Harnessing the Power of Neurodiversity: Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace and Beyond
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variations in the human brain and its functioning. This includes conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other neurological differences. While these conditions are often viewed as disabilities, research has shown that neurodiversity can bring unique strengths and benefits to workplaces and communities.
One of the most significant benefits of neurodiversity is the diverse range of skills and talents that it can bring to a team. People with ASD, for example, often have a heightened ability to focus intensely on a task, exceptional memory skills, creativity and an eye for detail that can be valuable in fields such as creative arts and design, IT, science, and engineering. Similarly, individuals with ADHD may be highly creative, energetic, and able to multitask effectively, making them well-suited to roles that require innovation and adaptability.
Another key benefit of neurodiversity is the different perspectives and approaches that it can bring to problem-solving and decision-making. Research has shown that diverse teams are more effective at finding innovative solutions and generating new ideas. By embracing neurodiversity, organisations can tap into a wealth of diverse perspectives and experiences, helping them stay competitive and adapt to changing environments.
It's important to recognise that neurodiversity needs to be supported by an inclusive and understanding environment. Many neurodiverse individuals face significant challenges in public spaces and traditional workplaces, including difficulties with communication, sensory overload, and social interactions. For work specifically, difficulties with consistent work output are prominent, as neurodiverse people often fluctuate between over-achieving and under-achieving.
However, when provided with a supportive environment, neurodiverse people can thrive and reach their full potential. This includes offering customised employment opportunities that allow for long or short breaks when needed, customised workspace fit-outs (e.g. standing desks, ergonomic chairs), access to safe places, sensory tools and open-communication about the needs and difficulties the person may face.
As aforementioned, it’s not just work-places that need to step up, it’s services and facilities everywhere. It’s 2023 and Neurodiversity is everywhere! To ignore this fact is to cut opportunities for massive growth and inclusivity and possibly cause unnecessary trauma. Luckily, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of making public services accessible to neurodiverse individuals. Some of the ways this is being achieved include:
Sensory-friendly spaces: Many public services, such as libraries, museums, and airports, have created sensory-friendly spaces for neurodiverse individuals. These spaces are designed to be calming, with lower levels of noise and light, and may have sensory toys or activities available.
Accommodations for communication: Public services are increasingly offering accommodations for communication, such as visual aids, easy-read documents, and assistive technology. These tools can help neurodiverse individuals to understand information more easily and communicate their needs.
Training for staff: Many public service organizations are providing training to their staff on how to interact with neurodiverse individuals. This can include training on communication strategies, recognising and responding to sensory needs, and understanding different perspectives and ways of thinking.
Accessible technology: Public services are incorporating more accessible technology into their offerings, such as text-to-speech software, screen readers, and alternative input devices. These tools can make it easier for neurodiverse individuals to access and use public services.
La Yoga Connective is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for neurodiverse individuals. We specialise in offering psychology and trauma-informed practices to support many diversities within humans, including neurodiversities. By focusing on bespoke experiences, inclusivity and accessibility, we have created a community where neurodiverse individuals can feel safe and supported in their journey towards health, wellness and connection to self. This dedication to individuals and their needs has resulted in such exponential growth, leaving the founder, Laura, with no choice but to expand her services to meet demand.
Other businesses on the Sunshine Coast are also working towards greater inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals. One example is Glow Care, which provides psychosocial recovery services to support people one their mental health journey. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, as well as customised employment, businesses like these are helping to break down the barriers that prevent people with neurodiversity from accessing meaningful employment, support and safe places to belong to. As the Director of Glow Care, Anna gets to know her staff members in-depth to offer a truly personalised work experience. The use of sensory tools, scheduling tasks around staff’s energy levels and menstrual cycles and implementing an hours bank and working from home system, all help staff to sustain employment while offering their vast skillsets to the company. Similar to La Yoga Connective’s results, Anna’s commitment to her staff and the neurodiverse community has resulted in such expansion that some of her services have been operating at capacity for over 6 months. She certainly encourages other business owners to do the same.
Embracing neurodiversity can bring a range of unique strengths and perspectives to workplaces and communities. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, we can harness the full potential of neurodiverse individuals which will help us all to thrive. Companies like La Yoga Connective and Glow Care are leading the way in creating inclusive and understanding environments for neurodiverse individuals on the Sunshine Coast and it's important that we continue to support and promote such efforts.
