These CPD activities, collated by OHW+ CPD editor Professor Anne Harriss, support and relate to the OHW+ webinar ‘Supporting and celebrating neurodiversity’.
As our presenter, neurodiversity expert and chartered occupational psychologist Rebecca Wones, made clear, employers are increasingly waking up to the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce. Yet managing and supporting employees who are neurodiverse can be complex, and something where occupational health professionals can play a key leadership role.
Activity 1
Access the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) guidance Neurodiversity and Work.
This publication explains neurodiversity, highlighting why neurodiversity in the workplace matters.It explores common neurodivergent thinking styles and provides guidance to support organisations build an inclusive neurodiverse workplace. It incorporates short case studies and a range of useful resources are included towards the end of the guide.
Activity 2
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity: the impact of lockdown and social isolation
As the CIPD notes, 10% of the population is neurodivergent, and so all organisations should be employing staff who are neurodiverse.
Reflect on the webinar you have just watched and the CIPD guidance included in activity one. Then think about the policies your organisation should have in place to ensure that neurodiverse staff members will thrive within it.
Access and then evaluate your organisation’s policies. What are their strengths and are there any weaknesses which could be addressed?
Activity 3
The links below highlight the benefits to organisations of having a neurodiverse workplace and outline factors to consider in relation to neurodiversity and recruitment practices.
Reflect on how your organisation might enhance its practices with regards to having a neurodiverse workforce.
Neurodiversity at work benefits everyone – why companies are hiring autistic people
A neurodivergent’s guide to inclusive hiring practices
Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage
Neurodiversity: essential for the future of work
How to build and support neurodiversity in the workplace
Neurodiversity can be a workplace strength, if we make room for it
Activity 4
Read this personal perspective of Catherine, a neurodivergent employee. She works for the Office for National Statistics and lives with autism.
Activity 5
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These TED talks explore personal experiences of being neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity – the key that unlocked my world (Elisabeth Wiklander)
Neurodiversity – living with ADHD (Jessica McCabe)
Neurodiversity: an untapped resource for future inventors (Shaun Brown)
Neurodiversity is a superpower – the experience of a parent of a child with autism (Elaine Halligan)
