Neurodiversity at Work: How to Promote Inclusivity
And Avoid Stigma, Labels and Discrimination
Fostering diversity and promoting inclusion is an essential component of organizational culture. Most of us are familiar with diversity in gender, race, and physical disabilities. When I mention neurodiversity to people, most often the response is a puzzled look and a question.
“What is neurodiversity? I’ve not heard that term before.”
Neurodiversity is diversity of cognition: neurological differences in how the brain functions. Stated in plain language: Differences in how people think, process information, and communicate. Current interest in increasing innovation and problem solving on teams has this topic trending upwards. Research on neurodiversity initiatives is showing them to be successful.
Inclusion of divergent thinkers is an area that is crucial for conversation. This is because, without thoughtful implementation, the results can be devastating for both companies and individuals.. Some neurodivergent employees have already been casualties of good intentions in companies that have not carefully implemented these initiatives.
The reality is that most companies have neurodivergent thinkers already in their ranks. The overwhelming majority of those employees are in hiding. They…
