August 2026 Neurodiversity Newsletter Issue #11
The August 2026 Neurodiversity Newsletter (Issue No. 11) brings together updates, practical resources, community programs, assessment information, and learning opportunities for neurodivergent adults, families, and professionals. This issue introduces the new AuDHD Centre, celebrates the first ADHD-CEPP® graduates, and explores laughter, AuDHD, task initiation, community connection, and disability support.
Please click the button below to access the PDF of the latest issue.
Welcome and overall focus
The August issue highlights several developments across the neurodiversity community. Readers are introduced to the new AuDHD Centre and invited to explore practical ADHD strategies, educational resources, assessment updates, community programs, professional learning opportunities, and upcoming events.
Introducing the new AuDHD Centre
The new AuDHD Centre provides a supportive and compassionate approach for adults who identify with, suspect they may have, or have been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism.
Because ADHD and autistic traits can overlap and interact, some adults may receive support for one condition while the other remains unrecognized. The Centre aims to help individuals better understand their complete experiences and identify appropriate next steps.
Readers can begin with a complimentary 30-minute video consultation to discuss their experiences, ask questions about ADHD, autism, and their overlap, and learn more about the AuDHD assessment process.
“LOL”
The featured article, “LOL,” by Andrea DaSilva, RCC, MEd, ADHD-CEPP®, explores the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social benefits of laughter.
The article explains how laughter may help reduce stress, release tension, interrupt negative thought patterns, and strengthen social connection. It also emphasizes the importance of laughing with others rather than using humour in ways that cause embarrassment or harm.
Readers are encouraged to make room for healthy humour and laughter, even during difficult periods when smiling may not come naturally.
Understanding AuDHD
The AuDHD Learning Corner explores what it can mean to experience both ADHD and autism.
The featured resources explain how ADHD and autistic characteristics may interact, including deep focus, sensory differences, social differences, executive functioning challenges, emotional intensity, and a preference for structure alongside a need for novelty.
The issue also includes an AuDHD word search designed to introduce common terms connected to the AuDHD experience in an engaging and accessible format.
A one-minute ADHD strategy
The August issue introduces the 60-Second Start, a practical strategy for moments when beginning a task feels overwhelming.
Readers are encouraged to select one small action, set a timer for 60 seconds, and focus only on starting. Once the timer ends, they can choose to stop or continue if momentum has developed.
This strategy helps make the first step feel more manageable without waiting for motivation to appear.
ADHD and autism assessment updates
The Adult ADHD Centre has introduced new lower pricing for private adult ADHD assessments available across Canada. The same comprehensive virtual assessment is now offered for $269.
The issue also highlights a limited-time back-to-school rate of $200 for eligible post-secondary students, beginning August 15, 2026.
Readers exploring autism assessments can also learn about the Adult Autism Centre’s comprehensive assessment process and begin with a complimentary 30-minute consultation.
Celebrating ADHD-CEPP® graduates
The ADHD Training Academy celebrates its growing community of graduates who have completed the program and earned their ADHD-CEPP® certification.
Through 12 flexible, self-paced online modules, professionals can strengthen their understanding of ADHD across areas such as diagnosis, medications, sleep, finances, management strategies, and the experiences of women with ADHD.
The program is designed for professionals working in healthcare, education, counselling, coaching, social services, human resources, and other fields that support people with ADHD.
Community Spotlight: ADHD Social Hub
The August Community Spotlight features the ADHD Social Hub, a Metro Vancouver-based community for adults with ADHD, AuDHD, and other neurodivergent experiences.
The Hub offers opportunities to connect through support groups, skills and coaching groups, social events, guest speakers, educational activities, and one-on-one coaching. Both in-person and online opportunities are available.
The spotlight emphasizes the importance of connection, kindness, safety, and belonging within neurodivergent communities.
Disability Tax Credit information
The newsletter provides information about the Disability Tax Credit, a federal non-refundable tax credit that may help individuals with physical or mental impairments, or their supporting family members, reduce the income tax they may have to pay.
Eligibility is based on how an impairment affects everyday functioning and whether the Canada Revenue Agency’s criteria are met, rather than diagnosis alone.
The issue also introduces support available through the Disability Team for people navigating the Disability Tax Credit, CPP Disability, Long-Term Disability, and related programs.
Programs and support resources
Readers are invited to explore the B.E.S.T. Membership Program, which provides practical ADHD strategies, educational resources, expert-led sessions, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Additional resources featured throughout the issue include ADHD and autism assessments, professional ADHD education, disability support, community connection, and individualized learning opportunities.
August webinars and learning opportunities
The August issue includes webinars addressing intrusive thoughts in ADHD, eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit, autism and mental health, and the future of ADHD.
The issue also highlights upcoming partner events, including CADDAC’s 18th Annual ADHD Conference and the Embracing Change: Supporting ADHD & LD Across Life Transitions conference.
These opportunities are designed to support adults with ADHD, autistic individuals, families, caregivers, educators, professionals, and members of the wider community.
Team recognition and staying connected
The newsletter concludes by recognizing the team members and contributors who helped create the August issue.
Readers are encouraged to remain connected with the Adult ADHD Centre and its partner organizations for future articles, assessments, programs, community initiatives, events, and learning opportunities.
