"We are glad to have some wonderful guests who can really speak to their lived experience of autism and dyslexia." Lisa Quigley, MMI.

Veterinary professionals to host sessions on dyslexia and autism in the profession.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced that it will be holding several online sessions on autism and dyslexia in the veterinary profession as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week – Monday 15 March 2021.

The first session on autism in the veterinary profession will be held on 16 March between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

The panel will be hosted by veterinary surgeon and mental health researcher Rosie Allister and will also include BVA Young Vet of the Year 2019 Emily Craven, equine veterinary surgeon Kirstie Pickles and veterinary nurse Cal May.

On Tuesday 18 March, also between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, BVA president James Russell and veterinary surgeon Rory Cowlam from CBBC's The Pet Factor will host a session on dyslexia. Dr Russell has written about his own dyslexia in the past, as well as the ways in which veterinary workplaces can better recognise and become more accommodating towards a neurodiverse workforce, while Rory is an ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association.

Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters manager, said: “This is the first year that we are doing specific events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week and we are glad to have some wonderful guests who can really speak to their lived experience of autism and dyslexia.

“The veterinary community is all the richer for our neurodiverse colleagues, clients and leaders. We hope that through our events this week we can celebrate individual differences, while tackling stigma and misconceptions and raising awareness of how workplaces and communities can become more inclusive.”

To find out more about the events or the sign up please click here.