17: Theo's Friday Neurodiversity Roundup

So I missed last week's Roundup!

Epic Fail?

No just another week. And in reality, the world didn't stop, nobody asked me where it was, so I'm just going to pick back up where I left off.

Here's what you can do to be more mindful of the neurodiverse employees on your team!

1. Make an effort to learn more about neurodiversity and the challenges that come with it. This can include reading articles, watching videos, or attending workshops/conferences on the topic.

2. Be aware of your own assumptions and biases about neurodiversity and be open to learning more about them.

3. Try to create a working environment that is supportive and inclusive of neurodiverse employees. This may include providing accommodations for those who need them, setting up social events (Online/Offline), and creating an open dialogue about neurodiversity in the workplace.

4. be respectful and understanding when someone is struggling with their neurodiversity and don't assume that they are not trying their best.?Often a little bit of empathy and seeking first to understand their situation and the barriers they may be facing will go a long way.

Any extra considerations you'd add to this list?

Anybody know who Harry Styles is?

I ended up in a list with him of Top 10 Influential Diversity Allies!

I bet he can't believe his luck ;O)

And congrats to all the other allies recognised for the work they do :)

In all seriousness it's a real privilege when the judges for this list, are people who are incredible allies and could have made a list of most influential diversity allies any day of the week. And probably have many time over!

So a big thanks to?Elham Fardad?,?Hannah Awonuga,?Dr Jummy Okoya FRSA, FCMI, SFHEA, MCIPD, PCC?,?Bijal Majithia?and?Asif Sadiq MBE?for the work you do, the allyship you provide and for paying it forwards...

21 to be diagnosed with Dyslexia

I still can't believe it took until I was 21 to be diagnosed with Dyslexia, it seems that so many signs where there, but still missed.

Then it wasn’t until the birth of my daughter in my late 30’s that I realised something else was going on in my brain.

The reality is that we now know that if you associate with one neurodiverse trait like ADHD or Autism it is highly likely you will also associate with more than one other.

The important thing we need to consider is not how many ticks we can get in a box. But how are we impacted both positively and negatively because of the way our brain works within any given environment.

If you know what gives you energy versus what takes your energy away, it's much easier to make better life choices.

I spent so many years deciding that if I was on the edge I may as well jump of the cliff.

This played to my impulsive nature but often left me at the bottom, with no visible way back up.

An important lesson I've learned is that just because I'm on the edge, doesn't mean I have to give in to the temptation to jump.

I have a choice sometimes to take a step or two back, and that has allowed me to make much better decisions in life.

I think my ELF is ADHD

I think my ELF is ADHD, he seems to forget where he needs to be, just like me!

At night when I go to bed, the little ELF should in theory move from the shelf.

But instead forgets and stay's by himself, the ADHD ELF, on the shelf.

And when he does remember his skillful art of naughtiness, he does it with an exuberant air of haughtiness.

Not stopping at firing toilet paper rolling down the stairs, but also wrapping the tree, the table and all six chairs.

He doesn't stop there, for that would have been enough, but he also wrapped the poodle in a noodle of festive fluff.

And pulled off the fairy from the top of the tree, in a battle of sprites amongst the Christmas debris.

On stopping for a moment to review his mischief, he involuntarily sneezed relief into his festive kerchief.

He had done what every Elf was born to do, caused chaos, pranks, larks and brought respect back to his elfish crew.

Don't you think my ELF is ADHD, he seems to forget where he needs to be, just like me!

At night when I go to bed, the little ELF should in theory move from the shelf.

But instead forgets and stay's by himself, the ADHD ELF, on the shelf.

Until he remembers again what an Elf should do, staying up late, making haste, with naughty, haughty, nights to pursue!

-A short poem by Theo Smith

Let me know if you'd like to hear more about the ADHD Elf on the shelf ;O)

How did I do it?

Still wake up every day and wonder how I did it! With the help of a friend?Prof. Amanda Kirby?and many other allies and advocates who contributed.

Also loved finding?Shereen Daniels ?????????????The Anti Racist Organisation with my book in Waterstones yesterday in London before the Linkedin Creator Accelerator Graduation.

Love your work Shereen and your incredible advocacy and allyship. ??

Loved meeting so many fantastic people at the event!

Thank you :O)

Well I hope you've enjoyed my weekly roundup and I welcome your comments, thoughts, and insights or you're welcome just to continue quietly reading in the background.

Hope you have a great weekend, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

See you same time next week :O)

Theo Smith

Neurodiversity Evangelist at?Dynamis Group,

Neurodiversity advocate, founder of?Neurodiversity at Work Ltd & Neurodiversity World, author of?‘Neurodiversity at Work: Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce’??and podcast host of?Neurodiversity – Eliminating Kryptonite & Enabling Superheroes!