Neurodiversity
A study conducted by the Office for National Statistics explored the employment rates of people with a disability (including people with neurodiverse conditions). It found that you were more likely to be employed if you had a physical disability such as limb loss or a long term health condition such as kidney problems. By contrast, those with neurodiverse conditions were found to be the least likely to be employed.
WHAT IS NEURODIVERSITY?
Neurodiverse HSBC employees share their experiences and the distinct skills they bring to the bank.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that encompasses many different brain differences. For example, ADHD, autism and PTSD.
Neurodivergent people may experience, interact with, and interpret the world in unique ways. That can sometimes create personal challenges. But it can also lead to creative problem-solving and new ideas.
It’s important to recognise both Neurodiversity and Disability. These terms aren’t interchangeable. But each term is valuable and could be a part of someone's self-identity.
UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERSITY
It’s estimated that around 15% of people are neurodivergent. It’s likely that many of your colleagues are neurodivergent, too. That’s why everyone can benefit from learning more about neurodiversity and how to remove the barriers to inclusion that neurodivergent people sometimes encounter. Take a look at these resources to understand more about neurodiversity.
Hiring and Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace
This course by Linked In addresses neurodiversity and the importance of recognising how different individuals’ learning and communication style influences how they work best. Gain FREE access by using your @leeds email to sign in. Click here for access.
In It Podcast
Discover In It, the podcast offering support and advice for parents from people who have children with learning differences or are neurodiverse themselves.
Check out:
Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Understanding is Key
Read this blog by Inclusive Employers to understand why neurodiversity is so important in the workplace and to discover Addison Barnets top tips to support neurodivergent colleagues.
TYPES OF NEURODIVERSE CONDITIONS
While we want our staff to at least have a basic understanding of the types of neurodiverse conditions, it is important to remember that everyone's experiences are unique to them. As such, two people could be diagnosed with autism but experience the world completely different. While not exhaustive, the following list acts as an insight to types of neurodiverse conditions and provides resources to better your understanding.
ADHD
Watch: Sam Thompson: Is this ADHD?
Course: Understanding and Supporting ADHD Colleagues in the Workplace by Linked In. Use your @leeds email for FREE access.
Anxiety
Read: Anxiety and Panic Attacks by Mind Charity.
Watch: Lewis Capaldi - How I'm Feeling Now on Netflix
Self-Help Guide by NHS Inform
Autism
Watch: Inside our Autistic Minds on BBC iPlayer
Read: Autism Diagnosis in Adults
Read: Travelling with Autism
Bipolar
Watch or Read: What is Bipolar? To read the transcript click here (available in 32 different languages)
Depression
Watch: "I'm fine" - Learning to live with depression. Jake shares his insights into living with depression and how opening up
Dyslexia
Watch: What is Dyslexia? by TED-Ed. Transcript available in 28 languages
Read: Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide for Inclusive Workplaces
Read: A day in the life of a Marketing Assistant with Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Listen or Read: Living with Dyspraxia with Rosemary Richings.
Epilepsy
Read: Work and Epilepsy. Looking for and staying in work if you have epilepsy.
Toolkit: Supporting employees with epilepsy in the workplace. Including Seizure Action Plan, Reasonable Adjustments, Telling Colleagues Advice and more.
OCD - OverviewObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Read our factsheet on OCD, including how to support your colleagues.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Watch or Read: The psychology of post-traumatic stress disorder. To read the transcript click here (available in 29 different languages)
Tourettes - OverviewTourettes Syndrome (TS)
Read our factsheet on TS, including how to support your colleagues.
Watch: Lewis Capaldi - How I'm Feeling Now on Netflix
HOW TO BE AN ALLY
Too often, people are hesitant to engage in conversations relating to neurodiversity because of an uncertainty about using the right words or the fear of offending someone. So, instead we say nothing.
At LUU, we believe that widening the conversation to less recognised neurotypes is essential in bringing out the full potential of our staff and students with neurodiverse conditions.
How can you show up as an ally
LISTEN and ACCEPT that you may feel uncomfortable...
Acknowledge the persons experience, see their skills for what they are and let your compassion drive you to do more. Allow your comfortability to become curiosity and take opportunities to be part of the change.
FIND your reason to be an ally
Allyship is never a THEM or US. Use your power and privilege to encourage allyship and hold people accountable for performativity or discrimination. Remember WHY you want to be an ally.
LEARN from your mistakes
Take responsibility for your mistakes and use them as a guide to new learning. Unlearn and relearn if you have to. In doing so, you are challenging yourself and taking a step forward to do things differently.
SHOW UP and stay ENGAGED
Listen out for microaggressions and be aware of the impact for the other person - it might be triggering. Get educated on words that you don't know, conditions that you haven't heard of, and try to mirror the language people use to describe their own identity. If you don't know... ask!