A is for Advocacy: Speaking Up and Standing Together 📢
- Celine Dyer
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Welcome to the first post in our A–Z of Neurodivergence series!
Today, we’re starting with A is for Advocacy – a powerful word that means speaking up, standing together, and making sure every voice is heard.
What does advocacy mean? 📢
Advocacy is about supporting and championing the rights, needs, and voices of neurodivergent individuals. It can happen in many ways – from asking for reasonable adjustments at school or work, to challenging stigma, to making sure services are accessible and inclusive.
Why is self-advocacy important? 🌟
For neurodivergent people, self-advocacy means understanding your own needs and confidently expressing them.
It’s about saying:
✅ “This is what works for me.”
✅ “I deserve respect and inclusion.”
Self-advocacy helps build independence and confidence. It ensures that decisions about education, healthcare, and daily life include the person’s own voice.
How can others advocate effectively? 🤝
Parents, carers, and allies play a vital role in advocacy, especially for children or those who need extra support.
Effective advocacy means:
Listening first – understand the person’s needs and preferences.
Knowing your rights – learn about legal protections like the Equality Act and reasonable adjustments.
Speaking up in meetings – whether it’s school, healthcare, or workplace discussions, make sure the person’s voice is central.
Building partnerships – work with professionals, not against them, to create solutions that truly help.
Practical Tips for Advocacy ✅
Learn the language of your rights – check out resources on disability rights and education law.
Practice confidence – role-play conversations or write down what you want to say before meetings.
Find your community – join local or online support groups for advice and encouragement.
Document everything – keep notes of meetings and agreements to make sure promises are kept.
Advocacy creates change 🌎
When we advocate – for ourselves or others – we help create a world where neurodivergent people are understood, respected, and included.
Advocacy isn’t about conflict; it’s about collaboration and empowerment.
Next up: B is for… (coming soon!)
👉 Share your thoughts: What does advocacy mean to you? How have you advocated for yourself or someone you care about?
Follow along and join the conversation using #AZofNeurodivergence.
Advocating for my neurodiverse daughter with her school can be challenging when it’s often seen as a complaint rather than something we can work through together. By the time I have the opportunity to speak with the school, I’m often already in a heightened emotional state these situations can be overwhelming and deeply personal. My emotions come from a place of care and wanting to ensure my daughter feels understood, supported, and able to thrive.