Neurodiversity Shawl was created in collaboration with “Operation: Social Justice,” a charity initiative to bring awareness to and fight for equity in rights and opportunities for marginalized groups. As a member of a neurodiverse family and the mother of an autistic daughter, I am a strong advocate for disability rights being civil rights. This shawl pattern represents the colorful complexity of our family, as well as our individual brains, personalities, and journeys.

Sensory input plays an important role in my daughter’s autism journey. To reflect that, I not only chose a yarn that was visually vibrant, but also has a unique texture. Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball yarn has a “homespun” quality to it, with bumpy texture, thick and thin spots, and both a softness and smoothness to it. The mixed content of cotton and acrylic feel good in my hands as I’m working on this project. The finished shawl feels soft against the skin, but also has multiple sensory experiences because of the nuance of the yarn. As you select yarn for your Neurodiversity Shawl, think about the sensory experience of the yarn itself: how does it feel in your hands, against your neck, your face? Do you enjoy the visual stimulation of the colors as well as the physical qualities of the yarn? Does it have a smell, and is that smell pleasant? As you work on your shawl, focus on the repetition of the yarn moving through your hands and making even rows of the same stitch again and again. Feel the crochet hook in your hand and the steady movements of muscle memory. Let the journey of making the shawl be just as fun as the end product!

SIZE
70.5”/179 cm wingspan from tip to tip by 26”/66 cm long down center point

GAUGE
14 hdc and 9 rows = 4”/10 cm

HOOK
US size K hook (6.5mm), or size needed to obtain gauge

YARN
-Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball (5.3 oz/150 grams; 481 yards/440 meters per skein; 58% cotton, 39% acrylic, 3% other fibers) in 3 colors:
-1 skein of Zen Azalea (Color A)
-1 skein of Half Moon (Color B)
-1 skein of Jade Pool (Color C)

Or similar size 3 light (DK) yarn in 3 different colors; approximately 481 yards/440  meters each of Colors A and B, and less than 200 yards/182 meters of Color C.