Navigating the Neurodiverse Maze: A 200-Year Journey

Welcome to this week's exploration of a remarkable journey - our brains' struggle to adapt to the modern world in the last 200 years.

Join me, Theo Smith, as we delve into the heart of neurodiversity, examining how the fast-paced, stimulus-rich environments of today challenge our neurological wiring.

From the evolution of the Earth to the development of the human brain, we're not just discussing changes; we're living them. Dive into personal anecdotes, expert insights, and actionable strategies to embrace and support neurodiversity in our everyday lives.

Let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

How Our Brains ?? Struggle with the Modern World ?? in under 200 Years

A segment of my keynote at IHR - In-house Recruitment in London this year

I explore the mind-boggling journey of our brains in just 200 years! From 4.5 billion years of Earth's evolution to 200,000 years of human brain development, we're diving deep into the impact of modern environments on neurodiversity.

Discover why our brains struggle to adapt and thrive in today's fast-paced, overstimulated world.

Join the conversation on #Neurodiversity and #EnvironmentalChange as we question the 'boomf' in our lives! ????

ADHD brain and the shiny thing in the corner of the room!

-Time to concentrate on an important piece of work "Precious, precious, precious!

-I won't look at it My Precious!

-Don’t look at it O my Precious! So shiny" ??

What was I doing again...

Adam Clowes

Late diagnosed ADHDer ?? Senior Professional Services Manager @ AccessPay ?? APM Accredited Project Manager ??

This is me when my wife comes in from work with treats and I can hear the rustle of a pack of Haribo's or something ??

Charlie Hart

HR Consultant - Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging | Neurodiversity Speaker | Queer AuDHDer ????

I can't tell you how many hours I've spent on Canva graphics today when I should be adding receipts to my book keeping app

From Yawn to Yay: The Quick Boredom Buster.

Ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling your phone, desperate to dodge the dullness of a slow day? Who hasn't? But what if there was a simple trick to turn that tedium into something terrific?

"There are no uninteresting things, only uninterested people." G.K. Chesterton

Boredom isn't just about having nothing to do. It’s about not being mentally stimulated. For those with a constantly craving brain, particularly if you are ADHD / Autistic, this lack of stimulation isn't just a nuisance; it's a persistent pest.

But here's the reality: it's not the task that's always to blame, it's our attention span that often needs a bit of a kick up the backside.Techniques for shifting up the gears and out of boredom

1. Stop: Take a moment to pause and breathe.

2. Observe: Assess your feelings, surroundings, and current activity.

3. Proceed: Decide if you want to continue or switch gears.

Examples of positive over negative boredom busting in Action ??

- Choosing to play the saxophone over watching youtube shorts.

- Setting a 15-minute timer to enjoy a guilty pleasure, then moving on.

- Planning activities in advance to align with long-term goals.

What this can change for you?

With a touch of mindfulness, you might find that what seems boring can blossom into something beneficial. It's about making choices that serve you better. I've personally found that taking these moments to reflect can transform my day from mundane to meaningful.

So, next time you're about to throw a metaphorical shoe out of boredom, why not stop and think: could there be a tune waiting to be played on that saxophone gathering dust?

What's your go-to trick when the boredom beast strikes?

There's someone in the team with extraordinary empathy.

However, you have to watch out for this:

They connect with others' emotions with remarkable depth, often feeling them as their own.

This profound empathy enhances a team's understanding and interactions, bringing a unique richness to the workplace dynamic.

But we have to take care of their energy levels and ensure it doesn't impact their own mental health and well-being!

Here are just 3 simple things you can do to help them:

- Encourage Regular Breaks

- Provide a Quiet Space

- Check-in Regularly

High empathy individuals often need time to decompress and process emotions. Encourage them to take short, regular breaks throughout the day to prevent emotional overload.

A quiet, private space at work can be a refuge for those who need to step away from emotionally charged situations or overwhelming environments.

Regular check-ins by managers or peers can provide an opportunity for high-empathy individuals to share their current state and seek support if needed.

What else would you suggest to look after team members with high empathy?

Azurée McGovern

The darkest knights shine brighter than the deepest shadows; be warm, well fed, and live responsibly!

Preventing workplace burnout begins with prioritizing mental health, as well as emotional health; the modern age requires focusing throughout high-levels of stress; however, remembering to remain human, instead of giving in to autonomy, promotes positive ethics within team-building and company strategies.

David Wright

Coaching industry professional

Excellent post - it's great to highlight the strengths of highly empathetic people, they are an asset to any team

My Article this year in HR magazine

'HR can learn from the Mexican tetra to help neurodivergent staff flourish'

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 Advisor 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 with Theo Smith.

Need help with Neurodiversity and neuroinclusion in your workplace or do you want an inspirational speaker for an event, please reach out to me.

Neurodiversity World