The neurodiversity paradigm
Neuro (= the way our brains function) and diversity (= difference).
how the dandelion principle can benefit your business
“We were so impressed with a group training session we had with Anne on Neurodiversity Awareness that we booked in some time for a 1 on 1 session. We went in armed with questions for Anne on this fascinating subject and left feeling equipped with the knowledge to support our Neurodiverse employees the best we possibly can. I don’t know what we would have done without her and will definitely be having more sessions in the future! ”
In this paradigm, every single person in the human race is viewed as having a unique set of thinking styles and cognitive preferences; and therefore there can never be any such thing as a ‘normal’ brain or a ‘normal’ way of thinking and processing information. Many conditions, including autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia and dyspraxia are classed as neurodivergent and approximately 1 in 7 people identify as being neurodivergent, Unlike differences in gender, race or physical disability, these neuro- differences are, for the most part invisible, making it impossible to say precisely how many people are neurodivergent. All we know is that a significant minority are.
A neuroinclusive organisation is one where people management policies and practices are designed to enable people with different thinking styles to contribute as fully as possible. Often expressed as ‘diversity of thought’, neuroinclusive workplaces will optimise contributions of all employees, whether they identify as neurodivergent or not.
Neurodiversity at work; features of a neuroinclusive organisation:
knowing how to use Access to Work funding
up to date, accurate and embedded knowledge of neurodivergent conditions, strengths and challenges
knowing which jobs best suit ND strengths
openness to changing traditional assessment approaches
a conducive disclosure climate
experimentation with new kinds of adjustments, driven by employees
value managers who can craft roles and environments to optimise preferences