Emma Cromarty MCIPD’s Post

Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people's brains behave and process information. Some well-known types of neurodiversity include: 👉 ADHD - stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and affects people's behaviour 👉 autism - sometimes called a spectrum condition and affects how people communicate and interact with the world 👉 dyslexia - mostly affects reading and writing skills and is sometimes referred to as a learning difficulty 👉 dyspraxia - affects movement and co-ordination As neurodivergence is recognised on a spectrum, the particular support or management that is needed by employees will vary from individual to individual. As such, this can create difficulties where organisations attempt to adopt a ‘one size fits all approach’ to their neurodivergent employees. In a similar fashion to other health matters, discussing neurodiversity with any employee is likely to be a sensitive and highly personal matter. Managers need to ensure they are comfortable with carrying out conversations on this area and ensure these are appropriate and sensitive at all times. As a first step towards you can introduce and follow a Neurodiversity policy. The policy can set out how your organisation will manage, support and amend certain practices in order to accommodate and provide a positive workplace experience for neurodivergent employees. If you would like any help putting a policy together please contact me now!