I’M NEURODIVERGENT
Neurodivergent is a term used for folks with things like ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, and many others who don’t always operate in the “normal” way. Different minds need different techniques to be successful with organization, prioritization and even communication, especially when folks live with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, etc.
and so are more than 18% of people in advertising.
Navigating the industry is hard enough without having to hide parts of yourself. So I started Think Different, an employee resource group for folks with Autism, ADHD, OCD, and/or Dyslexia to connect and share resources, experiences, and camaraderie in the workplace.
The group is private but a diagnosis is not required to join. Since its fruition, Think Different hosts members from all departments and levels from intern to VP leadership.
“I didn’t understand how much my neurodivergence impacted my work until I connected with Think Different.”
“I applied at RPA after I saw their post about Think Different. It felt so affirming to see an agency openly support accommodations.”
LEARN MORE
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Rather than calling out problems, ask your employee what their learning and organization styles are - chances are they know exactly what they need but are too anxious to ask.
Neurodivergence presents differently for everyone, and if there’s a pattern of behavior you’re calling out it’s likely something they were unaware of. Remember that we fall out of ‘typical’ behavior so take a step back from tradition/process to see the best way forward.
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Starting your own neurodivergent ERG is a great way to support employees. Including neurodiverse training for managers is the best way to enact systemic change.
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ARTICLES
- The Drum: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2021/12/07/how-adland-supporting-its-neurodiverse-workers
- EARN: https://askearn.org/page/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace
- Benefit News: https://www.benefitnews.com/news/bring-neurodiversity-into-the-workplace
- Unique Minds Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzQDewp48MU
BOOKS
- The Neurodiverse Workplace by Victoria Honeybourne
- Thrive With Neurodivergent Colleagues: A Workbook for Innovative Organizations by Suzanne K. Whang
- Neurodiversity at Work: Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce by Amanda Kirby
Still Curious?
Quinn Rufener joins CTA for Mental Health Awareness month to discuss her journey with neurodivergence, addressing the stigmas and how managers can empower and acomodate for their neurodivergent team members to do their best work.
