Trust launches campaign to improve care for neurodivergent patients
Date added: 16 March 2026
Last updated: 16 March 2026
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is supporting ‘Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026’ with a week-long campaign designed to improve understanding of neurodiversity and help provide more inclusive care for neurodivergent patients.
For many neurodivergent people, everyday healthcare environments can present challenges, including sensory and communication differences, or the extra effort required to process information. By helping staff better understand these experiences, the campaign aims to support more accessible services and improve patient experiences of care.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an international initiative that challenges stereotypes about neurological differences. It also encourages people to learn more about what it means to be Autistic, experience Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
During the week, the trust will share short learning resources and practical tips on its social media channels. These will help staff, patients and local communities better understand how neurodivergent people may experience the world differently.
The campaign will also highlight simple changes that can make a difference, such as adapting communication styles, allowing more time for information to be processed, and recognising the hidden effort many neurodivergent people use to manage everyday situations.
Chloe Farahar, Learning Disability and Autism Project Manager for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “This campaign is about helping people feel understood when they access our services. We are grateful to have worked in partnership with advocates, including Ben Usher-Barrass, whose lived experience as an Autistic person and insights have helped shape the themes we are sharing this week.
“By listening to neurodivergent voices and improving understanding across our teams, we can create environments where people feel recognised, respected and supported. Building awareness of neurodivergent experiences is an important part of delivering inclusive, person-centred care and improving the experience of everyone who uses our services.”
The campaign has been developed with Ben Usher-Barrass, who was diagnosed as Autistic at the age of 17, and has become a well-known online neurodiversity advocate. After connecting with the Autistic community through Aucademy, he developed a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. In 2022 he launched his advocacy platform Autisticality, where he shares infographics explaining different aspects of the Autistic experience.
Ben said: “When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t fully understand what being Autistic meant. Connecting with the Autistic community helped me learn more about myself and how different minds experience the world.”
His work now focuses on helping people better understand Autistic experiences and challenging common misconceptions about neurodiversity.
Ben added: “Campaigns like this are important because they help people understand neurodivergent experiences and create more supportive environments.”
The trust hopes the campaign will encourage more inclusive attitudes across health services, workplaces and local communities, helping neurodivergent people feel more comfortable accessing support and improving their overall experience of care.
