Neurodivergence at Work: A Primer

Overview

Neurodivergence at Work is a column dedicated to unveiling and addressing the daily experiences of neurodivergent individuals within the professional landscape. It showcases expert viewpoints and firsthand accounts from those who self-identify as neurodivergent.

Context

Traditional American workplace culture and standards of professionalism have long adhered to a rigid, uniform approach to work. However, this one-size-fits-all mindset poses substantial hurdles for individuals whose cognitive functions deviate from the neurotypical norm.

Understanding Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence encompasses individuals whose brains develop or operate differently from what is considered typical. These variations bestow upon them distinctive strengths and challenges, defying the notion of a "normal" brain. Terms like "neurodivergent" and "neurotypical" are utilized to describe individuals, steering clear of labels such as "abnormal" or "normal."

Fostering Awareness

Conditions like ADHD, autism, OCD, and dyslexia are gaining traction on social media, empowering individuals to openly address their challenges. The column aims to delve into strategies for thriving in workplaces that often stifle neurodivergent inclinations.

Common Struggles

To gain insight into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, we engaged with our readers. Their responses highlighted several prevalent obstacles:

1. Feeling Incompetent: Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD, often encounter the challenge of being perceived as incompetent due to their strengths not aligning with neurotypical expectations. This can trigger feelings of inadequacy and patronization.

2. Masking and Burnout: Neurodivergent individuals frequently resort to masking, suppressing their neurodivergent traits to conform to societal norms. While this can be advantageous in certain situations, it can lead to burnout if sustained over extended periods.

3. Discouragement of Creative Thinking: The inherent novelty-seeking nature of ADHD brains fosters creative thinking and innovative ideas. However, these ideas may challenge the status quo and are often dismissed as unconventional or disruptive.

Column Objectives

In the months ahead, this column will delve deeper into specific topics related to neurodivergence in the workplace, including:

• The impact of ADHD on relationships with colleagues
• Communicating work preferences to managers
• Managing rejection-sensitive dysphoria

Our mission is to provide support, visibility, and understanding for neurodivergent individuals, fostering an environment where everyone can flourish.