Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace: My Journey as an Autistic Neurodiversity Consultant at Ubongo

Hello, my name is Karen Muriuki , and I work as a Neurodiversity Consultant at Ubongo. I wanted to share a bit about my experience as an autistic individual in the workplace.

One of the most important things for me is to have an environment that is accommodating and accessible. Whether I am working in the office or at home, I need a space that supports my unique needs. When I'm in the office, I work with my team to create a workspace that minimizes distractions and is comfortable for me. This includes things like adjusting the lighting and making sure there isn't too much noise. By creating an environment that works for me, I can focus better on my work and contribute more effectively to the team.

Working from home can be challenging, but I have found that having a quiet and distraction-free environment is essential for me to be productive. I have set up a dedicated workspace and made sure to establish clear boundaries so that I can do my job well as a Neurodiversity Consultant.

Another important aspect of my work is making sure that I have the accommodations I need to do my job well. This means that I communicate openly with my colleagues and superiors about my unique needs and work with them to find practical solutions. At Ubongo, I have been fortunate to find a workplace that is committed to inclusivity, which makes this process smoother and allows everyone to perform at their best.

I also feel it is vital to educate others about autism and the accommodations that I require. By increasing awareness and understanding in the workplace, I want to create a more inclusive environment for everyone. This is why I have conducted awareness sessions and provided educational resources to colleagues.

I am also super excited about the Ubongo Neurodiversity Internship Program. As a mentor to the interns, I am responsible for ensuring they are comfortable and have all they need, as well as educating employees on how to support them. I look forward to when this program will be extended to other countries in Africa, where there are many autistic adults who have transitioned out of the school system.

Collaborating with organizations of persons with disabilities in enhancing inclusive employment is essential to ensure that the project is rolled out through capacity building and fostering lasting partnerships in enhancing the neurodiversity inclusive agenda in employment. Together, we can build a workplace that celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table.

I am grateful to be part of a company like Ubongo that recognizes the importance of neurodiversity and actively works towards creating an inclusive workplace. As a Neurodiversity Consultant, I am not just an advocate for myself, but also for others who may face similar challenges.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. Let's continue to embrace neurodiversity and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

#Neurodiversity #Inclusion #AutismAwareness #Ubongo #DiversityandInclusion #WorkplaceInclusivity