Understanding neurodiversity

The term "neurodiversity" is a combination of the words "neuro" (relating to the brain) and "diversity" (variety). It refers to the natural variations in human brain function and behaviour. At its core, neurodiversity recognises that every person's brain is unique – no two are exactly alike.

While we are all considered "neurodiverse" to some degree, the term "neurodivergent" specifically describes individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered the "neurotypical" or average brain. This can encompass a range of conditions, including:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism, or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dyscalculia
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Tourette’s Syndrome

Neurodivergent individuals exhibit differences in areas such as social preferences, communication styles, sensory processing, learning abilities, and environmental perception. It's estimated that up to 20% of the population is neurodivergent, highlighting the significant diversity in human brain function.

Key insight

It’s not uncommon amongst neurodiverse individuals to experience a combination of these neurological variations.

Challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals

Despite the valuable strengths and unique perspectives that neurodivergent individuals can bring to the workplace, they often face significant obstacles, including:

Sensory overwhelm and workload challenges. May experience sensory sensitivities that lead to feelings of overwhelm in certain work environments or when faced with heavy workloads. This can impact their ability to focus and perform at their best.
Difficulties with communication and social interaction. Might struggle to explain complex ideas concisely or find it challenging to engage in small talk and networking with colleagues. Public speaking or communicating with strangers can also be highly stressful.
Fluctuations in productivity and energy levels. May go through periods of intense focus and hyperactivity, followed by phases of quietness or withdrawal. This can lead to difficulties in meeting deadlines or expectations set by neurotypical colleagues.
Mental health challenges and burnout. The constant effort required to "mask" or hide their neurodivergent traits, combined with the other obstacles they face, can put significant strain on neurodivergent employees' mental health. This increases their risk of experiencing neurodivergent burnout.

Bias and prejudice

Unfortunately, neurodivergence is frequently misunderstood, leading to both conscious and unconscious biases in the workplace.

Employers and colleagues may make unfounded assumptions about neurodivergent individuals' capabilities and behaviours, such as:

Believing people with ADHD will be disruptive and unable to focus.
Assuming those with dyslexia or dyscalculia cannot handle numerical or analytical tasks.
Thinking that someone wearing noise-cancelling headphones to manage sensory sensitivities is not a team player.
Believing autistic individuals cannot communicate effectively or fit into collaborative work environments.

Such biases stem from a lack of knowledge and awareness about the diverse strengths and needs of neurodivergent employees. They can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and the exclusion of neurodivergent talent – which is not only unethical, but also illegal under The Equality Act 2010.

Masking and burnout

For neurodivergent individuals, everyday tasks, expectations and social norms can be overwhelming. If not addressed, overtime they may begin to experience neurodivergent burnout.

Masking and its effects

Masking refers to the act of concealing or disguising aspects of one's true self in order to fit societal norms. This is a common coping mechanism for many neurodivergent individuals, who may feel pressured to suppress their natural behaviours and mannerisms to appear more "normal".

While masking may provide short-term social acceptance, it often comes at a significant cost to the individual's mental health and wellbeing. Constantly hiding one's authentic self can lead to immense stress, burnout, and even a loss of self-identity over time. Neurodivergent people who mask extensively may find themselves exhausted from the effort, negatively impacting their work, relationships, and quality of life.

Burnout

Burnout is a significant concern for neurodivergent individuals, characterised by extreme physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It often results from prolonged efforts to meet neurotypical expectations and suppress one’s natural behaviours and coping mechanisms.

Key symptoms of neurodivergent burnout include increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli (like light and sound), withdrawal from social interactions, and a heightened state of anxiety or depression.

The impact of burnout can be severe, affecting both personal wellbeing and professional performance. It underscores the importance of creating supportive work environments that recognise and accommodate neurodivergent needs, helping to prevent burnout by reducing the pressure to conform to neurotypical standards.

Unmasking and acceptance

Unmasking involves accepting one's neurodivergent traits and unlearning the negative emotions that may be associated with them. This process can be facilitated by a formal diagnosis, which can provide clarity and validation through the support of a nurturing environment and proper education about neurodiversity.

Encouraging neurodivergent individuals to unmask and be their authentic selves can lead to greater well-being and productivity in the workplace.