Webinar Series: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity in Education & Work
The webinar series is open to all university staff and it is offered as a collaboration between several universities via Teams. Feel free to join just one webinar or attend all three. Please see the detailed webinar programme below. The webinars will be recorded, and the recordings will be available to watch for 14 days after the events end.
Neurodivergent people are part of every classroom, workplace, and community. An estimated 15–20% of the population is neurodivergent, although the true number is likely higher due to underdiagnosis and unrecognized traits. As educational institutions and workplaces become more aware of neurodiversity, they are increasingly challenged to create environments where different ways of thinking, learning, and working can thrive. When recognised and supported effectively, neurodivergent individuals can bring valuable perspectives, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities to both learning communities and organisations.
The lecturers in the webinar series are Heini Pensar and Riikka Seppälä. Read more about the lectures below.
Date: Tuesday 22.9.2026 at 9.00-10.00
Speaker: Heini Pensar
Enroll to the webinar:
What if the problem is not the learner, but the learning environment?
Universities are expected to educate more students than ever, while student populations are becoming increasingly diverse. 17% of higher education students report learning difficulties or health conditions that affect their studies.
Many students who reach higher education have successfully navigated earlier stages of education using personal coping strategies and support services, but these may no longer be sufficient for the demands of higher education. As a result, it is common for neurodevelopmental diagnoses to be made only during university studies.
In this webinar, university lecturer and certified neuropsychiatric coach Heini Pensar discusses how neurodiversity influences learning and learner success in higher education. Heini coaches and supervises students and illustrates her points with student stories and practical examples. She will discuss how educators, supervisors, and student services can become more neuroinclusive without compromising academic standards.
You will learn:
- How neurodiversity influences learning and learner success in higher education
- How to recognise common barriers faced by neurodivergent students
- What makes a lecture or learning environment neuro-friendly
- Practical ways to support neurodivergent students in teaching, supervision, and student services
- How inclusive practices can benefit all learners, not only neurodivergent students
Date: Tuesday 27.10.2026 at 9.00-10.00
Speaker: Riikka Seppälä
Enroll to the webinar:
How can organisations benefit from cognitive diversity?
As awareness of neurodiversity grows, more organisations are looking for ways to create workplaces where different ways of thinking and working can thrive. When supported effectively, neurodivergent employees can contribute unique perspectives, creativity, attention to detail, and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Yet many managers, HR professionals, and colleagues are still uncertain about what neuroinclusion means in practice and how these strengths can be translated into individual and organisational success.
In this webinar, neurodiversity trainer and consultant Riikka Seppälä discusses what a genuinely neuroinclusive workplace looks like in practice. Having worked extensively with organisations on neuroinclusion, she shares practical examples of how work environments, communication practices, leadership, and workplace culture can either support or hinder employee success.
You will learn:
- What neuroinclusion means in the workplace
- How neurodiversity can be supported in work environments
- What employers are expected to do under current legislation
- When and why employees may choose to disclose a diagnosis
- How neurodivergent traits can become strengths in the right environment
- What kind of leadership supports neurodivergent employees and teams
Date: Tuesday 24.11.2026 at 9.00-10.00
Host: Riikka Seppälä
Moderator: Heini Pensar
Enroll to the webinar:
What is it really like to have a neurodevelopmental condition?
Neurodivergent panelists share their experiences of education, working life, disclosure, workplace accommodations, and career development. Through personal stories and discussion, participants will gain understanding of the challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter, as well as the strengths, strategies, and supportive environments that have helped them succeed.
You will learn:
- How neurodivergent individuals experience education and working life
- Common challenges and barriers encountered in studies and at work
- What kinds of support and accommodations have made a difference
- How neurodivergent traits can become strengths in the right environment
- What educators, managers, colleagues, and organisations can do to foster inclusion
Riikka Seppälä is an international speaker, trainer and coach specialising in neurodiversity, psychological safety and shame-informed leadership. A certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator and neurodiversity coach and trainer, she works across education, working life and leadership, with particular expertise in the often-hidden experiences of neurodivergent people. Her work brings together neurodiversity-affirming practice, emotional awareness and an understanding of psychological and physiological load, translating research and complex human experiences into practical insight on how we can create environments where different minds can learn, belong, contribute and thrive.
Heini Pensar (D.Sc. Econ.) is a university lecturer working in higher education teaching and supervision. Heini is a certified neuropsychiatric (Nepsy) coach and regularly supports students whose studies have been affected by learning difficulties. Her research focuses on neurodiversity, and she actively promotes neuroinclusive practices and learning environments in higher education. Before joining academia, Heini built a career in international organisations and leadership roles. She brings the perspective of lived experience as a person with ADHD in higher education, working life, and leadership.
For further information please feel free to contact: competencedevelopment@aalto.fi
The webinars are open to university staff - welcome!
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