Neurodiversity: How to Identify Your (Unique) Needs

STEM over indexes in neurodiverse professionals. If you are neurodiverse, you know: not all brains are created equal. The point around neurodiversity is that it is diverse from person to person. Even within the shared challenges of a specific condition, e.g. Autism, there will be the reality of how that condition shows up in that individual’s life. Neuroplasticity teaches us that the brain responds to experience: and no one’s experience is identical. Belonging to a diagnostic box has its benefits, but it doesn’t capture the nuance and complexity of your personal situation. To properly be able to advocate for your needs in the workplace (or, let’s be real - in life), you have to know what those specifically are. As Aristotle said, “to know thyself is the beginning of wisdom”. To which AdaMarie would add: the application of self-knowledge in the real world is the beginning of empowerment.

So, you have a diagnosis. Next, it’s time to think about, and experiment with, the practical tools that help you specifically. For example, many neurodiverse people may experience noise sensitivity. Noise canceling headphones are a standard solution. However, if you also have a sensory processing disorder, you may find the feeling of headphones pushing in on your ears unbearable. In that case, you may want to identify a tool that works for you – such as a fan – and ask for that specific support.

Another example: many ADHD people struggle with time management. There are many, many tools out there to support executive functioning: AI bots, apps, physical worksheets, coaches who specialize in this. If you find yourself losing track of meetings or struggling to be on time, ask yourself: what kind of support best fits you? Are you an app-master or do you download many and then never touch them? Does another human help ground you or do you become overwhelmed by their energy? Zeroing in on which type of system actually helps you is essential in receiving the right support. If it is a person instead of a tech system you need, ask your company to provide you a coach – or to assign you a project manager who can keep you on task.

If you don’t know exactly what you need, think about what tools and strategies you employ in your daily life. Neurodiversity is a brain structure thing – so you’ve been this way, and had to adapt to the world, your whole life. You’re an amazing adaptive being and it’s likely you’ve already been employing strategies to help you succeed. Now, you just need to identify and communicate them to your work environment. Sit down and make a list of what challenges you, and what in your life has helped you meet those challenges. 

This kind of list is a great place to start when talking to a boss. Share the list and ask them to help brainstorm support systems that can bolster you as you come up against these challenges in the workplace. Often, the best way to advocate for yourself is just to be honest and human with the people around you – and ask them to partner with you in solving the problem. This tactic brings you together as collaborators working towards a unified goal, will create more empathy on the other end, and converts them into an advocate for your wellbeing in the workplace.