Neurodiversity Conference 2024

The conference is based on the principles of the Neurodiversity Support Initiative advocated by Northeastern University College of Engineering. This is a kickoff in person conference as a precursor to the development of a “Northeastern Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition” (NEHENC) through which higher education scholars and practitioners can gather as a community to explore and share best practices on how to improve educational and professional outcomes for neurodivergent students. The conference will allow participants to receive training and gain an understanding of neurodiversity, before delving into specific sessions. 

A picture showing a poster resting on an easel. At the top, the poster reads; "Welcome! Northeast Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition Conference." Below that, there is a small caption that reads; "Improving educational and professional outcomes for neurodivergent individuals." Below that there is the date of the conference, August 8-9, 2024, as well as a QR code. Below that there is a list of sponsors for the conference, which from left to right are MathWorks, The First Center for Autism and Innovation, and texthelp. At the bottom, the logos for Northeastern University, University of Connecticut, and the University of Rhode Island.
A picture of a poster resting on an easel. The poster has the logo for the Neurodiversity Initiative at the top, which is a pixelated infinity symbol with a rainbow gradient from left to right. Next to this logo there is text reading; "Northeast Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition Conference." Below that, in large bold text, is the title; "Communication Badges Key." There is small text below this that is too small to be legible. Below that text is an infographic explaining the communication badges that were used at the conference. The top badge is a "Thumbs Up" symbol in a green circle. It is labeled as "Green Thumbs Up" and has the caption, "Actively seeking communication." The middle badge is an exclamation point in a yellow triangle. It is labeled as, "Yellow Caution Sign," and has the caption, "Limited communication, willing to communicate with people they recognize. The bottom badge is a hand held up in a stopping motion inside of a red octagon. It is labeled as "Red Stop Sign," and has the caption, "Prefers not to be approached unless indicated otherwise."
A man wearing a black suit jacket, a white button up dress shirt, and glasses is standing behind a podium giving a speech. He has a communication badge with a green thumbs up on it pinned to his lapel.
A bearded man wearing a grey plaid suit jacket and a white checkered button up dress shirt is standing behind a podium giving a speech. He has a communication badge with a green thumbs up on it pinned to his lapel.
A picture taken from the back of an auditorium towards the front. On the right side of the picture, there is a man in a black suit standing behind a podium. He is facing towards the center of the speaking floor, where there are four individuals seated in a line underneath a large screen that reads "Welcome to the Northeast Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition Conference 2024." The individual seated furthest to the right is holding a microphone and speaking into it.
Five individuals are seated in a line underneath a large screen that reads "Welcome to the Northeast Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition Conference 2024." The individual seated furthest to the right is holding a microphone and speaking into it.

Conference Statistics

Over 200 attendees

Over 35 Higher ED Institutions

Over 25 employer partners

Testimonials:

” Wonderful conference! I learned so much and feel more empathetic and eager to incorporate strategies. I think the affordable cost was commendable.”

” Loved! I asked for a green and yellow communication badges. Try offering everyone all three. The level can change throughout the day. I went yellow for awhile when I felt a migraine threatening in between deciding to use the sensory room. It helped. I am so much less exhausted and stressed than any other conference I’ve ever been to! “

“This was great. Going back with so many ideas.”

“Thank you for organizing. This is such a critical topic.”

“I felt it was extremely well-run and the information was well presented. The food was incredible and I completely enjoyed myself. I haven’t been to a professional development in six years and I was so happy to come.”

“I was only able to attend Day 1 but what I was able to attend was amazing, thank you conference team and to NU COE for sponsoring the conference.”

Communication Badges

Conference Pamphlet

Conference-BrochureDownload

NEHENC Conference 2024 Video content:

Day 1: Part 1 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xun0udkx71wlhef85geze/NRHENC-Conference-Day-1-Part-1-1.mp4?rlkey=zmmon60i5sfj7o6e6797at0dx&st=nyfbddp8&dl=0

Part 2: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/16ivohpyg54b9eyjxubt8/Day-1-Part-2-Conference.mp4?rlkey=gxf6nztsskkuso10hwfqxyjkb&st=6p0q4gpq&dl=0

Day 2: passcode:T3Up9*yA Northeastern Regional Higher Education Neurodiversity Coalition Conference 8/9/2024 – Zoom