Individual & Professional: Harnessing Neurodiverse Strengths for Career Success

Language development is fundamental to maths attainment. It is a domain general factor that we often don’t consider because we focus on the numbers and not the words we use to communicate the numbers.

How does this sit is our understanding of dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties, and what are the questions we need to ask?

What language do you count in? Is it the same language you communicate mathematics in? What if it is different for some people? And what about the language of mathematics? Suddenly, it is complicated.

Un, dau, tri or onan, dew, tri?

This talk explores the development of early counting and the link with language development drawing on research in India and Cymru, and unearths some big questions we don’t know all the answers to yet.

Juggling business, work, parenthood and everyday life, Jo is brutally honest and relatable in this inspiring talk about how it can be tough but we have to find a way.

Toni Horn’s presentation delves into the critical topic of autism in the workplace, providing a comprehensive look at the unique strengths and challenges faced by autistic individuals. With her combined professional expertise and personal experience, Toni highlights the value neurodivergent employees bring to teams, supported by real-world examples like GCHQ’s success with diverse thinkers.

The presentation emphasizes the importance of inclusive recruitment and onboarding processes, offering practical strategies to attract, support, and retain autistic talent. Attendees will learn actionable steps to create workplace environments that empower neurodivergent employees to thrive, such as implementing tailored adjustments and fostering understanding through awareness training.

Key topics include the impact of masking on mental health, the role of unconscious bias, and how to address sensory sensitivities and communication differences in professional settings. Toni also explores the intersection of autism with co-occurring conditions like anxiety, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, promoting a holistic understanding of employee well-being.

This session provides practical insights and tools for building workplaces that not only embrace neurodiversity but also create environments where all employees can succeed. Toni’s expertise ensures a thought-provoking and empowering discussion on fostering true inclusivity for autistic individuals in the workplace.

Based on the ground-breaking book of the same name, How to be autistic is a guide for the newly diagnosed. With readings from the book, insights into why it was written, and what it means for you, this talk will bring a new understanding of what it's really like to be autistic.

We'll cover some common autistic traits, strengths, challenges and masking. There's also advice on how to tell others that you're autistic and ways to get your needs met. You'll also get help finding your tribe and discovering your purpose.

In this empowering session, Danielle will equip you with essential self-advocacy tools for the workplace. Drawing from her expertise, she’ll guide you in recognising your strengths, communicating your needs clearly, and setting boundaries that protect your energy and well-being.

Together, we’ll explore the type of support you need to grow in your career and role. Danielle will share real-life examples of how self-advocacy has led to success, demonstrating the power of speaking up and showcasing your unique skills and abilities.

Finally, Danielle will delve into how businesses can create a supportive culture where neurodivergent employees feel safe to self-advocate. She will provide insights into creating a neuro-inclusive environment that helps both individuals and organisations understand how to collaborate for mutual success

By the end, you’ll walk away inspired with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to boost your confidence, navigate workplace challenges, create positive changes, and build a career that reflects your potential.

Explore Kirsty's compelling journey of transforming a negative mindset into a powerful force that empowers. As a dyslexic and self-diagnosed ADHD individual, Kirsty shares her inspiring story of overcoming stigma and self-doubt to embrace her dyslexic strengths. Through her motivational speech, Kirsty equips audiences with practical tools and insights to shift their mindset, which she used to achieve remarkable feats that she once believed impossible. Kirsty will take you on an inspirational journey of resilience and self-discovery, where you will discover the transformative freedom that comes from embracing a positive mindset.

Working memory touches everything: how you stay focused, follow instructions, switch between tasks, and remember what you’re doing mid-task. For neurodiverse people, it’s one of the biggest hidden challenges at work and no one talks about it.

This session changes that.

We’ll break down exactly what working memory is, how it shows up in day-to-day tasks, and why it’s so draining without the right strategies. You’ll learn practical, neurodivergent-friendly tools to help you stay on top of your workload, feel more in control, and stop second-guessing yourself.

Led by Natalie, founder of Dyslexia in Adults, a company trusted by organisations like BCG, Microsoft, and the UK Department for Business and Trade. This session is grounded in real-life experience, not generic advice. We don’t call neurodiversity your superpower. We talk honestly about the tough stuff and give you the tools to manage it.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how your brain works, simple strategies that actually stick, and the confidence to approach your workday differently.

Are you living a life designed for you—or one shaped by expectations? As neurodivergent individuals, we often spend years masking, people-pleasing, and following a rulebook that was never written for us. But what if we could rewrite the rules and build a life that works for us—one that embraces our strengths, supports our needs, and brings true fulfilment? In this powerful talk, Annie Hitchman shares how she designed her dream life, blending career, entrepreneurship, and personal fulfilment on her own terms. Learn how to overcome the fear of the unknown, break free from societal expectations, and create a path that aligns with your neurodivergence.

Explore Kirsty's compelling journey of transforming a negative mindset into a powerful force that empowers. As a dyslexic and self-diagnosed ADHD individual, Kirsty shares her inspiring story of overcoming stigma and self-doubt to embrace her dyslexic strengths. Through her motivational speech, Kirsty equips audiences with practical tools and insights to shift their mindset, which she used to achieve remarkable feats that she once believed impossible. Kirsty will take you on an inspirational journey of resilience and self-discovery, where you will discover the transformative freedom that comes from embracing a positive mindset.

Take a deep dive into ADHD and autism and make yourself the favourite person of your nearest neurodivergent.

As well as fun facts and eye-opening figures, there are jokes, stories and a very short lesson on the history of toilets.

We’ll talk about why inclusion really matters and how it can make a huge difference for the people around you. Whether they’re friends, colleagues, customers or your Uber driver.

You’ll also get some real, practical tips for improving the experience of AuDHD individuals, and the positive impact this will have. These are packaged in an easy-to-remember format, and are broad enough for you to apply to your own life.

We’ll wrap up with how inclusion benefits you – in ways you might not expect.

If there's someone in your life who is ADHD and/or autistic (and you will), this talk is unmissable.

Step into a powerful, sensory-rich experience with Rena—holistic mentor, artist, and neurodivergent advocate—as she guides you on a journey to unmask your creativity and embrace your full, authentic self.

Rooted in her lived experience as a dyslexic and hard of hearing woman, this talk explores how we can unlock the power of our neurodivergence by reconnecting with the body’s innate intelligence. Rena invites you to rediscover your natural sensory awareness through breathwork, movement, somatic inquiry, and expressive creativity—from mark-making and journaling to music and play.

You’ll learn how societal systems often lead us to mask our uniqueness, pushing us out of our bodies and into conformity. But through creative and somatic practices, we can reawaken what has always lived within us: curiosity, expression, and intuitive wisdom.

This isn’t just a talk. It’s an invitation to reconnect with your nervous system, tap into your inner world, and unearth the language of your body. Expect to leave with empowering tools and insights to help regulate, express, and honour your neurodivergent brilliance—without shame, without apology.

Come curious, leave awakened—and begin to unmask what makes you, you.