Neurodiversity in the workplace:

Dyslexia is a language processing difficulty associated with challenges in literacy, information-processing, and maintaining focus. People with dyslexia may struggle with reading, writing, spelling, and proofreading, as well as organizing details and concentrating in the presence of background noise. However, dyslexia can also bring strengths such as pattern recognition, problem-solving skills, and strong verbal communication abilities.

Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder, is associated with challenges in movement coordination and motor tasks. People with dyspraxia may struggle with physical coordination, balance, and organizing language. However, individuals with dyspraxia can also have many strengths such as holistic thinking, tenacity, and empathy. They can often show creativity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. With the right support, they can be highly motivated and empathetic employees, making them valuable team members.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a behavioral condition that’s associated with challenges in attention control, impulse management, and concentration. People with ADHD may experience hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and difficulty maintaining focus. However, those with ADHD can also be skilled in proactiveness, hyperfocus, and resilience. People with ADHD can work well under pressure, display creativity and holistic thinking, which can make them great leaders. Hyperfocus is also linked to ADHD, leading to deep concentration and energetic drive in areas of interest.

Autism affects how a person sees the world and interacts with others. It’s associated with challenges in social communication and sensory sensitivities. But it also brings strengths like honesty, attention to detail, and a great memory. People with Autism may have trouble understanding and expressing themselves, and they can be sensitive to things like noise or touch. Changes in routine can make them anxious, and they may take things literally and struggle with following vague instructions. They can get really focused on certain tasks or worries.

But alongside these challenges, people with Autism have many strengths. They're thorough, creative, and pay close attention to details. People with autism are creative problem solvers and show superb attention to detail. They like routines and are usually very punctual. When they're interested in something, they can focus on it intensely and become experts in that area.

It's important to know that Autism is a spectrum, so it affects each person differently. Some people might prefer terms like Asperger's or Asperger syndrome to describe themselves and their experiences.

Executive function is a special set of cognitive processes that help us control our actions. These skills involve things like making plans, getting organized, and being flexible. We use these skills to do lots of things in our daily lives, like following instructions, solving puzzles, staying calm, and achieving our goals.

Executive functioning skills are a crucial part of the workplace, for example, working memory is used to retain information and emotional control is used to navigate our feelings in a healthy way.

Neurodivergent individuals may experience executive functioning in a different way from neurotypical individuals. While they may struggle with certain executive functioning skills, neurodiverse talent have strengths in key areas that we, as employers, must make accommodations to unlock.