What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity explores the idea of diversity over the way we interact and function with our environment. Everyone is different and neurodiversity aims for a world where neurological differences are recognised and valued like any other form of human variation. It also tackles the idea that there is universal standard to how we should operate within the workplace, and that those who do not fit into this standard are perceived as being worse than their peers.

Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of each person, but it is specifically related to the neurological and developmental conditions, which affects roughly one in seven of the UK population. Such conditions include ASD, ADHD, OCD and various learning difficulties. Neurodiversity started off as a social movement aiming for justice for neurodiverse people, however it is now integral to conversations regarding cognitive differences and conditions, becoming more and more important for employers.

 

What does Neurodivergent mean?

Roughly one in seven of the UK population are neurodivergent, meaning cognitive differences in their brains affect how they operate in a working environment. These differences can also bring with them several challenges, such as learning disabilities and medical disorders. They can also come with several strengths however, such as a vastly superior memory to their neurotypical colleagues, but also improved logical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to see 3D images in their own minds.

Neurodivergence is not a medical term, instead it covers those who do not operate in a typical manner. It is also a positive alternative to describing these individuals as not ‘normal’ or any negative terms such as ‘abnormal’. There is no normal way to how our brains operate due to the vastness of differences between one person and another. Instead, those who do not have these cognitive differences are ‘neurotypical’.

 

 Am I Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence covers those who do not function in a typical manner, specifically those who have other diagnosed issues which can affect someone operates on a day-to-day basis. Examples of diagnosed issues can include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Intellectual Disability
• Learning Disorders such as Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar Disorder

If you are unsure as whether your staff are neurodivergent, Valentine OH can collaborate with you on a diagnostic assessment, depending on the nature of the issue. It is important to note however that although these diagnoses can bring with them several challenges, they can also bring strengths, such as logical thinking and problem solving, which are especially useful skills for STEM fields.

Is Anxiety a Part of Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a general term for those who function in a way which is not neurotypical, and as such anxiety can be classified as a form of neurodivergence. Many individuals use self-identification to categorise themselves, so individuals with anxiety may class themselves as being neurodiverse, to validate their own experience and express that their experience is different to the norm. Anxiety often comes hand in hand with diagnosed forms of neurodivergence, such as OCD, ADHD and particularly ASD. PubMed Central reports that 80% of autistic individuals experience comorbid anxiety.

Anxiety is often a diagnosis prior to a neurodivergence diagnosis (PsychCentral, 2022), and so if you have concerns about neurodivergence, Valentine can work with you to provide diagnostic assessments to identify best practice in accommodating your staff. Follow this link for more https://valentineoh.co.uk/services/neurodiversity/

 

Why Say Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent is a growing term, which has benefits to its usage rather than identifying a neurodiverse individual by their diagnosis. Reports have indicated that rather than avoiding their specific diagnosis by using an umbrella term such as neurodiversity, those self-identifying as neurodiverse use the term to help them succeed. By using the term neurodivergent or neurodiverse, employees have also been found to be more content and pushing themselves to succeed to a greater extent (Life & Progress, 2022).

 

Neurodivergence in The Workplace

Due to how broad neurodiversity is and how the wants and needs to accommodate for can vary from person to person, there is a no one way that employers can accommodate for neurodivergence in the workplace. There are several general suggestions that employers can practice, however these may not be relevant to your own staff. Instead, it is important to communicate with the neurodiverse employee and find out what they need specifically.

General accommodations employers may take:

• A recognition of neurodiversity and a willingness to accommodate for specific requests.
• Identification of sensory issues that may impact the individual and altering the environment to better suit the employee (such as reducing ambient sound) or providing solutions (providing noise-cancelling headphones).
• Provision of support where needed, this could include offering alarms, calendars, and reminders to support timekeeping.
• Improving awareness of neurodiversity for neurotypical employees, so that they can be more accommodating to their peers, both work-related and socially.
• Social accommodation, such as reducing or avoiding implied language such as euphemisms, sarcasm, and work-related jargon.
• Always provide a great deal of notice when something is changing and offer an explanation as to why.
• Provide clear instructions, follow up with the employee and communicate with them to ensure they understand and provide written instruction if needed.

 

Contact Us

Valentine Occupational Health works in partnership with Lexxic, to help employers and employees alike with any support regarding neurodiversity. Through diagnostic assessments, screening assessments, a workplace needs assessment or one-on-one coaching, we will help the employee understand how they think and support them to learn and thrive in the workplace.

Follow this link for more information: https://valentineoh.co.uk/services/neurodiversity/

Or alternatively, contact us at 0800 020 9913 or service@valentineoh.co.uk