06/10/2026
🎖️ National Cadets Week | Celebrating Neurodivergent Cadets 💚
This National Cadets Week, we want to shine a light on something that matters deeply to us at NeuroDiverse Community CIC:
Our Cadets are neurodivergent too. And that should be recognised as a strength.
Autistic young people, ADHDers, dyslexic young people, those with dyspraxia, Tourette’s and other forms of neurodivergence are already part of our Cadet communities.
They bring different ways of thinking, problem-solving, communicating, leading and seeing the world. And those differences can be powerful strengths.
Being a Cadet can offer so much more than learning military skills. It can build:
🎖️ Confidence and self-belief
🤝 Friendship, belonging and teamwork
🧭 Leadership and responsibility
💪 Resilience and independence
🌱 New skills and experiences
❤️ A sense of purpose and community
🌍 Opportunities to serve and make a difference
For some neurodivergent young people, the structure, routine, shared purpose and clear expectations of Cadet life can be incredibly positive.
But support matters. We cannot expect neurodivergent Cadets to simply 'fit in' by masking who they are. We need Cadet organisations and adult volunteers who understand neurodivergence, recognise different communication and sensory needs, and know that reasonable adjustments aren't about giving someone an advantage. They're about giving them equitable access to the same opportunities.
Because imagine what happens when a young person who has spent years being told they are 'too much', 'too difficult' or 'not capable' is instead told:
“We see what you can bring. Let's help you thrive.”
That young person might become a future leader.
A future engineer.
A future medic.
A future cyber specialist.
A future instructor.
A future commander.
Or simply an incredible human being who contributes to their community in ways we cannot yet imagine.
Our current Cadets are not just the future of the Armed Forces. They are the future of our country. And if we want them to make a real difference, we need to make sure every young person — including our neurodivergent young people — has the opportunity to discover what they are capable of.
Different minds. Different strengths. One community.
This National Cadets Week, let's stop asking neurodivergent young people how they can fit the system. Let's start asking how we can make sure the system allows them to thrive. 💚
