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Leeds- 2026
Afrikindness successfully hosted its second Autism Family Fun Day at Leeds Mencap, bringing together more than 60 parents, children, professionals and volunteers for an inspiring afternoon of learning, play and community connection.
The event forms part of Afrikindness’s growing Neurodiversity Community Support Programme, proudly sponsored by Blooming Genius, which aims to provide culturally responsive, strengths-based support for neurodivergent children and their families.
This follows the success of Afrikindness’s first Autism Family Fun Day, held earlier this year in partnership with Leeds Central Library and Yorkshire Contemporary. The event introduced families to creative arts and sensory-based discussion on the new Children’s Library commission at Leeds Central Library. Building on that momentum, the second event expanded the focus to include parent education, peer support and personalised intervention planning.
A Day Designed Around Children and Families
Throughout the afternoon, children with special needs enjoyed a dedicated sensory play area and soft play activities, giving them the freedom to explore, play and engage in an environment designed to meet a range of sensory needs.
While the children played, parents participated in an interactive workshop led by Dorcas Fakile, Afrikindness’s Neurodiversity Lead for Faith Communities. The session created a safe and supportive space where parents openly shared their experiences, celebrated successes, discussed challenges and built meaningful connections with other families navigating similar journeys.
The workshop highlighted the importance of community, understanding and culturally responsive support, reminding parents that they are not alone.
Learning About Local Support
Families also benefited from an informative parent session delivered by practitioners from Leeds Mencap, who introduced the wide range of services available to support children and families across Leeds.
Parents learned about opportunities including:
- Sensory play and development
- Parent and toddler groups
- Super Sibs support for siblings
Many parents expressed interest in these services and signed up to access further support, helping to strengthen the network of care available to their families.
“Autism Is a Superpower”
The day concluded with an empowering presentation and parent discussion by Bunmi Owolabi, Neurocoach, titled “Autism Is a Superpower.”
Rather than viewing autism solely through the lens of challenges or deficits, the session encouraged families to recognise and celebrate the unique strengths, talents and perspectives that neurodivergent children bring.
Parents explored how adopting a strengths-based, neuroaffirming mindset can positively influence a child’s confidence, identity and long-term development. The discussion reinforced the importance of moving away from trying to “fix” children and instead creating environments where they feel understood, valued and supported to thrive.
This shift in perspective is central to Afrikindness’s approach to neurodiversity—recognising that every child has unique strengths that deserve to be nurtured.
Looking Ahead: Personalised Neurocoaching for Families
As part of the event, parents completed the Afrikindness Neurocoaching Assessment Template, providing valuable information about their child’s strengths, interests, sensory profile, communication style and family priorities.
This marks the beginning of the next phase of support.
Over the coming weeks, Afrikindness will work alongside each family to develop a Dynamic Development Plan tailored to their child’s individual needs. Using neuroaffirming and strengths-based approaches, the plans will focus on helping children flourish by building on what they do well, while providing practical strategies to support everyday family life.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, each family’s coaching journey will be personalised, ensuring that support reflects the child’s unique profile, aspirations and lived experiences. Families will also receive guidance, coaching and signposting to appropriate services where additional support is required.
Building Stronger Communities Through Partnership
Afrikindness extends its sincere thanks to Blooming Genius for sponsoring the Neurodiversity Community Support Programme and making this work possible. The organisation also thanks Leeds Mencap for hosting the event and for sharing valuable expertise and local support opportunities with families.
Speaking after the event, Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, said:
“Our vision is to create communities where neurodivergent children and their families feel understood, valued and empowered. These events are about much more than information—they are about building confidence, reducing isolation and creating a community where families can learn from one another. By combining play, education, coaching and community support, we are helping families see not only the challenges, but also the incredible strengths within every child.”
As Afrikindness continues to expand its neurodiversity work, the charity remains committed to delivering culturally responsive, family-centred programmes that equip parents, celebrate neurodivergent children and strengthen inclusive communities across Leeds and beyond.
