Conversations in Colour: Navigating Neurodiversity & South Asian Culture
A unique online mini-series hosted by Nadia Jiwa Patel & Reena Anand exploring parenting neurodivergent children from a cultural perspective
Location
Online
Good to know
Highlights
- Online
About this event
Event Series Overview
Join us for a thought-provoking and supportive free 4-part mini-series where two South Asian professionals and parents, Nadia Patel (Life Coach) and Reena Anand (Neurodiversity Consultant), explore the lived realities of raising neurodivergent children while navigating faith, culture, identity and work-life pressures within South Asian communities.
Each 40-minute session will feature a guided conversation followed by a Q&A, offering space for reflection, connection and shared learning.
This series is for:
- South Asian parents and carers of neurodivergent children
- Educators, professionals, and allies seeking deeper cultural understanding
- Anyone interested in the intersection of neurodiversity, identity, and parenting
🎙️ Weekly Themes & Dates
Session 1: Being a South Asian Parent of Neurodivergent Children
30 July 2025 at 12pm
🕒 40 mins – Discussion & Q&A
What does it mean to parent neurodivergent children while holding the weight of cultural expectations, stigma and silence around difference? In this opening conversation, we’ll share personal reflections and unpack the unique pressures and resilience, woven through our stories.
Session 2: Why Work-Life Balance Feels Impossible for South Asian Parents
6 August 2025 at 12pm
🕒 40 mins – Discussion & Q&A
Between extended family expectations, community obligations and the pressure to succeed professionally, South Asian parents often feel pulled in every direction. We’ll reflect on our own struggles to find balance, and what support and self-compassion can look like in real terms.
Session 3: Navigating Faith and Culture When You Have Neurodivergent Children
13 August 2025 at 12pm
Faith and cultural traditions can be sources of strength, but also conflict, when parenting a neurodivergent child. In this session, we’ll reflect on navigating religious spaces, family rituals and cultural expectations in ways that honour both our children’s needs and our identities.
Session 4: Relationships with Partners and In-Laws
22 August 2025 at 12pm
🕒 40 mins – Discussion & Q&A
Parenting a neurodivergent child can test even the strongest relationships. We’ll open up about navigating misunderstandings, differing expectations and how to create more understanding with partners, in-laws, and extended family.
📍Where
Online – Zoom link provided upon registration
💬 Format
25 minutes of guided conversation
15 minutes of Q&A
Safe, inclusive space – all identities and experiences welcome
🎟️ Tickets
Free to attend – booking essential and capped at 100 registrants
About the Speakers
Nadia Patel is a life coach and Rapid Transformational Therapy practitioner dedicated to helping professionals create lives and careers filled with purpose, energy, and deep connection. A former financial advisor with nearly a decade of coaching experience, she empowers clients to align with their zone of genius and break free from limiting beliefs.
Nadia works with individuals seeking career advancement and more fulfilling personal relationships, blending strategic insight with transformational tools. Her approach goes beyond surface-level change, guiding clients toward lasting inner shifts that support external success. She is passionate about helping people step confidently into their next chapter - with clarity and conviction.
Reena Anand is a neurodiversity coach, consultant and speaker dedicated to helping organisations create neuro-affirming workplaces where all employees can thrive. As a neurodivergent entrepreneur and parent to two neurodivergent children, she combines lived experience, professional expertise and cultural awareness to drive meaningful change.
With a background in law and governance, Reena works with corporate leaders and educators to implement practical, sustainable strategies that enhance inclusion, productivity and wellbeing. She has spoken at leading industry conferences, including the Neurodiversity in Business Conference and the Annual Charity Learning Conference.
Reena’s work moves beyond compliance, empowering organisations to foster psychological safety and strengths-based inclusion. She is passionate about shifting the conversation from awareness to action - helping leaders create workplaces that truly work for neurodivergent talent.
🔗 Let’s keep talking
Follow us on social media to stay connected and keep the conversation going beyond this series. Connect with Nadia here: linkedin.com/in/nadia-jiwa-patel-75670a55 and Reena here: linkedin.com/in/reenaanand.
Frequently asked questions
No – this event series is free to attend, but registration is essential.
This series is primarily for South Asian parents and carers of neurodivergent children. However, we also welcome educators, professionals, extended family members, and allies who are interested in culturally-informed approaches to parenting and neurodiversity.
Not at all. You can attend any session that speaks to you. Each session explores a different theme and is designed to stand alone, while contributing to a wider conversation.
Yes. Each session will be recorded. All registered participants will receive access to the recordings for a limited time after the series ends.
These are honest conversations about real-life challenges and joys. Some topics may be sensitive, including stigma, overwhelm, and family conflict. We invite you to take care of yourself – take breaks, step away, or simply listen if that feels right.
No. This is not a therapeutic or coaching space, though both hosts bring their professional and lived experience to the conversation. We hope it will be insightful, validating, and empowering, but it is not a replacement for personalised support.