Skip to content

The benefits of revealing neurodiversity in the workplace

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that includes autism, ADHD and other conditions. Disclosing a diagnosis is difficult and sensitive but can lead to a better working environment for neurodivergent employees.

  • Michael Queenan used to retreat to his bed for the weekend at least once a month due to burnout from sensory overload and the effort involved in masking autistic traits, until he was diagnosed with autism and ADHD last October.
  • Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the year to June 2021, only 29 per cent of UK adults with autism were employed.
  • Disclosing a diagnosis is sensitive and people are scared, but some have found the benefits have outweighed the potential costs.
  • Neurodiversity can add valuable ways of thinking and problem-solving, and employers can help by making workplace adjustments, eliminating hiring biases and providing training and mentoring.
  • Raising awareness that brains are wired differently can make a huge difference to working relationships and team effectiveness.
The benefits of revealing neurodiversity in the workplace
Disclosing a diagnosis is difficult and sensitive but can lead to a better working environment

Latest