we have a range of staff networks.  Our 'big 4' are: 

AllOut and AllOut Allies  - LGBTQ+
Women@Manchester
The Disabled Staff Network (including the Neurodivergent Network and the cancer network) 
The B.A.M.E network

This session, hosted by Stephanie Danson includes our current Director of EDI, Banji Adewumi MBE, Matthew Sanderson and Megan Johnston - Co-Chairs of AllOut and Emma Shiels and Lin Ma - Co-Chairs of Women@Manchester.