August 2026 Neurodiversity Newsletter Issue #11
The August 2026 Neurodiversity Newsletter brings together practical resources, community updates, assessment information, professional education, and learning opportunities for neurodivergent adults, families, and professionals. This issue introduces the new AuDHD Centre, celebrates ADHD-CEPP® graduates, and explores laughter, AuDHD, task initiation, community connection, and disability support.
Please click this button to find the PDF of the latest issue.
Introducing the new AuDHD Centre
The new AuDHD Centre provides a supportive and compassionate starting point for adults who identify with, suspect they may have, or have been diagnosed with both ADHD and autism.
Because ADHD and autistic characteristics 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.
Laughter, wellbeing, and connection
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 connections. It also emphasizes the importance of laughing with others rather than using humour in ways that may cause embarrassment or harm.
Readers are encouraged to make room for healthy humour and laughter, including during difficult periods when smiling may not come naturally.
Understanding the AuDHD experience
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 through deep focus, sensory differences, social experiences, executive functioning challenges, emotional intensity, and a preference for structure alongside a need for novelty.
The issue also includes an AuDHD word search that introduces terms connected to the AuDHD experience in an engaging and accessible format.
The 60-Second Start
The August issue introduces the 60-Second Start, a practical ADHD 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 getting started. When the timer ends, they can choose to stop or continue if momentum has developed.
Insight of the Month: Starting does not require completing the entire task. Focusing on one small action can make the first step feel more manageable.
ADHD and autism assessment updates
The Adult ADHD Centre has introduced 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.
Adults exploring autism assessments can learn more 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 topics 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 provides 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 kindness, safety, connection, and belonging within neurodivergent communities.
Disability Tax Credit information and support
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
The August issue highlights several pathways for adults seeking assessment, education, professional training, community connection, or ongoing support.
B.E.S.T. Membership Program: Adults with ADHD can access practical strategies, educational resources, expert-led sessions, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Adult ADHD Centre: Readers can learn more about comprehensive private adult ADHD assessments offered virtually across Canada.
Adult Autism Centre and AuDHD Centre: Adults exploring autism or the combined experience of ADHD and autism can find assessment information and guidance about their next steps.
ADHD Training Academy: Professionals can access flexible ADHD education designed to strengthen their knowledge and ability to support people with ADHD.
Disability Team: Individuals and families can find guidance related to the Disability Tax Credit and other disability support programs.
August webinars and events
The events section features webinars addressing intrusive thoughts in ADHD, Disability Tax Credit eligibility, 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 learning opportunities are designed to support adults with ADHD, autistic individuals, families, caregivers, educators, professionals, and members of the wider community.
Team, partners, and staying connected
The closing section recognizes the team members and contributors who helped create the August issue.
Readers are encouraged to stay connected with the Adult ADHD Centre and partner organizations for future articles, assessments, programs, community initiatives, events, and learning opportunities.