MindClass

As #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek continues, one thing is clear: when we listen to neurodivergent people, the spaces we build get better for everyone. That means considering acoustics to soften overwhelming noise, temperature control for comfort, outdoor access or movement-friendly areas, and thoughtful lighting to reduce sensory overload. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves” - they help people focus, relax, and thrive ?? Our team is passionate about helping clients navigate these considerations when creating a truly accessible space. Today’s MindClass webinar with Philip Bridges reinforced how small shifts in thinking can create big improvements - not just in how we design, but in how we work together. As a team, we’re learning how to better support each other, making sure our workplace is just as inclusive as the spaces we build.

This is Judy Singer - the mother of neurodiversity ?? She changed how we see the world forever. Judy quietly coined the term neurodiversity in 1997 - capturing the reality that autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more are natural variations in how our minds are wired. More than a concept, it was a call for acceptance and liberation. Challenging norms and embracing the strengths of neurodivergent individuals, like myself, my son, my colleagues, friends, family. And 15 - 20% of the population. Explaining the term's origins, Singer told the Guardian in 2023: "Neuro’ was a reference to the rise of neuroscience. "‘Diversity’ is a political term; it originated with the black American civil rights movement. "‘Biodiversity’ is really a political term, too. "As a word, ‘neurodiversity’ describes the whole of humanity. But the neurodiversity?movement?is a political movement for people who want their human rights.” Singer's work was influenced by the disability rights movement. She aimed to shift the perspective on autism and other neurodivergent conditions from a medical model (which sees them as deficits) to a social model (acknowledging societal barriers as the main challenges neurodivergent individuals face). Neurodivergent people, and I speak from experience here, often face unique challenges at work, especially in environments that are not designed with neurodiversity in mind. Tomorrow (Fri 21) at 12.30pm I'll be delivering a webinar to our MindClass community on how to meet ND needs at work. Both from a manager and team member perspective. It'll be informal, fun and give people a chance to share their own experiences and what changes they'd like to see at work. MindClass members do tell your teams! The link is here: https://lnkd.in/eushUxdd (Non MindClass members just DM me if you'd like to jump on!) Liam Quirk - Quirky Digital Craig Thompson - North Wall Property Sophie Steventon, Mike Smith - Open Media UK Francis E. - Baltic Bespoke Group Zoe Darracott - MGISS Anna Wells, Matthew Hughson - The City of Liverpool College Sarah Moradi-Fox - The Other House Amy Gerrard - University of Liverpool Sarah Fisher - Open Eye Gallery Teah Lewis - AMP Music Carrie Dwerryhouse, Andrew Dwerryhouse ?????? - Wild Thang Branded Clothing, Merchandise & Print Experts ?????? Maria Bridges - MindClass #ND #neurodiversity #ADHD

Ethosfolk one and all, gather around as we celebrate our gold medalist in the top 10 Ethos site reads of 2024! Put your hands together as our number 1 story takes the podium and meet your Ethos story winner… ?? ?? How to: make friends as an adult ?? Contributor Philip Bridges, founder of mental health organisation The Mind Map (CIC), lecturer in mental health innovation and a qualified mental health trainer and journalist, shares his top tips on how adults – who are, essentially, children with debit cards and debts – can lean into connection, make friends and move beyond the taboo of loneliness?? It’s our top read of 2024 from the Ethos site, and you can read it here:

In 2022 I discovered I was more wriggly than 99% of the population, amongst other things. I was diagnosed with ADHD, thanks to Tony Lloyd PhD FRSA and the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity and set upon a new path of: - self awareness - self forgiveness - improved relationships - better work - studying to become a psychotherapist Ultimately, I began to slowly meet my needs and combat the overwhelm and frustration that had plagued me at times. I'd struggled with OCD, anxiety and depression since about the age of 10 but growing up in the 80s and 90s was never helped to make sense of it. I finally feel I'm starting to able to deal with life and all its competing challenges. Crucially, I'm able to pass on insight to my neurodivergent son. Plus the workplaces I help through MindClass with training and counselling. I wanted to re-share my experiences to raise awareness this #neurodiversitycelebrationweek. What are your experiences of neurodiversity? #ND #ADHD #neurodiversity

It's #neurodiversitycelebrationweek next week. This playlist helps me to stay focused. Give it a go! It's like a sonic anchor - tricking my restless mind into stillness as I get stuff done. It's funny, growing up in the 90s, I went through a happy hardcore and trance phase. And also loved the Prodigy Experience album. I then moved away from beats completely - getting into indie and 60s stuff. When I was diagnosed with ADHD a couple of years ago, I started to use beats for productivity and fell back in love with dance and trance. Let me know if the playlist helps you! Or what you use to focus. #adhd #autism #nd Tony Lloyd PhD FRSAAstrid McGuire Joseph Pack ADHD UK ADHD Girls

We built Baltic Bespoke as a family - and as we grow, we’re committed to keeping that same spirit of care ?? A strong team is the foundation of everything we do.?That’s why we’re proud to work with MindClass, a local, people-first company that truly cares about workplace well-being. They’re not just another platform - they’re real people, offering real support. If you want a wellbeing partner who shares your values, we can’t recommend them enough.