Introduction
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in how brains function and process information, encompassing a wide range of differences in thinking, learning, and behaving. It recognises that everyone's brain is unique and that there's a spectrum of normal human variation.
This webpage gives a brief overview of the main neurodiverse conditions, what language to use, some of the barriers people face, and suggestions of adjustments many neurodiverse people find useful.
What is Neurodiversity?
‘Neurodiversity’ is the umbrella term used to describe the neurological ways that people process information that are different from the accepted ‘norm’.
It often runs in families, and occurs in all genders, races, cultures, socio-economic groups, and intelligence scales.
Unlike some other terminology, neurodiversity’ includes strengths as well as some of the challenges and barriers that neurodivergent people may experience, it looks at the whole person and their environment, not just the perceived negatives.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels.
It is not a behavioural problem or a result of poor parenting, it’s a recognised medical condition that affects both children and adults.
There are three main types of ADHD:
Inattentive type: Difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, disorganisation.
Hyperactive-impulsive type: Fidgeting, restlessness, impulsive actions.
Combined type: A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Symptoms typically appear before the age of 12, but many people, especially women and girls are not diagnosed until adulthood.
Autism spectrum conditions are several different neurological conditions that include a wide range of symptoms and different levels of ability.
These are developmental differences, something you tend to be born with.
One in every hundred people are thought to have an autism spectrum condition, although many won’t be diagnosed until adulthood, if at all.
People who have previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism fall under what are now called Autism Spectrum Conditions.
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand, learn, and work with numbers. It is sometimes referred to as “math dyslexia,” though this is not a clinical term.
Dyscalculia is not related to intelligence, people with this condition can be highly capable in many other areas.
It is estimated that around 5% of people in the UK have dyscalculia.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, spelling, and language processing.
It is not related to intelligence or vision, but rather to how the brain processes written and spoken language.
Dyslexia is lifelong and can range from mild to severe. It is often diagnosed in childhood but may go unrecognised until adulthood, especially in individuals who have developed coping strategies.
Dyspraxia or DCD is a condition that affects people’s movement and motor skills. It can make people more likely to trip, fall or bump into things, or it might affect fine motor skills such as typing or drawing.
It can also affect short term memory and planning and organisational skills.
Around 3-5% of adults in the UK are thought to have some kind of dyspraxia or DCD, with many people not diagnosed until adulthood.
Some people are born with it, for others it is acquired as a side effect to damage to the brain through stroke, head injury or another neurological condition.
Guidance & Support Options for Managers
Managers can significantly support neurodiverse employees by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, providing clear communication and expectations, implementing reasonable adjustments, and focusing on strengths. This includes offering flexible working arrangements, promoting awareness and understanding, and ensuring equal access to training and development opportunities.
Assistive Technology (AT):
- Speech-to-Text Software: Converts spoken words into typed text, useful for individuals with dyslexia or other learning difficulties.
- Text-to-Speech Software: Reads out text, helping those with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
- Mind Mapping Software: Assists in organizing thoughts and ideas visually.
- Screen Readers: Enlarge text and provide audio descriptions for visually impaired users.
Ergonomic Tools:
Includes ergonomic keyboards, mice, and chairs to support physical comfort.
- Coloured Overlays and Paper: Helps individuals with dyslexia by making text easier to read.
- Additional Screens: Provides more workspace for those who need it.
- Job Coaches: Provide workplace coping strategies and support.
- BSL Interpreters: Assist employees who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Notetakers: Help with taking notes during meetings.
- Travel Companions: Support individuals who have difficulty travelling alone.
Quiet Spaces:
Designated areas for employees who need a calm environment to work effectively.
- Flexible Working Hours: Allows employees to work at times that suit their needs.
- Remote Working: Enables employees to work from home if it is more suitable for their condition.
- Oliver McGowan Autism Awareness Training: Level 1 is mandatory for all staff; Level 2 is mandatory for clinical staff 6.
- Access to Work Training: Delivered by Kerry Pace from Diverse Learners, covering legal responsibilities, application processes, and practical examples.
- UNISON’s Dyslexia Awareness course, which includes resources on reasonable adjustments and neurodiversity 5.