Keynote speaker for BSAVA Congress 2023 will bring neurodiversity into the spotlight - Veterinary Practice
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Keynote speaker for BSAVA Congress 2023 will bring neurodiversity into the spotlight

Samantha Hiew, founding director of ADHD Girls, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2023 BSAVA Congress

Samantha Hiew, founding director of ADHD Girls

Taking place under a different format this year, Samantha will be delivering her keynote on Friday 24 March in the Exchange Auditorium at Manchester Central within a groundbreaking module that is based around neurodiversity.

Being neurodivergent means that your brain works differently from the average person, meaning there may be differences in social preference, ways of communicating, ways of learning and ways of perceiving the environment.

Samantha was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40, leading to the set up of ADHD Girls, which is an organisation that helps people with ADHD to access employment and encourage change by working with businesses to help them understand ADHD.

In a first for the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress, the module on neurodiversity will open with an exploration of neurodiversity and the challenges of diagnosis, before moving on to look at communication and how you can better support those in practice teams, as well as neurodivergent clients and students. The session will wrap up with what promises to be an inspiring discussion on how to cultivate greater inclusivity and understanding around those who are neurodivergent within the veterinary professions.

Speaking about her lecture, Samantha said: “No two brains are the same. But what if you were born with a brain that constantly makes you feel like everything you do differentiates you from everyone else?”

“My talk introduces neurodiversity in the context of society, casting light on ADHD and autism, and how this impacts the workplace and one’s quality of life, and what we can do to build a compassionate culture, starting with the conversations we have at work. I’m really excited to talk at the BSAVA Congress and meet other professionals in the veterinary field.”

Andy Green, vice chair of the BSAVA Congress programme committee chair said: “We are delighted to have Samantha delivering our keynote this year on such an important topic. Neurodiversity is becoming an increasingly important area of focus and understanding across society and we have a significant population of neurodivergent people working as vets, nurses and in other roles, many of whom may not as yet have a diagnosis.”

Early-bird tickets for BSAVA Congress 2023 are on sale now and due to popular demand, we have brought back one-day only tickets, so if you can’t attend all three days, you have the option to visit us on a day that suits you! 

Register now and get yours first at a great price.

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