June is Neurodiversity Pride Month—a time to honor and uplift the many ways people think, learn, and interact with the world. At Tumbleweed Publishing, we believe in embracing every mind, especially those that experience learning differently.
What Is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences—like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and more—are natural variations of the human brain. Coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s, the term challenges the outdated notion that these differences are deficits. Instead, it recognizes them as part of human diversity—like gender, ethnicity, or culture.
“Celebrating neurodiversity is deeply personal to me,” says Tiffany Feingold, Co-Founder and CEO of Guiding Bright Minds, an organization based in Denver that connects parents of neurodivergent children with vetted support providers.
“As a parent of a neurodivergent child and someone who has gone through my own journey of discovering my neurodivergence, I’ve seen firsthand the power of understanding, acceptance, and support. As a community, we need to work together to challenge outdated narratives and help us recognize the unique strengths, perspectives, and creativity that neurodivergent individuals bring to our communities.”
Common Neurodiverse Conditions
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a wide range of neurological differences. Here are just a few:
Dyslexia
- A language-based learning difference affecting reading, decoding, and spelling, despite normal or above-average intelligence. It is one of the most common neurodiverse conditions. It’s estimated that between 10% to 20% of people are dyslexic.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- A condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, often affecting organization and focus.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- A developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning it presents with a wide range of abilities and challenges. Common traits include difficulty with social communication, repetitive behaviors, and a preference for routine.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
- A motor skills disorder that affects coordination and movement. Individuals with dyspraxia may struggle with tasks that require fine or gross motor skills, such as handwriting, tying shoelaces, or participating in sports. It can also impact speech and executive functioning.
Auditory Processing Disorder
- A condition that affects how the brain processes sounds, particularly speech, even though the individual’s hearing may be normal.
From Feeling Different to Making a Difference
As a child, Emily Grygiel struggled in school due to an auditory processing and spatial reasoning disorder. This made school a real challenge for her.
“No matter how hard I tried, I always felt like I was falling behind,” remembers Emily.
Everything changed in 5th grade when she enrolled at The Fletcher School in Charlotte, NC—an independent school for students with learning differences.
“For the first time, I felt understood—both academically and personally,” says Emily. “The teachers believed in me, and with the right support, I began to thrive.”
That experience had a profound impact on Emily. After graduating from high school, she went on to attend the STEPP Program at East Carolina University, a program designed for students with learning differences. There she earned a degree in special education and, more importantly, gained the confidence to pursue a career she was passionate about.
“After graduating, I began teaching special education,” says Emily. “Three years ago, I returned to Fletcher as a fifth-grade Language Arts teacher. Now I get to teach in the same classrooms that once helped me find my footing. It’s been a full-circle moment, and I feel lucky to support students who learn the way I did.”
Why Does Celebrating Neurodiversity Matter?
There are a host of reasons why we need to celebrate and actively include those who learn differently.
Representation Matters
- Neurodivergent children thrive when they see themselves reflected in media, curriculum, and classrooms. Visibility reduces stigma and boosts confidence.
Workplaces Benefit
- Many neurodivergent individuals have exceptional skills in pattern recognition, creativity, and problem-solving—yet these strengths are often overlooked in conventional hiring practices.
Inclusive Education Is Better for Everyone
- Instructional approaches that support neurodiverse learners—such as multisensory reading programs, flexible assessments, and universal design—benefit all students. When we design for neurodiversity, we design for real life.
How You Can Help Celebrate Neurodiversity Pride Month
🎧Listen to neurodivergent voices
- Read books, follow blogs, and engage directly with lived experiences.
📣Advocate for inclusion
- In schools, workplaces, and communities.
🔁 Reframe your thinking
- From “fixing” differences to valuing them.
🤝 Support organizations – Invest in those that uplift neurodivergent learners and families.
Our Commitment
At Tumbleweed Publishing, we’re dedicated to creating inclusive, affirming, and accessible educational materials. Our decodable readers and teacher resources are designed with neurodivergent students in mind—especially those with dyslexia, ADHD, and language-based learning differences.
We believe literacy is a human right. Every child deserves to learn in a way that works for them.
Neurodivergent learners are not broken—they are brilliant, capable, and full of potential. We are proud to support their journey to reading success.
Final Thought
Neurodiversity Pride Month isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action, allyship, and amplification. Let’s celebrate every brain, every perspective, and every contribution. Because different doesn’t mean less—it often means more!
