Embracing Neurodiversity: Building Inclusive Spaces

It was a 'middle of the week' mood, as I stepped out of work to visit école des Ponts Business School with a checklist of action items popping up inside the head. As I walked into the hallowed halls of the university's auditorium, the anticipation was palpable, the air filled with an eager energy that can only be felt when a diverse audience gathers with a common purpose. The topic of the day was "Neurodiversity In the Workplace," and it promised to be an enlightening journey into the world of diverse cognitive modes.

As I found my seat among the sea of faces, I couldn't help but marvel at the rich tapestry of humanity before me. People of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences had come together to engage in a conversation that would challenge our perspectives and broaden our horizons. That is the power of networking in diversity.

The session commenced with Sabrina Menasria taking the stage, her passion for neurodiversity evident in every word she spoke. She shared her insights, emphasizing that neurodiversity is not an illness but a beautiful spectrum of human experiences. Her words resonated with the audience, and you could see heads nodding in agreement.

Sabrina's mention of "overexcitabilities" struck a chord with me. I realized that we all have unique ways of responding to stimuli, and this diversity should be celebrated rather than pathologized. She spoke of various neurotypes, including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and highly sensitive individuals. What struck me most was her inclusion of those considered "neurotypical." It was a reminder that diversity exists within the so-called norm as well.

Sabrina Menasria's Insights:

1. Diverse Cognitive Modes: Neurodiversity is a celebration of diverse cognitive modes. It's important to recognize that it's not an illness but a unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world.

2. Overexcitabilities: People with neurodiverse experiences may have different intensities of response when stimulated. These variations should be understood and respected.

3. Diverse Neurotypes: Sabrina emphasized the need to acknowledge various neurotypes, including dyslexia, autistic spectrum, ADHD, highly intellectual individuals, highly sensitive people, and even those who have not discovered about their neurotype

4. Einstein's Wisdom: The quote, "Don't expect a fish to climb a tree," reminds us of the importance of recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses, rather than fitting everyone into the same mold.

5. Creating Inclusive Environments: Sabrina highlighted the significance of inclusive environments. For instance, sensitive individuals may struggle with noise and crowds. Therefore, organizations should consider creating spaces that cater to their unique needs.

6. Talent Management Policies: Organizations can develop talent management policies that foster inclusivity and recognize the value of neurodiverse talent within their teams.

The next speaker Vincent Grimaldi's insights on the importance of left-handed individuals and the pressure they face to conform made us think deeply. His explanation of the neurological differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals shed light on the importance of understanding these differences in our interactions.

A powerful moment came when Vincent quoted, "When everyone gathers around the coffee machine, you can count on autistic people to make it work." It was a testament to the unique contributions neurodiverse individuals bring to the table, even if they may not conform to traditional social norms.

Vincent Grimaldi's Insights:

1. The Importance of Lefties: Vincent began by emphasizing the significance of left-handed individuals, drawing parallels with the broader concept of neurodiversity. Science has shown that diversity, in various forms, can be a strength.

2. Pressure on Lefties: He discussed the common pressure placed on left-handed children to conform to right-handed writing, highlighting the importance of allowing individuals to embrace their natural tendencies.

3. Neurodevelopmental Differences: Vincent delved into the neurological differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences for effective communication and support.

4. Unique Contributions: Autistic individuals may not be as socially active in traditional settings, but they bring unique skills and perspectives to the table. Vincent's quote, "When everyone gathers around the coffee machine, you can count on autistic people to make it work," underscores this point.

5. Addressing Unemployment: Sadly, many neurodiverse individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, face unemployment or a lack of understanding in society. Vincent encouraged us to explore ways to make the world a more inclusive place.

Walking out of that auditorium, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose. The session had not only expanded my understanding of neurodiversity but had also inspired me to advocate for inclusivity in all aspects of personal and professional space. It was a reminder that when we come together, embrace diversity, and open our hearts and minds, we can create a world that truly celebrates the uniqueness of every individual.In a world that thrives on diversity, embracing neurodiversity is a crucial step towards creating inclusive communities and workplaces. Thanks to the university for organising such a fantastic session with phenomenal speakers.