January 2026 Neurodiversity Newsletter Issue #4
This publication celebrates, supports, and empowers neurodivergent individuals and their communities. Each edition explores insights into ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse experiences, while highlighting resources, advocacy, and real-life stories. The goal is to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and provide meaningful support for individuals, families, and professionals.
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Welcome and overall focus
In this issue, readers are invited to reflect on how sleep, movement, sensory regulation, and community shape everyday life for neurodivergent adults. The publication highlights offerings from the Adult ADHD Centre, Adult Autism Centre, ADHD Training Academy, and the Bold Education Skills Treatment (BEST) Program, emphasizing collaboration across these services.
“Tired But Wired” – ADHD and sleep
The first featured story, “Tired But Wired” by Marlee Boyle (BSc, RRT, CCSH), explores the complex relationship between ADHD and sleep. It explains how sleep disruption can intensify difficulties with attention, memory, and emotional regulation, creating a cycle of exhaustion and worsening symptoms.
The article introduces two key processes: sleep pressure and circadian rhythm. Many adults with ADHD feel most alert late at night, which can lead to racing thoughts at bedtime and mornings that begin already fatigued. It also explains how CBT-I, consistent routines, and practical sleep strategies can help support better rest
Neurodiversity Playlist
The second featured story, “Neurodiversity Playlist” by Andrea Dasilva (MEd, RCC), highlights music as an accessible and validating tool for emotional regulation, focus, and wellbeing. It explores how different types of music can support concentration, attention, memory, and motivation.
Andrea also reflects on how music can create calm, reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and help people feel understood and connected. Readers are encouraged to see music as a personal and year-round support for regulation and self-compassion.
Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder
Another major feature, “Seasonal Affective Disorder & How To Manage It,” focuses on how winter changes can affect mood, energy, motivation, and daily functioning, especially for neurodivergent adults. It explains how reduced daylight, disrupted routines, and seasonal stress can intensify low mood, anxiety, fatigue, and sensory overwhelm.
The piece offers supportive strategies such as light therapy, maintaining simple routines, movement, balanced meals, and finding ways to access natural daylight. It also emphasizes the value of professional support and connection with others who understand mental health challenges.
Adult Autism Centre – wondering if an adult autism assessment is right for you?
The Adult Autism Centre section provides guidance for adults who may be wondering whether an autism assessment is the right next step. It explains that ADHD and Autism can present with overlapping traits, including difficulties with attention, interpreting social cues, and managing sensory sensitivities.
Readers learn that the Adult Autism Centre offers accessible, neuro-affirming assessments across Canada. The section also explains that an autism diagnosis can provide clarity, access to accommodations and supports, and a stronger sense of self-understanding and self-acceptance.
BEST Program – community for adults with ADHD
The Bold Education Skills Treatment (BEST) Program is introduced as a way for adults with ADHD to begin 2026 with connection, support, and shared understanding. It addresses the reality that many neurodivergent adults feel isolated or misunderstood and positions BEST as a welcoming, judgment-free community.
BEST is delivered entirely online and includes two monthly webinars on topics such as sleep, medication, impulse control, organization, and focus. Sessions are led by Dr. Gurdeep Parhar and guest experts, while members also have opportunities to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
ADHD Training Academy and ADHD-CEPP certification
For professionals, the newsletter highlights the ADHD Training Academy and its ADHD-Certified Expert Practicing Professional (ADHD-CEPP™) program. This section explains that ADHD affects approximately 1 in 20 adults in Canada and that misunderstanding and misinformation can create barriers in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings.
The ADHD-CEPP program includes 12 online learning modules covering topics such as medication, sleep, and co-existing conditions. After completing all modules and examinations, learners can apply for certification, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to supporting neurodivergent adults in more inclusive ways.
January 2026 events and webinars
The January events section outlines a calendar of educational sessions hosted by the Adult ADHD Centre, Adult Autism Centre, and the BEST Program. These include webinars on friendships and ADHD, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), overlapping ADHD and Autism traits, workplace self-advocacy, mental health conditions eligible for the DTC, and understanding adult autism assessments.
Each event listing provides dates, times across time zones, and clear calls to register or learn more. The section continues the newsletter’s focus on practical education, support, and accessible guidance for neurodivergent adults and the people who support them.
Team recognition and staying connected
The newsletter concludes by encouraging readers to stay connected with the Adult ADHD Centre and its partner organizations for future resources, events, and updates.
