“There’s Nowhere Else I’d Rather Be”. Why Celebrating Diagnosis Is an Act of Neurodiversity Pride

This Disability Pride Month, I’ve been thinking deeply about what it means to not just accept a child’s neurodivergence...but to celebrate it.

So often, diagnosis is framed in whispers. As something to “deal with” quietly. As a label we tolerate but don’t embrace. But for many families, mine included, a diagnosis isn’t the end of the world. It’s the beginning of a new one. One where we can finally understand our children better. One where we can support them more authentically. One where we can build spaces where they don’t have to mask, hide, or shrink to fit in. And one where they can feel proud of who they are.

“There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with them…”

That line comes from one of the most powerful research studies I’ve read this year, shared in a reel by @esther_fidock. The study, beautifully titled “There is Nowhere Else That I’d Rather Be Than With Them” explored parents’ positive experiences raising autistic children. And the findings? They floored me.

Rather than focusing on stress or hardship (which most research tends to do), this study centered on what was joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling about parenting neurodivergent kids. Parents spoke of:

• Loving who their child is (exactly as they are)

• Deep emotional connection and moments of pride

• A sense of growth and transformation through parenting

• The power of acceptance, learning, and celebration

  One parent said, “I just love watching her be who she is.” That’s what Disability Pride Month is about. Not pretending neurodivergence is easy, but recognising that it’s real, valid, and beautifully worth celebrating.

Why Celebrating Diagnosis Matters

When we celebrate a child’s neurodivergent identity (including their diagnosis), we’re doing more than just boosting self-esteem. We’re:

• Reframing the label as something affirming, not shameful

• Giving children a language to understand themselves

• Building a foundation of pride, not pity

• Creating environments where masking isn’t necessary

• Sending a powerful message: “There is nothing wrong with your brain. It is different and it is good.”

This is what neurodiversity-affirming practice looks like in action. It’s not about sugar-coating challenges...it’s about honouring the child in front of us and creating space for their full identity to be seen and celebrated.

That’s Why I Created the 

Diagnosis Celebration Bundle

Launching this week, right in the heart of Disability Pride Month, my new Diagnosis Celebration Bundle is designed to help families, teachers, and therapists bring this celebration to life in real, meaningful ways.

Inside the pack, you’ll find:

• A gentle, affirming celebration storybook (AAC an non AAC versions)

• Neurotype one-pagers with strengths and supports (for ADHD, autism, PDA, AuDHD and more)

• A printable diagnosis certificate (because YES, it’s something to be proud of!)

• Reflective work pages to help children explore their brain and what helps them feel safe

• A simple info sheet for adults explaining why celebrating diagnosis is a neuro-affirming, protective practice

• Editable and AAC friendly versions

Whether you’re a parent navigating a new diagnosis, an educator looking to build belonging in your classroom, or a therapist trying to shift the narrative...this resource is a joyful, practical starting point.

It’s not about ignoring struggle...it’s about amplifying pride.

And if you need the research to back it up? The “Nowhere Else I’d Rather Be” study isn’t alone. Other recent studies have echoed similar themes:

• Parents find deep joy and meaning in raising neurodivergent children (Curley et al., 2025)

• Celebrating a child’s personality and unique way of being promotes resilience and family connection (Chau & Furness, 2023)

• Affirming identity reduces internalised ableism, anxiety, and shame (Kapp et al., 2013)

In other words: the science is catching up to what many of us already feel in our bones.

Final Thoughts

Diagnosis can be a turning point, not into despair, but into clarity, connection, and celebration.

To every child discovering something new about their brain this year: congratulations. Your brain is different. And that difference is something to be proud of.

To the grown-ups supporting them: thank you for choosing celebration over silence. This is how we build a world where every child, every brain, knows they belong.