The Power of Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a time to recognize the diverse, unique ways people think, learn and process information. This annual observance acknowledges a growing awareness about the need to be more inclusive towards others in our society. The unique differences in our individual experiences are the strengths that add richness to our lives.
Neurodiversity Defined
Neurodiversity is the intellectual domain that encompasses all the ways that the human brain and mind function, influencing how people learn, process information, communicate and behave. Within neurodiversity, there are two types of cognition: neurotypical and neurodivergent.
Neurotypical describes the neurocognitive functioning that falls within the dominant societal standards of “normal.” Neurodivergent describes neurocognitive functioning that deviates from “normal.”[i]
Neurodivergent individuals can include those who experience ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, dyslexia, dyspraxia, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorder, stuttering and Tourette syndrome.[ii] Approximately 15 to 20 percent of people worldwide are “neurodivergent.”[iii]
My Personal Experience
As a child, I knew that I could not let my anxiety hinder my academic studies, so I developed a “sink-or-swim” mentality. I believed that as long as I kept working hard, I would eventually overcome any challenge.
I quickly realized that hard work alone would not help me succeed in the workforce. I had to learn how to slow down, pay close attention to detail, and ask clarifying questions when I encountered new material.
Every day neurodivergent individuals learn how to navigate neurotypical workplaces. This knowledge has helped me gain a better understanding of the steps I must take to position myself for success.
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Supporting Neurodiverse Colleagues at Work
Discussing neurodiversity in the workplace is an asset to all organizations. It promotes diversity in thought and experience, which leads to a more inclusive office and better client service.
There are steps that neurotypical people can take to support their neurodivergent colleagues in the workplace. And it begins with learning more about neurodiversity.
Here are a couple of beginner’s resources that explain neurodiversity in more detail:
Understanding neurodiversity in our work ensures that everyone is included and that companies produce more creative and innovative work. That is an assured recipe for business success.
[i] (2021, May 23). Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions. Planet Neurodivergent. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.planetneurodivergent.com/neurodiversity-and-neurodivergent-basic-terminology/
[ii] (2021, May 23). Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions. Planet Neurodivergent. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.planetneurodivergent.com/neurodiversity-and-neurodivergent-basic-terminology/
[iii] Montvelisky, J. (2021, August 13). Neurodiversity As A Strengthening Point For Your Team And Our Society. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/08/13/neurodiversity-as-a-strengthening-point-for-your-team-and-our-society/?sh=4d0b10ad28f