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Recording Available Here

Thursday, April 11, 2024

9:00AM to 5:00PM   

North Campus Research Complex – Building 18, “The Football” Auditorium

Welcome to the University of Michigan information page for the Beautiful Minds: Neurodiversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference.  

This conference culminated as a result of a group of staff volunteers seeking to make a difference in a space that touches each of us in various ways.  As the team navigated, researched, and connected in this space, we teamed up with a group of Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) students and built relationships with institutional partners as we champion and advocate for our University community members who navigate neurodiversity.

With the generous support of our institutional sponsors, we are excited to bring you a conference that  focuses on building awareness and support for the University of Michigan’s community that navigates the challenges of neurodiversity.  As we worked on the project, we have learned that there are many in our community who navigate, interact, and experience the invisible variations of capabilities and communication within neurodiversity. We understand that when you meet one person who is neurodivergent, you have met only one person who is neurodivergent.   

Throughout this process we have also connected with many in our U-M community, we have heard your stories, your concerns and your ideas. By far, the feedback we heard most often centers around support and awareness for those who may navigate neurodiversity, whether it is self, our loved ones, co-workers, faculty, students, patients, etc.  The aim of our work seeks to bring awareness to neurodiversity at our institution and identify resources to supports inclusive environments, that champion all community members and bring the dialog of neurodiversity, equity and inclusion to the forefront.

Through this work, we’ve also connected with the University of Melbourne (Australia) Neurodiversity Project and Stanford Neurodiversity Project as we look to evolve our own efforts.  During the conference we will highlight work taking place at the University of Melbourne and Stanford University, and highlight initiatives underway at the University of Michigan.

The Conference will take place April 11, 2024, at the North Campus Research Center (NCRC) “The Football” Auditorium.  The event is in-person and will also be live streamed. 

Registration is free to the University of Michigan community and we look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,

MSPICY Team Members (volunteers): Sebastian Beckley,  Liam Benton, Andy Brosius, Annalisa DeGuzman, Kathy Ignatoski, Beth Jakubowski, Chris Laurinec, Christine Lightner, Jesse Miller, Sally Mo, Aimee Piehl, Jenna Santamaria, Jack Seel, Sara Turner, and Sandy Zalmout 

Recording Coming Soon!!!

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Much work lies ahead and your support is greatly appreciated as we continue to move ahead. Please use the DONATE button below to support this important work. Your contribution and support matters. For more information, please contact Neurodiversity.Project@umich.edu.

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Keynote Speakers

Dr. Jessica Riordan

Director, University of Melbourne, Neurodiversity Project

Dr. Jessica Riordan is an early career researcher with a passion for conducting neurodiversity-affirming research, translating research into practice, and inspiring positive societal change through community-led advocacy and education. Of note, she has helped to conceptualize, manage, and evaluate two successful parenting programs for preschool-aged children and a workshop series for supporting the mental health and well-being of undergraduate students. Due to the latter, she was awarded the University of Otago Leadership Award and the University of Otago Division of Sciences Outreach Certificate. Drawing on her research background in developmental psychology and lived experience of ADHD and autism, she is now serving as the Project Leader for Staff and Student Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project.

Dr. Sarah Timperley

Director, University of Melbourne, Neurodiversity Project

Dr. Sarah Timperley is a researcher with a background in psychology and neurodiversity. Drawing on her professional and lived experiences of ADHD, she is now serving as the Project Leader for Community Education and Professional Development to build capacity within the University of Melbourne and the broader community. Sarah has an established program of research that has investigated inclusive education in early childhood settings and has also worked at the Centre for Program Evaluation and the Research in Effective Education in Early Childhood (REEaCh) Hub.

Dr. Matthew Harrison

Director, University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project

Dr. Matthew Harrison is an experienced teacher, researcher, and digital creator with a passion for utilizing technology to enhance social capacity building, belonging, and inclusion in education. He has taught in Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Matthew is currently a member of the Learning Intervention team and is the Director of Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Education. He was awarded the Dyason Fellowship in 2020, the GEM Scott Teaching Fellowship, and the International Society for Technology in Education ‘Making IT Happen’ award in 2023.

Overview of the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project

The University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project is a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary initiative that aims to better support their neurodivergent community. Led by neurodivergent staff members, this initiative aims to improve the experiences of all neurodivergent staff and students at the University of Melbourne through: a) improving the understanding of neurodiversity and neuro-affirming teaching and learning practices across the university; b) building a stronger sense of community for neurodivergent staff and students; c) connecting neurodivergent staff and students with support services within the university; and d) conducting world-class, neurodiversity-affirming research.

Dr. Lawrence Fung

Director, Stanford Neurodiversity Project

Dr. Lawrence Fung is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. He is the director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, director of the Neurodiversity Clinic, and principal investigator at the Fung Lab. His work, which focuses on autism and neurodiversity, traverses from multi-modal neuroimaging studies to a new conceptualization of neurodiversity and its application to clinical, educational, and employment settings. His lab advances the understanding of neural bases of human socio-communicative and cognitive functions by using novel neuroimaging and bioanalytical technologies. Using a community-based participatory research approach, his team devises and implements novel interventions to improve the lives of neurodiverse individuals by maximizing their potential and productivity. His work has been supported by various agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, Autism Speaks, California Department of Developmental Services, California Department of Rehabilitation, and philanthropy. He received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Cornell University and his M.D. from George Washington University. He completed his general psychiatry residency, child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship, and postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford.

The Stanford Neurodiversity Project

What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a concept that regards individuals with differences in brain function and behavioral traits as part of normal variation in the human population.

The movement of Neurodiversity is about uncovering the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and utilizing their talents to increase innovation and productivity of the society as a whole.

Our Key Objectives
Establish a culture that treasures the strengths of neurodiverse individuals.

Empower neurodiverse individuals to build their identity and enhance their long-term skills of daily living throughout the lifespan.

Attract talented neurodiverse individuals to study and work at Stanford.

Train talented individuals to work with the neurodiverse population.

Disseminate the Stanford Neurodiversity Model locally, nationally, and internationally.

Maximize the potential of neurodiversity.

The Stanford Neurodiversity Project also includes the  Neurodiversity at Work Program, which “(examines) the effects of specialized employment support programs with adults with autism.”

Presenters

Dr. Megan Honor Pesch

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics,
University of Michigan

Megan Pesch is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician at the University of Michigan. She completed her medical training, categorial pediatrics residency, post-doc, Master’s in Clinical Research, and clinical fellowship at the University of Michigan/ Michigan Medicine. Clinically she diagnoses and supports children with developmental and behavioral delays, disabilities, and differences, including neurodivergent children and their families. Over the years her practice has shifted towards recommending neurodivergent affirming support for her patients. She is the proud mother of three little girls, the youngest of whom is Deaf and Autistic. 

Dr. Haylie Miller

Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
School of Kinesiology

Dr. Haylie L. Miller is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, where she directs the Motor & Visual Development Lab http://www.kines.umich.edu/mvdlab).
Dr. Miller earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 2006, double-majoring in psychology and music. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2009 and 2012. She completed postdoctoral fellowships focused on sensorimotor functioning in autism at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where she held a tenure-track position in the Department of Physical Therapy before joining U-M in 2021.
Dr. Miller studies how movement and vision develop across the lifespan in autism and other neuro-developmental conditions, and how these skills affect functional mobility. She uses a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on theories and methods from the fields of psychology, child development, movement science, and engineering. She has received continuous support for her research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2015, as well as support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other foundation and institutional awards. 
Dr. Miller was nominated for the Association for Psychological Science “Rising Star” Award in 2017. She is an alumna of the Texas Center for Health Disparities STAR Leadership Program, and the UT Southwestern Clinical and Translational Research Scholars Program. Most recently, she was selected as a 2023 NSF Disability & Rehabilitation Engineering Fellow and a 2023 Claude D. Pepper Older Americans’ Independence Center Research & Education Core Fellow.
Dr. Miller is passionate about partnering with the neurodivergent community to increase awareness, acceptance, inclusion, and representation. She has served on multiple local, state, and national boards related to autism, and has a special interest in facilitating the development of inclusive and accessible programming in the arts and in community organizations. She co-leads the University of Michigan’s KidSport Adaptive Summer Camp and consults on autism-related programming development for the Georgia Academy for the Blind.
Dr. Miller’s work has been shaped and strengthened by the candid, thoughtful guidance of neurodivergent people, including the Motor & Visual Development Lab’s Community Advisory Team members, research participants, trainees, colleagues, friends, and family members.

Dr. Sean Ahlquist

Associate Professor of Architecture, University of Michigan

Sean Ahlquist is an Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Michigan. He leads the Lab for Socio-material Architectures, and is currently the director of the Master of Science in Digital Material Technologies program. Ahlquist’s work addresses architecture’s pressing need to generate inclusionary public and educational spaces for underserved populations, informed by his personal experiences as a parent to a, now 14 year old, autistic daughter. With an approach towards enriching agency through novel sensory-responsive environments, research focuses heavily on the testing of experimental prototypes across a wide range of venues – including children’s museums, civic plazas, classrooms and therapy centers, and as part of prestigious events such as the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale and the Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Dr. Shana Kattari

Associate Professor, University of Michigan 
School of Social Work

Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari is an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, in the Women’s and Gender Studies Department (by courtesy) and is the director of the [Sexuality | Relationships | Gender] Research Collective. A queer, autistic, disabled, chronically ill, fat nonbinary femme, they are an esteemed researcher, scholar, and advocate whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of social work, health disparities, and LGBTQ+ studies. With a steadfast commitment to social justice and equity, Dr. Kattari’s research and advocacy efforts have focused on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly within the realms of gender, sexuality, and disability (including neurodiversity).
Through their innovative and community-centered research, Dr. Kattari has shed light on the complex intersections of identity and health, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Their work has challenged prevailing norms, highlighted systemic barriers to healthcare access, and provided critical insights into how societal stigma and discrimination impact the well-being of marginalized populations.
Dr. Kattari’s expertise extends beyond academic research, as they are also a passionate educator and mentor. As an associate professor, they work to guide and inspire future generations of scholars and advocates in the fields of social work and related disciplines. Dr. Kattari’s teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking, anti-carceral pedagogy, intersectional analysis, and the importance of centering the voices of marginalized communities.
In addition to their research and teaching, Dr. Kattari is an active and influential advocate, collaborating with organizations, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop inclusive policies and practices. Their efforts have advanced the cause of culturally responsive and affirming care, helping to create more equitable and inclusive healthcare systems.

Lauren O’Connor

Accessibility Specialist, University of Michigan
Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX

Lauren is an accessibility specialist for the ADA team in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office (ECRT). In this role, Lauren facilitates the interactive process between departments and employees with disabilities to determine reasonable accommodations. Lauren is passionate about creating more inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities and ensuring equitable access in the employment setting. Prior to joining ECRT, Lauren worked as an occupational and vocational therapy supervisor at the Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Center. Lauren has expertise in vocational rehabilitation as a National Board Certified Occupational Therapist and is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University.

Erin Metz

Accessibility Specialist,
University of Michigan
Equity, Civil Rights and Title IX

As an accessibility specialist with ECRT, Erin facilitates the interactive process between departments and employees with disabilities to obtain accommodations that help employees succeed in the workplace. Erin is committed to focusing on the human aspect of compliance to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all. Before joining ECRT in 2023, Erin worked as an accessibility specialist for the University of Illinois. Erin received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Sciences with a focus on compliance from Illinois State University.

Agenda at a Glance: An Overview of the Day’s Events

Beautiful Minds: Neurodiversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference

April 11, 2024

    Time      Speaker

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