Thinking Differently: Neurodivergence at Work

Neurodiversity in the workplace is a hot topic right now. But how do supervisors and managers support employees who are neurodivergent? How do colleagues support and adapt to their coworkers who are not neurotypical?

Neurodivergence can present in many positive ways— people with ADHD are quick to process and integrate new information into their work, and autistic employees are often adept at focusing on projects for long periods of time. But workplaces are largely created for neurotypical staff members, resulting in conflict and even underperformance from those whose neurotypes differ from the norm. As an effective manager, you know that it’s not possible (or appropriate) to force a neurodivergent employee to think the way everyone else does… but how do you leverage the unique strengths and mitigate the challenges of autistic employees? How do you help employees with ADHD organize and prioritize their work?

This session is for employees who are working alongside neurodivergent colleagues, and for the leaders who are managing them. The session can also be adapted for those who want to be adept at supporting future employees who are neurodivergent.

This session covers the following topics:

• Understanding the basics of neurodiversity, to increase empathy for the unique ways a neurodivergent brain may function

  • Analyzing how ADHD and autism are “diagnosed”

  • Defining diverse approaches to ADHD and autism as identities (rather than diagnoses)

• Building supportive structures for neurodivergent employees

  • Creating a work environment where every employee feels safe enough to “come out” about their learning differences

  • Ensuring a work culture free from disparaging comments about learning differences

  • Partnering with employees to build structures that work for them

• Holding neurodivergent employees accountable to external goals

  • Learning effective tools for setting expectations

  • Assisting with prioritization of tasks

  • Reinforcing team norms without shame or judgment

“Highly recommend!”

“If you bring one management training to your team this year… make it this one!”

“Super engaging and practical!"