Neurodiversity Awareness Week Short Films Screening & Panel Discussion
We invite you to enjoy a curated selection of short films exploring the beauty and complexities of neurodiversity, alongside an interactive sensory stall, information stands and a panel discussion to kick off Neurodiversity Awareness Week 2026. This event aims to bring about understanding, joy and awareness of all forms of neurodiversity.
Everyone welcome. Booking is required. This is a relaxed event.
Listen to our highly accomplished and experienced panel as they reflect on all aspects of life for people who are neurodiverse – relationships, work, education and day-to-day living.
Running Order
5.45pm – Doors open – refreshments available 5.45pm-6pm.
6.10pm – Introduction from Communities Inc and Nottingham Contemporary.
6.15pm - 6.30pm – Short film: MENCAP fundraising (3 mins) + discussion with students
6.30pm – 6.50pm – Short film: United Response documentary Our Life Stories (17mins)
6.50pm – 7pm – refreshment break
7pm short film (details TBA)
7.30pm – 8.30pm – Panel discussion with Dr Blandine French, Peter Bonnell, Karen Aspley, Charlotte Throssel, Steph Hubble + more TBA
8.30pm – 9pm – explore stalls from our panelists. Take the opportunity to connect, learn and speak with the experts.
Communities Inc is about helping people to make connections that builds a sense of community in any environment. Communities are then better able to tackle common problems, to provide mutual support and to work together for a positive future with shared values.
Dr Blandine French FHEA (she/her) is a senior research fellow for School of psychology and Institute of Mental Health at the University of Nottingham. Blandine works in clinical and research environments with parents, children and young people with neurodevelopmental disorders. Blandine has developed and evaluated an online educational tool coproduced with GPs to increase their awareness of ADHD which has since been endorsed by the Royal College of GPs. Her current fellowship is evaluating the risks and costs of undiagnosed autism and/or ADHD. Blandine also has lived-experience of having children with neurodevelopment disorders and having received a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood.
Peter Bonnell (he/him) has 22 years’ experience as a professional curator, producer, project manager and senior leader. Since January 2025 he has been Executive Director at disabled-led visual arts organisation DASH. Peter was diagnosed with autism in 2021 and has a specific interest in exploring opportunities to support Disabled, Neurodivergent, and Deaf creatives. Across his career, Peter has curated and produced close to 200 exhibitions, including managing numerous commissions, and producing many related publications, talks and events. His artistic practice, focusing on photography, although deeply personal seeks to offer an observational understanding of the autistic condition.
Karen Aspley (she/her) works for Nottingham Mencap. She is part of The Nottinghamshire Independent Advisory Group - a strategic group that seeks to improve two-way communications between Nottinghamshire Police and the diverse communities of Nottingham City and the County of Nottinghamshire, chairing their disabled and neurodiverse subgroup.
Steph Hubble is the Chief Operations Officer for Autistic Nottingham. Steph manages a team of service coordinators across a variety of disciplines within the 3rd sector of health and social care. Every day, Autistic Nottingham make a difference to many autistic adults' lives.
Charlotte Throssel is the CEO of Disability Support Nottingham. Charlotte write policies, procedures and bids. She is Disability Support Nottingham’s safeguarding lead and offers overarching support for all staff, service delivery and Disability Equality Act advice. Charlotte also recruit volunteers and talk to the press.
Give What You Can
Entry to our exhibitions, events, fairs and our family activities is free but we need your support. Your donations make it possible to keep doing everything we do: from our world-leading exhibitions to our activities for families, young people and schools. With your support we can continue making a difference to the cultural, educational and social life of Nottingham and the East Midlands.
Please support us with a donation and register for Gift Aid to add 25% at no extra cost to you.
Access
Find information about getting here and our building access and facilities here.
This event will be held in The Space.
Speakers will use microphones.
This event is wheelchair accessible.
If you have any questions around access or have specific access requirements we can accommodate, please get in touch with us by emailing info@nottinghamcontemporary.org or phoning 0115 948 9750.