‘See us and accept us’: Moncton becomes 1st Canadian city to raise neurodiversity flag

Canada’s First Neurodiversity Pride Flag Raised in Moncton

A sense of pride and belonging filled the air as a large blue and purple flag was raised at Moncton’s City Hall. Caroline Jose, standing proudly underneath the flag alongside her 15-year-old son Louis, beamed with joy. Both Caroline and Louis have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, making them the driving force behind the raising of Canada’s first neurodiversity pride flag in New Brunswick.

“It felt like I was belonging to a community that I never felt before,” expressed Jose. “That’s what I wanted, so to me it’s very important.”

The flag, adorned with a white kite and small infinity signs, was hoisted in honor of Neurodiversity Pride Day, celebrated globally on June 16. This day aims to promote pride and acceptance for individuals with neurodiverse brain types, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions.

Jose, the national coordinator for Neurodiversity Pride Day in Canada, emphasized the importance of educating the public and government about neurodiverse individuals. She hopes that by raising awareness and fostering a unified voice, greater acceptance and understanding can be achieved.

For Louis Hébert Chatelain, seeing the neurodiversity pride flag flying in his hometown signifies a step towards being better understood by those outside his community. He emphasized the need for people to recognize the strengths of neurodivergent individuals and accept them for who they are.

As part of Canada’s Neurodiversity Pride Day events, Jose organized a Game Jam, an online event where participants create video games from scratch. The games created by neurodiverse individuals reflect their everyday experiences, offering a unique perspective on their lives.

One particular game, “Speak ain’t easy,” allows players to experience communication with a non-verbal person, fostering empathy and understanding. Jose hopes that initiatives led by neurodivergent individuals will help destigmatize their experiences and showcase the unique way their minds work.

In addition to her advocacy efforts, Jose is working to establish a non-profit organization in the Moncton region that will serve as a hub of expertise on neurodiversity. Her goal is to create a space where governments can seek guidance on neurodiversity and consider the needs of individuals like her son when developing policies.

“He’s the future,” Jose remarked, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for the youth to thrive. Louis expressed his happiness at seeing his mother’s hard work pave the way for a national movement, emphasizing their shared journey towards acceptance and inclusivity.

The raising of Canada’s first neurodiversity pride flag in Moncton marks a significant milestone in promoting awareness and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. Through education, advocacy, and community support, the voices of neurodivergent individuals are being amplified, paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding society.