Start the Conversation: Practical Ways to Support Neurodivergent Teams

I had the pleasure of delivering our Start the Conversation taster session yesterday. We explored hidden barriers in the workplace, why reasonable adjustments do not require a formal diagnosis, and how context shapes what is considered reasonable. We also looked at some practical strategies for building an inclusive workplace, such as setting clear agendas, using visible timers, offering multiple ways to communicate, and creating sensory-aware spaces.

Another focus was the importance of strengths-based feedback for neurodivergent colleagues, along with the value of creativity, empathy, and recognising ‘spiky’ profiles. These qualities benefit entire teams and help drive workplace inclusion. I shared one of my own ADHD strengths and my intense empathy feelings. I admitted that I took a while preparing a script to help me keep to time, which in the end I could not open on my laptop and had to read from my phone instead! I am owning that moment, and will put it on my prep checklist for next time, one of my strategy support tools.

I also got distracted by my chat notifications and had an RSD spiral, thinking someone was telling me to slow down, when in fact it was just a client email (note to add 'turn off notifications' to my prep checklist). I am sharing this openly because I want to model how my brain works, and to show other neurodiverse colleagues and friends that it is OK to have moments like these. In previous roles, this may have resulted in continued RSD and eventually burn out, but in a supported environment I continue to work through these feeling and adapt support strategies for success.

Despite these little blips, the webinar was fantastic, and we have received lots of engagement and enquiries for support. This is exactly why I love my job: being in a supportive and understanding environment, helping others, and educating the world of work about neurodiversity..

If you missed the session, you can watch the recording here.

And if you would like to continue the conversation about neurodiversity at work, get in touch with us to find out more or to book a session. You can email [email protected] or use our Contact Us form.

Next in our Start the Conversation webinar series is Red Flags or Reasonable Requests on the 11th of November, led by our founder, Lucy Smith. Book your place here: Free Webinar: Red Flags and Reasonable Requests Lunch & Learn