What is Neurodiversity

The word Neurodiversity can be credited to Australian sociologist Judy Singer and journalist Harvey Blume in the late 1990s and is a combination of Neurological and Diversity.

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for neurological conditions and identifications. They include but are not restricted to conditions/identifications such as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s.

It is common for people with a neurodivergent profile to have 1 or more of the conditions/identifications highlighted above. 

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Many pioneering organisations are now seeing the value of a neurodiverse workforce and have made substantial changes to HR and hiring practises, as well as work environments in order to become ‘neurodivergent friendly‘. Some prominent examples include: Microsoft, Siemens, Ford and Deloitte. Due to the lack of understanding and awareness, many organisations are losing out on or will risk losing such diverse and forward-thinking employees.   

There have been two major reports recently which have looked at this, one by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and the other is the Westminster Report. Whilst these reports have greatly advanced the issues raised, more work needs to be done to increase awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.