What is Neurodiversity? A Guide for Colorado Families and Educators

Neurodiversity is more than a buzzword—it’s a movement celebrating the natural variations in how people think, learn, and interact with the world. From autism and ADHD to dyslexia and dyspraxia, neurodiversity reminds us that no two minds are the same.

In Colorado Springs and Denver, families, educators, and organizations are embracing neurodiversity through inclusive education, adaptive programs, and community-based support.

Learn what neurodiversity means, why it matters in 2025, and how local resources like RiseUP are leading the way in building inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.

What is Neurodiversity? (A Guide for Colorado Families and Educators)

Neurodiversity is the idea that there’s no single “normal” way for brains to work. In other words, people experience and interact with the world in many different ways, and those differences are not viewed as deficits (health.harvard.edu.) The term neurodiversity was coined in the late 1990s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, sparking a social movement that promotes acceptance of neurological differences (like autism, ADHD, dyslexia) as natural variations in the human population (health.harvard.edu.) Rather than treating these differences as disorders to be “fixed,” the neurodiversity movement emphasizes valuing individuals’ unique strengths and perspectives.

National Definitions and Advocacy Trends

Leading experts and organizations have helped shape our understanding of neurodiversity. For example, Harvard Health defines neurodiversity as the concept that people have diverse ways of thinking, learning, and behaving – there is no one “right” way to be human (health.harvard.edu.) Similarly, the Child Mind Institute explains that neurodivergent individuals (those with different brain function, such as autistic or dyslexic people) simply perceive and respond to the world in unique ways, which should be accepted and encouraged (childmind.org.) Over the past two decades, advocacy has grown rapidly. The neurodiversity movement has given rise to initiatives like Neurodiversity Pride Day and numerous online communities where neurodivergent people and allies connect and push for inclusive practices. Organizations such as the Neurodiversity Foundation explicitly aim to create a society that works for all “regardless of their brain types,” developing tools and campaigns to foster equality and understanding between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals (neurodiversiteit.nl.) This advocacy is changing public attitudes; however, challenges remain. A 2022 study by Understood.org found that 6 million of the 25 million parents of neurodiverse children in the U.S. are still skeptical or unaware of their child’s learning differences (prdaily.com.) Even among informed parents, many worry about stigma if they discuss their child’s neurodivergence openly. These findings highlight why continued education and advocacy are so important – to turn lingering skepticism into support and to normalize conversations about learning and thinking differences.

Local Implementation in Colorado

Here in Colorado, the principles of neurodiversity are increasingly being put into action in schools and communities. Educators are embracing inclusive teaching methods like Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which offers multiple ways for students to engage with material, recognizing that learners have diverse brains. Many Colorado school districts (from Denver to Colorado Springs) strive to support neurodivergent students through individualized education plans and sensory-friendly classrooms. Community groups and events are also celebrating neurodiversity. For instance, local libraries host “sensory-friendly” story times, and autism advocacy organizations in Colorado hold annual Neurodiversity Celebrations to raise awareness. Colorado colleges, too, are joining the movement by creating programs for students with intellectual and developmental differences to attend higher education in an inclusive setting. These efforts reflect a broader commitment across the state to ensure neurodivergent individuals feel understood and valued.

RiseUP is a key part of this local implementation. RiseUP in Colorado Springs provides inclusive educational and community-based support for neurodivergent children and adults. Through its customized K-12 school program (takes students up to 21 years old) and adult day programs, RiseUP demonstrates what neurodiversity-friendly support looks like on the ground. Students who learn differently receive individualized curriculum and behavioral support in a nurturing environment, rather than being sidelined. Neurodivergent adults in RiseUP’s day programs or supported employment services are treated with dignity and encouraged to pursue their interests and talents. By partnering with families, schools, and other agencies, RiseUP helps model inclusion – showing that when neurodiversity is embraced, individuals can truly thrive. Families and educators in Colorado can look to RiseUP as a resource and a champion for neurodiversity, helping our communities move from awareness to acceptance and meaningful inclusion.

About RiseUP

 RiseUP has been providing customized programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for over 15 years. Through its K–12 school, adult day enrichment, residential services, and supported employment programs, RiseUP ensures that neurodivergent individuals receive the tailored support they need in a welcoming community.