Neurodiversity – support in mind
Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning their brain processes information differently from what is considered 'neurotypical'.
Supporting neurodivergent employees isn't just the right thing to do – it's good for your business. When organisations create inclusive workplaces that embrace different ways of thinking and working, everyone benefits.
Our advice helps employers to build inclusive organisations, raise neurodiversity awareness and support employees with reasonable adjustments
"Having conversations about health conditions and adjustments is the first step to fostering a healthy workplace which is good for employers and employees. This new guidance will be an important keystone to promote neurodiversity employment and will help workers and their bosses best support each other."
Acas research highlights that 45% of line managers lacked organisational knowledge about neurodiversity, with 59% not knowing how to make a reasonable adjustment to support a neurodivergent employee.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the natural differences in how people’s brains behave and process information. 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning their brain processes information differently from what is considered "neurotypical”.
Technical terms
- Neurodivergent or neurodivergence – when someone’s brain works differently to what is considered more typical
- Neurotypical – someone whose brain works in a way considered usual/expected by society
- Neuroinclusion or neuroinclusive – actively including neurodivergent people at work
Different types of neurodiversity include:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
- Dyslexia
- Tourette's Syndrome
It’s common for a person to have more than one form of neurodivergence, often referred to as ‘co-occurring’ conditions.
Each person’s experience of neurodivergence is different. The strengths and challenges associated with a condition vary from individual to individual. With the right support, everyone can thrive in their own way.