Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
It is now March, and spring is quickly approaching. March is also Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and break stigma. It is a time to recognize and celebrate both the strengths and challenges of neurodiverse individuals. There are often misunderstandings surrounding neurodiversity, which makes education about common myths especially important. Some of the common myths are:
- Adults with developmental disabilities cannot work
- Adults with developmental disabilities cannot form friendships
- Adults with developmental disabilities provide all care
(ActiveDay, 2025)
What does it really mean to be neurodiverse? Neurodiverse individuals may include those with:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Sensory or physical impairments
- Intellectual disabilities
According to the CDC (2026), neurodiversity can involve differences in physical, learning, language, or behavioral functioning. However, being neurodiverse is not solely about challenges; it is also about having a brain that works differently. While everyday tasks can sometimes be more complex, the right support can help neurodiverse individuals thrive. Many environments are designed with neurotypical individuals in mind, which can create additional barriers and make it more difficult for neurodiverse individuals to reach their full potential.
As a practitioner, I work with neurodivergent individuals and deeply value the uniqueness each person brings to therapy. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe to be their authentic selves. What does a safe space mean? I ensure that their experiences are validated of how draining masking and chronic misunderstandings can be. I also allow neurodivergent individuals to be their authentic selves, and not having the pressure to respond in a certain way.
Being born with hearing loss has given me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of developmental differences and has shaped my empathy. Through years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals, I have grown both personally and professionally.
I have also experienced firsthand how easily differences can be misunderstood. As a child, I often could not hear my teacher clearly. When called upon, I sometimes answered incorrectly—not because I lacked understanding, but because I had not fully heard the question. From the outside, I was perceived as less capable, which felt isolating. I share this experience as an example of the types of barriers neurodivergent individuals may face, including misunderstanding and stigma. These experiences taught me how easily differences can be misinterpreted—and why it is so important to both educate and celebrate.
While it is common to focus on the challenges neurodiverse individuals face, it is equally important to recognize their strengths. This month serves as a reminder that every neurodiverse individual is unique, and March is a meaningful time to celebrate those differences. Neurodiverse individuals may struggle in areas where neurotypical individuals do not—and vice versa. That is okay. Thinking and learning differently is something we should value and embrace. We are here to help you reach your full potential. Book with us today!
Through the Woods Psychology, offers counselling for adults, children, and teens, both in person and online. If you’re curious about support, you’re welcome to visit our website or book your free consultation today to explore whether it feels like a good fit.
You can also reach us by email at info@throughthewoods.ca or by phone at (403) 984-7922.