What is a neurodiverse person?
“Neurodiversity” is a word used to explain the unique ways people's brains work. While everyone's brain develops similarly, no two brains function quite the same. Martin Mulholland explores further.
Essentially, being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person.
Neurodiversity comes in many different forms. Common and well known conditions include Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - and affect and impact people in many different ways.
Their brain functions, learns and processes information differently to someone who is 'neurotypical'.
It is estimated that as many as 1 in 7 of us are neurodiverse.
However, it doesn't matter whether you have one neurodiverse person among your workforce or 100.
Without their inclusion, you could be missing significant value to your business. This could be a case of different thinking, for example, and this is something which can bring in fresh ideas which can be hugely beneficial.
Neurodiverse employees bring unique perspectives and traits to the workplace, such as high levels of empathy and creativity. Many have also overcome challenges in their life that make them great problem solvers.
Unfortunately, people who are neurodiverse (the individual and all they bring in terms of character, knowledge, and skills) can be lost through unintentional exclusion. This is a great loss both to the individuals themselves and also to the Companies employing them.
It is crucial, therefore, that you can create the conditions which will support your staff to flourish.
Unfortunately, neurodiversity can still carry a stigma and can present barriers to some individuals. As members of TSA we can all help to promote inclusivity and promote change.
So, are we doing all we can to support our neurodiverse colleagues?
How can we recognise individuality and understand people's needs so we can provide the right amount of support?
How can we remove stigmas and help people to thrive at work?
