My Journey Navigating Neurodivergence Within the Workplace
Graham Skidmore
Self-Proclaimed Breaker of Molds and Builder of Bridges | Growth Engineer, Nonprofit Founder, and Podcast Host
In my most recent episode of the Understanding The Science of You Podcast , I brought back a guest who has been a fun and insightful part of the journey — Todd "Mad Dog" Matzkin-Bridger.
His return follows strong feedback from listeners and even some behind-the-scenes individuals who reached out to express how much they appreciated our last conversation. Many specifically highlighted the memorable "zingers" Todd tossed in, which added a unique flavor to our exchange.
Inviting Todd back was sparked by a comment he made that really stuck with me:
“It doesn’t seem like much has changed.”
Challenge accepted.
Todd and I talked about a lot of things during this interview, but one topic that really stuck with me was the question he asked about neurodivergence:
"We just had a training on it the other day, and I hadn't heard the term before, but knew a lot of the the groups that fit into it. What's the difference? And how do you know when someone is just a mean person and someone's neurodivergent?"
That’s a tough question and one I’ve thought about a lot. For me, there was a lot of misunderstanding around my own neurodivergent traits, and I was often seen as “mean” or “difficult” when really, there was a thoughtful reason behind my actions.
My directness or my seeming cold was often just the result of my way of processing the world. But the frustration lies in the fact that these actions are sometimes misinterpreted—especially when people don't take the time to understand what's driving them.
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Through my own exploration, I've learned that the challenges faced by individuals who process information and experience the world differently—often called "neurodivergent"—are not always visible, and this lack of understanding can lead to unfair judgments.
For example, I now recognize some people require significantly more energy to navigate typical office settings. Sometimes, it’s not about succeeding—it’s about avoiding being misunderstood.
That extra energy just goes into keeping people from getting frustrated with you for something that's inherent to how you operate, but it doesn't fit with what's considered “normal” in the workplace.
That’s why I spent so much of my career in what I now recognize was a fear-based, fight-or-flight mode.
This conversation with Todd served as a reminder that things need to change. Individuals who think and process the world differently than the "neurotypical" majority are often expected to conform to a standard that doesn’t suit them. Instead of honoring their differences, they’re sent the message that they must fit the “norm” in order to succeed.
People who process the world differently have unique skills and abilities that could really stand out if given the right environment. They need the space to operate in a way that aligns with their strengths, without the pressure of trying to force themselves into a mold that doesn’t work for them.
The key takeaway is that we need to embrace flexibility—not just for those who think differently, but for everyone. When we understand and accommodate diverse ways of thinking and processing, we create a more inclusive, productive environment where everyone can thrive.
About Understanding the Science of You
Understanding the Science of You is a newsletter written by Graham Skidmore, based on the Understanding The Science of You Podcast. This newsletter serves as a platform for exploring the intersection of personal growth, spirituality, and individuality. It aims to foster authentic conversations that encourage readers to break free from limiting molds and embrace their true selves. In addition to the podcast insights, the newsletter also highlights Graham's work with EnGen Solutions, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing individualized accommodations within a living and learning environment for those seeking unique choices and skills. Join Graham on this journey of self-discovery, as he shares valuable insights and actionable strategies for navigating life’s complexities.
?It’s so important to raise awareness about neurodivergence and how easily behaviors can be misinterpreted.?
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3 个月It’s always a great day when I get to meet up with Graham Skidmore! Serious topics with a twist is what I like to call it.
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3 个月Graham Skidmore very interesting take on the nuerotypical majority. Is it even feasible to apply this logic to systems and processes? Many companies process themselves to death. Is there give and take here using your logic? If so, would be interested to hear your take?