Neurodiversity 101- conversations about current thinking..and what next?

Neurodiversity - what next?

This has been a busy 7 days as I took part in several different podcasts and webinars along with visiting the ADHD Foundation. I feel very privileged to be the chair of the Foundation and consider it to be a great organization with hugely committed staff including the great Tony Lloyd PhD and Emma Weaver. It was also great meeting Annamarie Hassall MBE from NASEN.

It's amazing when you get in a room of people who really want to highlight good practices from across the UK and share learning to enable change to happen.

What is on my mind?

I thought it may be helpful to share the podcasts /webinar instead of writing a lot of words this week!

The first podcast is an episode of Newton Talks.

I sat down with Newton’s very own Ed Bailey, Business Manager across Local and Central Government and co-founder of Newton’s Disability Network, to unpack what neurodiversity really means to me.

We discussed moving beyond the neurodivergent-neurotypical divide, to an understanding that all human minds are different in their own way but that does not mean we are dismissing the challenges some people have to get access to education and employment equitably.

We then went on to discuss neurodiversity in the workplace and how businesses can do better at championing the diversity of thought. I talk about the concept of respectful curiosity and how to be more understanding of this human variability so that as leaders, we can be sure everyone’s in an environment where they can succeed.

Listen to the link....on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/64ohVweATdBpxe8pHlMz6j?si=272bf0049904435c&nd=1.

The second podcast is with the great Theo Smith and our take over of the Podcast Crazy and the King.

We talk about what has been in the news recently and much much more. It's always and easy conversation with Theo because we are equally passionate about neurodiversity - both having lived experiences along with being parents of ND children too!

Thanks again to Crazy and the King for giving us this amazing opportunity to do this episode.

Go to the link to hear this too...

https://www.crazyandtheking.com/catk-takeover-amanda-kirby-theo-smith/

The third webinar is all about the rationale for the Neurodiversity Index

Finally, last week I had a great lunchtime chat with Jennifer Warner from the City & Guilds Foundation and we discussed why we have launched the Neurodiversity Index

It was lovely to hear people from America, South Africa, and across the UK and Ireland have an active discussion. Thanks to all who attended.

Have a watch and listen to the webinar at:

https://cityandguildsfoundation.org/advocacy-networks/neurodiversity-index/

Remember! If you haven't completed the survey yet - please please take 10 minutes out of your day and do have your say. We want to hear from organizations (HR/D and I particularly) and you as an individual whether you are neurodivergent or not.

The blog author

I am Amanda Kirby, CEO of?Do-IT Solutions?a tech-for-good company that delivers web-based screening tools and training that help 1000s of people deliver person-centered solutions relating to neurodiversity and wellbeing.

I am a mixed bag of experiences and skills and have 25+ years of working in the field of neurodiversity. I am a medical doctor, Professor, and have a Ph.D. in the field of neurodiversity; parent and grandparent to neurodivergent wonderful kids and am neurodivergent myself (bits of me I share!).

Theo Smith and I wrote the award-winning book?Neurodiversity at Work?Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce. We have also been shortlisted for an international book award. I have my 10th book coming out called Neurodiversity in Education coming early in 2023. I was also voted one of the top 20 Thinkers by?HR magazine for 2022!