Intro to Neurodiversity at Work

How This Will Help

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes those on the Autism Spectrum, those with ADHD, and even individuals with OCD, PTSD, brain injury, giftedness, executive functioning disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Tourette's syndrome, learning disabilities, and sensory processing disorders. Far from being a minority of the population, Neurodivergent individuals make up 18-26% of the population.

With 1 in 50 people being diagnosed as neurodivergent and even more going undiagnosed and silently struggling, it is clear that we need to pay more attention to how companies and cultures make space for neurodivergence. Neurodivergent individuals bring key skills, perspectives, and talents. However, neurodivergent individuals are also more likely to experience Mental Health issues, burnout, and difficulty with interpersonal relationships at work. They are also more likely to experience trauma as a result of workplace experiences that do not understand them and therefore cannot adequately support their needs.

It's true that neurodivergent individuals process work differently. Some neurodivergent conditions classify as disabilities. However, the strategies that would create safe and supportive workplaces for neurodivergent individuals to thrive, are critical strategies that help every employee become happier, healthier, more productive and more engaged at work.