Held annually on June 16th, Neurodiversity Pride Day is a global celebration that honors the vital contributions of neurodivergent individuals. This day recognizes neurodiversity as a natural, valuable part of human variation and challenges outdated stereotypes, combats stigma, and promotes inclusion and respect. Not only does Neurodiversity Pride Day highlight the unique strengths that autistic and other neurodivergent people bring to our communities, schools, and workplaces, but also this day advocates for full participation and equity in all areas of society.
Are you looking for thoughtful ways to celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Day on June 16th with an autistic child in your life? As the CEO at Above and Beyond Therapy, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many meaningful and inclusive ways to honor this important day. Here is how you can support an autistic child by honoring their individuality, embracing their interests, and creating space for joyful connection on June 16th and beyond.
Create a Neurodiversity Pride Craft Together
Celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Day by engaging in a creative activity that highlights the beauty of neurodivergent minds. One meaningful activity is using various forms of arts and crafts to create the Neurodiversity Pride symbol, a rainbow-colored infinity sign that represents the infinite diversity and potential of all neurodivergent minds (including those who are autistic). For example, you and the child can color, paint, or glue colorful beads to a poster board in a way that depicts the rainbow infinity symbol.
While creating the art project, you and the child can talk about the meaning beyond the symbol. Discuss how the colors of the rainbow infinity symbol represent the vast, diverse range of how people think, learn, and experience the world. Also, talk about how every brain is unique and valuable and focus on creativity and self-expression rather than perfection. Talk about acceptance and let this craft reflect the child’s individual interests and strengths.
Another meaningful craft is creating a multi-sensory art piece using various textures, colors, and materials the child enjoys (such as feathers, yarn, and various fabrics). This project will allow the child to explore their creativity in a way that feels comfortable and stimulating to them, all while honoring their sensory preferences and individual expression. A multi-sensory craft is a fun, hands-on activity that serves as a powerful way to celebrate neurodiversity.
Read Neurodiversity-Affirming Books
Another meaningful way to celebrate this day is by reading neurodiversity-affirming books with the child. These books can help introduce the concept of neurodiversity in an age-appropriate, respectful, and empowering way, as they highlight the unique strengths and experiences of neurodivergent individuals (including those who are autistic). Make sure to select books that portray autistic characters in a positive, authentic light, reflecting the diversity of how people think, feel, and interact with the world.
Reading together will also provide a valuable opportunity to talk about what autism is, how every brain is different, and why those differences should be embraced and celebrated. As you read, encourage the child to share which parts of the story feel familiar, affirming, or inspiring to them.
Here are a few notable examples of neurodiversity-affirming books that positively portray autism:
- The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon
- The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
- A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond
- My Brain is a Race Car: A Children’s Guide to a Neurodivergent Brain by Nell Harris
- Too Much: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Guiterrez
- Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity by Louise Gooding
- Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism by Laurie Lears
- The Autism Acceptance Book by Ellen Sabin
- All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
Celebrate the Child’s Strengths and Share Them Proudly
Neurodiversity Pride Day offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an autistic child’s unique identity and the many strengths they bring to the world. While autistic children may face challenges in some areas, they also oftentimes possess remarkable qualities and talents that deserve recognition and appreciation. One way you can celebrate the child is by creating a “Pride Board” that highlights their incredible strengths, interests, and positive traits. For example, the board can include skills like strong memory, keen observational abilities, attention to detail, creativity, kindness, honesty, and a deep passion for specific topics.
While working with them on the board, encourage the child to recognize and take pride in these qualities and support them in using their strengths to pursue their goals. You can use this quality time to talk about how every brain is different and discuss why neurological diversity is something to value, not compare. It is important to emphasize that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to be, and that all ways of thinking and experiencing the world have value and potential.
Create a Sensory Celebration Space
Neurodiversity Pride Day is a great time to honor the strengths, identities, and needs of autistic individuals in an inclusive and supportive environment. You can do this by creating a sensory celebration space, a.k.a. an area designed to be calming, welcoming, and responsive to the child’s sensory preferences. You can even invite the child to help create the space, encouraging them to choose colors, textures, lighting, and items that feel comfortable and enjoyable to them. For example, decorate with soft lighting (like dimmable LED lights), gentle fabrics, and calming visuals.
It is also important to keep background noise low by incorporating soft music or soundproofing materials. Avoid overstimulating decorations or loud party elements and ensure that snacks, drinks, and activities are sensory-friendly and respect your child’s preferences. Offer a variety of familiar and comfortable food options, including your child’s favorites, and provide activities that allow for quiet engagement or creative expression. This kind of celebration honors the day and helps create a space where your child feels safe, seen, and celebrated for who they are.
Watch or Listen to Autistic Voices
A powerful way to celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Day with an autistic child is by uplifting and engaging with the voices and perspectives of autistic individuals themselves. This is because it’s important for kids (especially those who are neurodivergent) to see diverse identities represented and affirmed in the media and communities around them. Representation will help foster self-acceptance, confidence, and a sense of belonging. So explore age-appropriate videos, podcasts, TV shows, or films that feature autistic self-advocates sharing their stories, experiences, and perspectives.
For example, platforms like YouTube offer child-friendly content created by or featuring autistic individuals who speak openly and proudly about their experiences and identities. You can encourage your child to watch some of these videos, ask questions, and reflect on what they learn. Discuss how being autistic is just one of the many natural ways people experience and interact with the world, and that differences in how we think, feel, and process are not only valid but valuable.
These conversations can help the child understand the richness of the neurodiverse community and appreciate the unique strengths that come with different ways of thinking. It’s a chance to celebrate the message that every mind matters.
Do a “Pride Day” Activity Your Child Loves
An impactful way to celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Day is by doing something the child genuinely enjoys. Centering activities around their interests will make the day fun for them while reinforcing the message that their passions, preferences, and ways of engaging with the world are valid and worthy of celebration. The goal is to honor individual differences and uplift the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals in a way that feels joyful and affirming.
For example, you can engage in the child’s favorite style of play, which can include lining up toys, sorting action figures by colors or categories, or exploring a special interest. Or, you and the child can decorate and paint cookies together using their favorite shapes and colors. Another purposeful activity is playing interactive games that help them build an understanding of autism and neurodiversity in a fun, age-appropriate way. Whatever activity you choose, the focus should be on connection, creativity, and celebrating the child exactly as they are.
Share the Message with Family and Friends
Neurodiversity Pride Day is the perfect time to embrace and celebrate autistic traits, experiences, and identities in a positive and empowering way. One way to honor a child’s uniqueness is by helping them share something that reflects who they are. For example, they may want to write a short message or draw a picture that expresses what makes them feel proud of themselves. With the child’s consent, you can share their creation with friends and family and on social media.
Spreading awareness in this gentle and affirming way can help foster a community that is more understanding and accepting of neurodiversity. If you choose to share a message on social media, use respectful and inclusive hashtags like #AutismAcceptance, #NeurodiversityPrideDay, and #NeurodiversityCelebration to join the broader conversation and promote inclusion. These small acts of visibility help challenge stereotypes, build connections, and create a world where autistic individuals are recognized and celebrated for who they are.
Neurodiversity Pride Day is the perfect time to reflect, celebrate, and advocate for the acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals and all neurodivergent people. It reminds us that every person, regardless of how their brain works, deserves respect, understanding, and the freedom to live authentically. The above ideas are just a few of the many ways you can celebrate this day with an autistic child, while also promoting awareness, acceptance, and pride.
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Matt Rokowsky is the CEO at Above and Beyond Therapy in Colorado, which is dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder thrive and reach their fullest potential. In his role, Matt educates others on how to support autistic individuals, challenge stigmas, and understand the unique strengths and challenges they may face. He and his experienced and compassionate team deliver personalized ABA therapy tailored to each child’s unique needs. They believe every child can succeed with the right support and guidance. Using evidence-based practices, Above and Beyond Therapy creates customized treatment plans that focus on communication, social, and academic growth. Through home, school, and center-based services, they work closely with families to ensure meaningful, lasting progress.
