KR HR & TRAINING NEWS ARCHIVE

Neurodiversity Celebration Week took place from 21st to 27th March 2022.

When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as any other human variation. This includes people with differences like dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD), dyscalculia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and many others.

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, our consultant Kirsteen Pearce shares further information and resources for employers…

What is neurodiversity?

Being neurodivergent means that an individual may think, learn and process information in a different way to the “average” person (someone who is neurotypical). 

Neurodiversity is the idea that it’s normal and acceptable for people to have brains that function differently from one another.  Neurodiversity has a wide spectrum that covers a range of hidden neurological conditions, such as but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASK), ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. 

For some people, their neurodiversity can mean that they are better at some things than many other people. 

What is Neurodiversity Celebration Week and how can I get involved?

Celebrating Neurodiversity Week’s mission is to embrace the positives of different minds by moving away from negative labels like ‘deficits’ and ‘disorders’. People with different minds may find things challenging that come more naturally to others, but that ability to think differently can also present lots of unique strengths!

There are a huge range of free online events taking place over the course of the week, from introductory awareness sessions, to seminars on specialist areas including education, work and healthcare. Check out the events calendar to book your place!

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Approximately 15-20% of the population are neurodiverse. Therefore this means many businesses already have a neurodiverse workforce.

There are around 700,000k people on the autism spectrum in the UK but only 32% are in paid work.   

WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS BENEFITS TO A NEURODIVERSE WORKFORCE?

Neurodivergent employees can enhance overall performance by:

• Introducing unique skills and valuable strengths
• Questioning existing processes and structures, and  hence improve efficiency and risk management
• Increasing innovation, productivity, creativity

HOW CAN BUSINESSES SUPPORT NEURODIVERGENT CANDIDATES AND ENCOURAGE NEURODIVERSITY IN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS?

To attract neurodivergent candidates a few simple steps can be considered:

• Simplify job descriptions ensuring they are concise and clear
• Demonstrate that neurodivergent talent is welcome
• Post job vacancies on dedicated websites – Autismspeaks runs an online job board dedicated to employment for people on the autism spectrum
• Ensure interviewers are aware that neurodivergent candidates often respond directly the questions and may not expand on answers
• Keep interview feedback concise and to the point.

HOW CAN BUSINESSES ACTIVELY SUPPORT AND RETAIN NEURODIVERGENT TALENT?

• Workforce awareness training.  Without any knowledge of neurodiversity, colleagues may not be accommodating.
• Allow for some simple reasonable adjustments within the workplace eg quiet rooms, noise cancelling headphones or processing documents through speech/audio rather than text.
• Consider introducing a neurodiversity statement.

For a wealth of further information and resources, visit https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/