What Neurodiversity Means and How We Can Advocate for Our Neurodivergent Community

Jeanne Kramer, director of the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI) and faculty director of The Autism Program, and Kim Patton, INI associate director, defined neurodiversity, described neurotypes, strengths, challenges, stigma and masking, and played clips of INI students discussing their communication styles. Audience members, including students and an academic advisor, asked about leadership, campus prevalence, inclusive classroom curricula, and how policy can disadvantage neurodivergent people. Fall 2025 Friday Forum x Conversation Cafe series, co-hosted by Diversity & Social Justice Education and the University YMCA.