
Neuroinclusive Workplaces
Are you building an inclusive workplace? The conference board of Canada has recently put out a report on how to build neuroinclusive workplaces. Learn key steps and get started where you are.
Learn MoreAs the weather heats up and routines shift, summer can bring both joy and challenges, especially for neurodivergent folks. From the overstimulation of busy beaches and loud events to the physical impact of heat, the season can be a lot to process. A neuroaffirming approach to summer means considering sensory needs, respecting individual rhythms, and adapting activities with compassion and flexibility.
Many neurodivergent people experience differences in interoception—how they feel and interpret internal body signals like hunger, thirst, or temperature. This can mean not noticing signs of heat exhaustion until it is serious. Add in the fact that some common medications (like stimulants or certain mood stabilizers) can make individuals more prone to dehydration or sun sensitivity.
Summer often disrupts routines—school is out, programs pause, and schedules shift. While this flexibility can feel freeing to some, it can also be disorienting or distressing to others.
Summer activities are often loud, crowded, and unpredictable. Fireworks, outdoor concerts, busy beaches, and parades can be overwhelming for anyone with sensory sensitivities. But summer also holds potential for sensory joy: swimming, hammocks, the smell of sunscreen, and cold watermelon on a hot day.
Neuroaffirming care respects choice. Just because something is “fun” for most people does not mean it is right for everyone.
A neuroaffirming summer means recognizing that everyone experiences the season differently—and that is okay. By approaching summer with curiosity, compassion, and flexibility, we can help everyone access the season on their own terms.
– Becky Bishop, Senior Manager, Youth and Adult Programs
LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.