Neurodiversity Awareness Day is a full day of educational seminars designed to educate and foster communication within the Columbia communities (and beyond) about autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other related conditions. The event's goal is to raise awareness and acceptance of neurodevelopmental disabilities while also supporting neurodivergent individuals. This hybrid event last year was a huge success, with over 350 registrants in 2023. The event is co-organized by TC's Student with Disabilities Affinity Group (SWDAG) and Neurodivergent at Columbia.
Information will be updated here periodically.
An introduction to the day and thank you to the sponsors.
Presenter: Juliette Gudknecht
Juliette is currently pursuing her PhD in Intellectual Disability and Autism at Teachers College, Columbia University. She proudly embraces her neurodiversity which includes being autistic and an ADHDer. Currently, Juliette is an intern at the US Department of Education and a PhD student researcher studying autism stigma and language use surrounding neurodiversity. She helped host Neurodiversity Awareness Day in 2023 and 2024. She has held a variety of roles and internships surrounding neurodiversity, including being the CEO of her own nonprofit, the Autism and Neurodivergency Advocacy Association (a sponsor of ND Day!). Juliette is a Public Humanities Fellow at the SOF/Heyman Center for Humanities at Columbia University and a member of the UNESCO SDG4 Youth and Student Network. Additional past roles and affiliations include the NASA Hubble Space Telescope Team, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence ND at Work Initiative, the US State Department (within the Office of the Advisor of International Disability Rights, Singapore Embassy, and London Embassy), Geisinger's Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, and startups such as Authentic Social, Leda Health, and the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center. Juliette is also the author of a short story childrens book about autism titled "Together We Roar."
In-person presenter (with livestreaming on Zoom webinar)
Description of presentation:
This presentation aims to provide participants a comprehension of the meaning and value of neurodiversity in society. Neurodiversity was first defined as the intrinsic heterogeneity in the neurological makeup of various people ("neurodiversity" = "neurological" + "diversity"). Neurodivergent individuals exhibit a wide range of brain differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, among others. The paradigm emphasizes that neurodiversity is a fundamental feature of human intellect rather than an area of weakness. The presentation will analyze the strengths and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and will propose ways to promote inclusive environments in social, professional, and educational settings. Participants are also encouraged themselves to raise awareness and appreciate neurodiversity, as well as to question their own preconceptions. With the ultimate goal of creating more inclusive communities and promoting support for neurodivergent individuals, the presentation endeavors to inspire understanding, empathy, and action.
Presenter: Daniel Schreier
Daniel is currently the Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the United States Department of Education. In his role he advises the Director on a wide range of policy issues related to the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Daniel has been with the Department for 16 years (mostly with OSEP) where he has served a variety of roles including the Project Officer for the Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting, OSEP’s Fiscal Workgroup Facilitator and Recovery Act Facilitator. Prior to joining the Department Daniel was a special education director at two urban school districts in Massachusetts. In addition to his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, Daniel has a master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University and a law degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore where he studied the impact of school funding litigation.
In-person presenter (with livestreaming on Zoom webinar)
Panelists: Stephen Shore PhD, Gillian Leek, Liliana Valvano, LMSW, Allison Gundrum
Stephen Shore, PhD:
Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" and "too sick" for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonspeaking until 4, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a full time professor at Adelphi University and adjunct at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, focusing on aligning best practice in supporting autistic people to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen is an internationally renowned educator, consultant and author on lifespan issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, and self-advocacy. His most recent book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education.
A current board member of Autism Speaks, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), The Boston Higashi School, president emeritus of the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity, and advisory board member of the Autism Society, Dr. Shore also serves on the boards of numerous other autism related organizations.
Dr. Stephen Shore combines personal, practical, and academic experiences to promote fulfilling and productive lives for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals as the rule rather than the exception.
Gillian Leek:
Gillian leads with a steadfast commitment to positively transform the landscape for the
more than 5.4 million autistic adults across the nation, impacting critical areas such as
home, work, social life, and overall well-being. Gillian has been with the organization for
more than fifteen years, conceptualizing and building state-of-the-art initiatives.
Gillian has consistently been at the forefront of NEXT for AUTISM’s success, whether
heading the coordination of the benefit Night of Too Many Stars, which has raised over
$30 million through partnerships with major media networks, or supporting the creation
and launch of the Center for Autism and The Developing Brain with NewYork-
Presbyterian, Columbia and Cornell.
Throughout her tenure, Gillian has orchestrated key programmatic advancements,
elevated brand awareness, and spearheaded innovative fundraising campaigns. The
strategic partnerships she has created with national corporations have not only
benefited NEXT but also empowered its grantee and partner organizations to expand
their reach and impact.
With a focus on fostering collaborative relationships across various sectors including
nonprofits, policymakers, media, corporations, and the wider community,
Gillian continues to drive meaningful change and works to amplify NEXT's mission.
Gillian holds a J.D. from New York Law School and earned her undergraduate degree
from Elon University. She resides in New Jersey with her husband and daughters.
Liliana Valvano, LMSW:
Liliana Valvano (she/her) is a researcher and therapist specializing in neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ identities. Presently, she holds a faculty position at Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry, and a research position at Hunter College. Her research focuses on developing mental health interventions geared toward autistic adults and better understanding autistic lived experiences through qualitative interviewing. In her clinical work, she works with clients utilizing a social model of disability to deconstruct stigma and build rich, full, and meaningful lives. She has worked extensively within the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities, and views membership to these communities as a privilege rather than a burden. Liliana received her master's in social work from Silberman School of Social Work, where she specialized in gender, sexuality, and disability, working within the Silberman Center for Sexuality and Gender to create a more inclusive experience for neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ students. She also worked at The LGBT Center to create disability focused programming. Clinically, she provides DBT, CBT, and other skills-based groups on gender and neurodiversity. She received her B.A. in Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego.
Allison Gundrum:
Allison is a neurodivergent self-advocate (ADHD/autism) and junior at Columbia, where she is active in promoting disability justice and community on campus as the student coordinator for Spoons, a weekly disability justice dialogue group and community space, and as a mentor through Columbia Mentoring Initiative. She also works as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them complete daily tasks and support them in reaching their goals. She hopes to enter an MSTP (MD/PhD) program after graduation to become a physician-scientist. Allison is passionate about the power of scientific innovation and compassionate care to support disabled people in living their best lives, and is a strong advocate for disability representation in science and medicine.
In-person panel (with livestreaming on Zoom webinar)
Light refreshments provided to in-person participants.
Workshop Leader: Kristen Hecht
Kristen Hecht is the founder and CEO of Kristen Hecht LLC, a bespoke consulting firm that provides consulting, coaching, and workshop facilitation services. A natural connector, Kristen Hecht has 15+ years of experience in the field of leadership development and has worked with a variety of mission-driven leaders, fellowship groups, non-profit organizations, private foundations, membership associations, and academic institutions working to advance society.
As a professional coach, she completed her training through Co-Active Training Institute, recognized as the most rigorous professional coach training and certification program in the industry. She has continued to build her coaching practice through Neurodiversity-Inclusive coaching (Neurodiversity Coaching Academy: coach training that supports the full spectrum of humanity) and Positive Intelligence coaching (mental fitness model to boost well-being and performance). As a trainer and workshop facilitator, Kristen is trained in Dare to Lead (Brené Brown’s courage-building leadership framework), adaptive leadership (New York University), trauma-informed and resilient leadership (Center for Justice and Peacebuilding), and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices (Nonprofit Leadership Alliance). As a project consultant, Kristen possesses experience in research, program design and management, curriculum development, alumni engagement, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. She possesses a Master of Arts in international politics from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from the University of North Texas.
Kristen currently resides in Washington, DC, where she serves on the Board of Directors for the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) and the National Council of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA). In her free time, Kristen enjoys hiking, cycling, and traveling. Her personal values - which also guide her professional ethos - include adventure, integrity, growth, and community.
In-person presenter (with livestreaming on Zoom webinar)
Description of Workshop:
In this empowering workshop, we delve into the realm of neurodivergence, exploring how it intersects with feelings of overwhelm in academic or workplace contexts, and offering practical strategies to boost executive functioning skills.
Through experiential exercises, attendees will embark on a journey of self-discovery, explore the concept of overwhelm within the context of neurodivergence, and delve into the core components of executive functioning, including organization, time management, decision-making, cognitive flexibility, and self-regulation. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with (1) a deeper understanding of their cognitive processes, (2) practical tools to enhance their executive functioning, and (3) personalized strategies to effectively manage overwhelm.
Whether you're navigating neurodivergence yourself or supporting someone who is, this workshop will offer a supportive environment for growth, learning, and mutual understanding. Join us as we embrace neurodiversity and pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive society.
Presenter: Caitlin Begg
Caitlin Begg is the founder of Authentic Social, sociological researcher, and host of Progression to Analog podcast. Her research is focused on technology's effect on conversation, sociotechnical systems, and artificial intelligence. Caitlin founded Authentic Social in 2016 after writing her undergraduate Harvard sociology honors thesis on digital communication. Authentic Social (offices in New York and Amsterdam) brings an education-forward approach to sociotechnical systems strategy. Caitlin speaks and presents research around the U.S. and Europe, recently at the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Forum in Munich. Her efforts have also featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Mashable, and Business Insider. As the host of the Progression to Analog podcast, Caitlin speaks with practitioners and academics across Europe about ways to explore a more human everyday amidst technological modernity (guests include Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson and Oxford Professor Viktor Mayer-Schönberger). In her free time, some of Caitlin's other interests include film photography, dérives, vintage collecting (including out-of-print technology and history of the internet magazines), rowing, and editing Wikipedia. Since 5 September 2022 and without exception, she has begun each day reading nonfiction before any cell phone or computer use.
In-person panel (with livestreaming on Zoom webinar)
Description of Presentation:
Join Caitlin Begg as she delves into the complex dynamics of neurodiversity in the workplace, concentrating on the strategic use of digital tools and communication technologies. In this insightful talk, Caitlin delves into specific tactics for empowering neurodivergent individuals to flourish professionally while managing the complexity of our digital world. Caitlin illuminates the need of cultivating true connections in the face of technological improvements by highlighting a human-centric approach. Drawing on a mix of research insights, personal anecdotes as a neurodivergent person herself, and actionable guidance, this session seeks to provide neurodivergent individuals and allies with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in today's digitally-driven work environments.
Join us as we wrap up the day together!
Copyright © 2024 Neurodivergent at Columbia - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.