Neurodiversity in the Workplace

What is neurodiversity? Why should we include neurodiverse individuals? How can we be better allys to the neurodiverse community?

Graphic Created by the DINT team

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a perspective that regards the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits as part of normal variation in the human population.

NEURODIVERSE SUPERPOWERS

Some Neurodiverse Superpowers Include...

• Expertise
• Integrity
• Creativity
• Attention to Detail
• Deep Focus
• Absorb & Retain Facts

HOW TO BE A BETTER ALLY TO THE NEURODIVERSE COMMUNITY

Examples of Neurodiversity:

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

• Autism

Did You Know? Only 14% of people with autism have paid employment in a community-integrated setting 1/54 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC's ADDM Network.

• ADHD

Did You Know? 7.2% of the total population or 129 million children worldwide have ADHD 30% of people with ADHD are likely to have chronic unemployment issues 24% of people collecting long-term disability meet the criteria for ADHD

• Dyslexia

Did You Know? 15-20% (14.5 to 43.5 million children and adults) of the population have dyslexia Dyslexics are 5 times more likely to be unemployed

• Mental Health Conditions

Did You Know? Unemployment rates among people with depression or anxiety can be over 30% Long-term unemployed individuals have twice the risk of mental illness compared to employed persons

26% of adults in the US (61 Million) have some type of disability

Many neurodivergent individuals have skills that able-bodied or typically-functioning children and adults actually struggle with.

These unique 'superpowers' enable them to demonstrate skills and unique approaches that are highly desirable for problem solving and innovation

Some Neurodiverse Superpowers Include...

• Expertise
• Integrity
• Creativity
• Attention to Detail
• Deep Focus
• Absorb & Retain Facts

Why is it Important to Include Neurodiversity in D&I Initiatives & Conversations?

Reinforce and advance an organisation's capacity to innovate

Deliver Quality

Improve team performance and outcomes

Increase Accommodations

Increase Societal Awareness

Provide Universal Information

Educate, Empower, and Engage

Avoid Communication Issues

Include Neurodiverse Individuals in Community Settings

Support Those Who Can't Advocate for Their Rights

Engage in & increase Disability Discourse

and Khushboo Chabria from Neurodiversity Pathways

Website: https://ndpathways.org/ Neurodiversity is Normal: https://sites.google.com/goodwillsv.org/neurodiversity/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NDpathwaysLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndpathways/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndpathways/Twitter: https://twitter.com/pathways

Genially. (2014, 10 junio). Genially. Recuperado 15 de junio de 2020, de https://www.genial.ly

Organisations that have successfully adopted neurodiversity practices also share common themes of...

• reduced attrition
• improved management effectiveness
• increased morale for all employees
• unique competitive advantage for your organisation

Psychology is an elective subject, and it is not a school requirement at any level. Many people are not aware of what intellectual or developmental disabilities look like.

Avoid communication issues through...

• providing clear directions
• providing clear expectations
• speaking clearly and slowly
• using objective language

In both school and workplaces, neurodiverse individuals are often kept separate. Meaningful inclusion leads to more knowledge, empathy, and allyship.

There are countless accommodations that need to be made to support ease of life for neurodiverse individuals. In the workplace, these can include...

• open layout
• bright walls
• flexible timing
• remote work
• clear norms and best practices

“I believe that the best way to remove the stigma of the unknown or misunderstood parts of life, culture and society is to educate, empower and encourage authentic, compassionate and unfiltered engagement.” – Khushboo Chabria

Provide information to typically functioning and neurodiverse prospective employees by...

• make recruiters & leaders aware
• increase clarity with timelines and expectations
• widen the focus of interviews
• refrain from subjective questions or trick tasks

To support those who can't advocate for their rights...

• support and uplift without enabling
• create opportunities for meaningful living
• teach disability laws so people...
  • don't have their rights violated
  • aren't taken advantage of
  • aren't subjected to harm

Removing the stigma requires repeated and consistent exposure to and engagement with people with disabilities. Having a disability is very common. It's important to lean into the uncomfortable feelings about personal bias toward disability and mental health in order to overcome them.