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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Neurodiversity

What is Neurodiversity?

  • Neurodiversity is viewing individual differences in brain functioning as normal variations within the human population and not deficits.
  • The word neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities.
  • Neurological variations are a vital part of humanity, as much as variations in size, shape, skin color and personality.

 

Neurodiversity, Work and Me

 

  • When we talk about DEI, we often overlook including disability in the conversation. According to Return On Disability Group, although 90% of companies claim to prioritize diversity, only 4% consider disability in those initiatives. Neurodiversity is sometimes considered an invisible disability.
  • We should always remember that disability, no matter how profound, does not diminish personhood. People with atypical brains are fully human, with inalienable human rights, just like everyone else.
  • It’s important to recognize both neurodiversity and disability. These terms aren’t interchangeable. Neurodiversity isn’t the same thing as disability. Though, people who have neurodivergent features may need accommodation at work or school.
  • People with neurodivergent features may spend a lot of time trying to adjust to their work environment. They may need to manage their social impressions or find ways to block out distractions

Tips for Employers

  • Create jobs for different kinds of workers.
  • Allow for different work schedules and environments.
  • Make a flexible work design (when, where, and how work happens) that welcomes people and can accommodate sensory needs.•Use clear communication styles
  • Provide concise verbal and written instructions for tasks and projects•Inform people about the workplace and social etiquette. Don’t assume someone is trying to break the rules or being rude.
  • Try to give advance notice if plans are changing and provide an explanation
  • Try to provide as many pre-reading materials as possible for meetings, webinars, classes etc.•Include closed captioning on zoom calls and virtual recordings.•Incorporate mini breaks into long sessions to help those with ADHD or trouble focusing.
  • Don’t make assumptions –ask an individual’s preferences•Be kind, be patient.

Tips for Education

  • Provide printed or online accessible notes•Allow use of laptop or other voice-activated technology to take notes
  • Remember sensitivity to environment•Allow for transition time•Allow for more breaks
  • Provide specific instructions for how to work in groups or breakouts
  • Virtual environments could make recordings and transcripts available
  • Offer closed captioning•When giving information via PDF or infographic, also offer a text-only version as well