Exploring Neurodivergence in the Workplace

Happy Monday!
First things first, a big "thank you" is due.
A few weeks ago, I released a video about my recent autism diagnosis, and so many of you reached out with love and support.
Of all the comments I received in response, there were consistent themes and follow-up questions...
"What exactly is neurodivergence?"
"What does it mean for the workplace?"
"What do I do if someone I know has it?"
So, cue our newest Unlocking the Magic of Leadership series, all about adult neurodivergence in the workplace!
What is neurodivergence?
It simply means that our brain receives and processes information differently compared to someone who is neurotypical.
Now, a neurotypical individual is someone whose brain obtains and sorts information in a more average or 'textbook' way.
Consider this analogy: a Windows and a Mac computer. They both do the same things and achieve the same solutions, but the ways in which they get there are different.
So check out this week's Unlocking the Magic of Leadership video, where we're diving deeper into the possible ways in which neurodivergence can show up and what this means for you as a leader!

[@lindasaville1984]

I am happy for you to have received your diagnosis and wish you all the best in your journey of discovery. You might want to change the title of this video to what is a neurodivergent or something along those lines. I thought based on the title that you were giving neurodivergent leadership advice for the workplace.

[@SummerJelinek]

Hi Linda, Thanks for the comment. Were you thinking the video was speaking to leaders who are neurodivergent? The video was made as a kind of "neurodivergence 101" for those who lead in the workplace but are not neurodivergent themselves or want to learn more about different types of neurodivergence. Before I adjust the title, I want to ensure I understand the confusion so it doesn't add more down the road. Thanks again and I look forward to your reply.

[@SirNightKnight]

Hi I was diagnosed with adhd in November last year. One of those "that makes sense" moments, and my work history has for sure been... Unique. Anyway great video

[@SummerJelinek]

Absolutely. Once the diagnosis is in, everything clicks into place. For me it felt like the final puzzle piece had been found.

[@SirNightKnight]

@@SummerJelinek I know what you mean, I always knew I was a bit different. I mean even friends would refer to me as crazy in a good way and my mum would say I'm eccentric. As strange as it seems though I never even considered adhd, I think the steotype kind of threw me off, as it makes us out to be running round and screaming all the time. I'm dual presenting so I'm only doing that half the time 😂.

[@SummerJelinek]

I always joke that my goal is to be described as eccentric! And I feel you. What we learned about neurodivergence doesn’t fit what many of us experience. One of the reasons I wanted to do these videos, to help shed some light on the myths and falsities around it.

[@SirNightKnight]

@@SummerJelinek eccentric is the best, life is too fleeting to live it like everyone else, the idea of being "normal" always seemed a little off putting to me. It's great you're raising awareness, you're doing a good job. I've actually been planning to make a video on here myself. Basically 2023 was not a great year for me and after receiving my diagnosis I had a lot to process so I did something very impulsive and frankly dangerous. I climbed the largest mountain in Wales at night during a storm by myself to take methylphenidate for the first time. I wasn't harmed, although did pass out at the top for 3 hours in 100mph wind

[@SummerJelinek]

That sounds intense! Did you learn what you needed to?

[@JoeJoeTater]

Sounds promising! I look forward to the rest of the series. I would really like to hear about how to ask for accommodations without disclosing my neurotype. I'm not sure how to express my needs without also risking discrimination by my employer.

[@SummerJelinek]

@@JoeJoeTater ooooo. Good question. This series was developed for leaders, but I’m thinking a new series needs to happen for neurodivergent employees. This would be a great topic. Let me put some thought into it. Thank you!

[@JoeJoeTater]

@@SummerJelinek Yeah, a "how to manage up when you're neurodivergent" series would be great! One way to look at disclosure from the perspective of leaders might be "how to avoid fishing questions". Like, when someone asks me to explain why I need a particular accommodation, I feel very pressured to disclose. That's tough because I really WANT to explain the "why" of things and be understood, but I also fear the discrimination and prejudice that may come with disclosing certain labels.