Neurodiverse Brains in the Workplace

Join us on 10th December, International Human Rights Day, for an engaging online seminar on the Independent Living philosophy! Learn about self-determination, deinstitutionalization, and the key barriers faced by disabled people in Europe. Hear from experts and personal testimonies. Register now! ➡️ Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eq3Um72b #HumanRightsDay #DisabilityRights #IndependentLiving

Women with disabilities face many barriers in exercising their rights under the Istanbul Convention. Today, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, read our guide to learn about: ➡️ The Istanbul Convention and Its importance for women with disabilities ➡️ The group of experts GREVIO, and how to contribute to their work. #EndVAW #NoExcuse #OrangeTheWorld https://lnkd.in/dxFmTZ-a

A recent report by City & Guilds’ Neurodiversity Index, in collaboration with Do-IT Solutions, has unveiled alarming insights: half of neurodivergent employees have missed work due to insufficient support. With 36% receiving no workplace guidance, 20% still waiting for adjustments, and many unaware of where to seek help, the message is clear—more must be done to foster inclusion. Experts like Prof. Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD FCGI and James McLaughlin emphasise the urgency of creating supportive environments where neurodiverse employees feel valued and heard. Employers must act now by offering accommodations, fostering open dialogue, and establishing clear processes for adjustments. This is a call to action: Let’s build workplaces where neurodiversity thrives, not struggles. Read HR magazine: https://lnkd.in/esfHi4UW #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #WorkplaceSupport #InclusiveCompanies

From my earliest beginnings in promoting #dyslexia and #neurodiversity awareness (way back in 2001, training #EFL / #ELT / #ESOL teachers in how to reach and teach more inclusively), through my first years in business researching and promoting dyslexia awareness as a competitive advantage (before this became common - 2002-2007), through to my more recent interests in understanding #neurodivergence from an #intercultural perspective and focusing in on the #ethics of how we do this, especially in the modern world of assistive tech and artificial intelligence, I've had many downs as well as the ups. I still do. • I was chosen to represent emerging British entrepreneurs in the US; while I returned home to Nottingham and had to rely on Working Tax Credits to pay my rent. • I came in the Top 3 of the Bank of England's 'Innovation in Enterprise' awards; but I got no business on the back of it. • I instigated the national Dyslexia in Business awards, held alongside the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies and presented with TV celebrities in venues such as the Institute of Directors and the British Library. Proper "black tie" stuff. But in recognising others, I didn't necessarily get the recognition myself. And through all this, I've learnt a couple of things I'd like to share with you. 🔸 Failure is natural, even inevitable, but it hurts. Never tell people to celebrate failure or "fail forwards" while they're hurting. It can destroy them. 🔸Those who start with less money generally make the slowest progress. Success requires input, and if you struggle to provide that you'll always have to work extra hard. Don't beat yourself up for not making it big overnight, and never compare yourself with others, because they've had resources and opportunities you'll only dream of. Your success is valuable in and of itself, not relative to others. 🔸 People will try to take your expertise for free. 🔸Authenticity, whatever that means, is foundational. Admit you don't know. Admit your mistakes in public. Let people see you crying - because everybody does, and by appearing invulnerable you risk looking unrelatable. 🔸There are enough frauds out there who claim expertise that you can't help meeting them. Keep your dignity and your head up, stay true to what you do, and "illegitimi non carborundum". 🔸The narrative is always controlled by the powerful: the richest, the loudest, the most forceful and the most influential. This power dynamic kilts the conversation towards the interests of the powerful, not towards the interests of the vulnerable. If your focus is helping the vulnerable, don't be afraid to "go against the grain". 🔸 Finally, if you can truly tell yourself that you've done some good in life, that's worth more than all the gold in the world. Remember, no one lies on their deathbed wishing they'd bought that extra BMW; and anyway, gold is part of a supply chain that kills the desperate. And good luck. Focus on your worth and love yourself and others.

**Seeking recommendations for Autism and /or Learning Disabilities resources to share with healthcare professionals ** Good morning all , I am currently updating an online resource for health professionals working with / for Autistic people and people with learning disabilities to easily access and learn from free to access and publicly available resources made by or with Autistic people and people with learning disabilities I am seeking recommendations of 1) Online Videos (must be public and free to access ) 🎥 2) Academic research papers written by / with Autistic academics or academics with a learning disability (must be public and free to access ) 👨🎓 3) anything else you may feel is vital for health professionals to watch / read that has been Co produced by Autistic people or people with a learning disability 💻 📕 books ? Recommend reading ? Helpful website pages ? I have a list of personal favourites and have very kindly had the huge support of salient Autistic professional who has created a vast list of other advocates incredible resources / public links ready to go but we would also REALLY would like to hear everyone’s recommendations. Especially around research led by academics who are Autistic or have a learning disability. I believe that when we recommend each others insights we really do make a bigger impact and help ensure all voices and the diversity of thought and backgrounds are heard , we don’t know what we don’t know , until we know ! Please drop any (public free to access ) links that you would like shared widely throughout the healthcare in comments; all links will be credited appropriately With much gratitude 🙏 Carly *The updating of resources and recommendations will be ongoing throughout 2025 and onwards so please do keep me updated via this post if / when anything exciting/ important that needs sharing arisies* 😃

📣 Join Donna Stevenson on Monday, the 25th, for our next Let's Talk session! This time, Donna will be joined by Arran Smith and Katrina Cochrane to discuss the challenges individuals with neurodifferences face when travelling. Together, they'll explore ways to overcome barriers, navigate public transport, and share effective strategies for making travel more accessible.