Category Archives: Neurodiversity

Persons with disabilities… Urgh

On this “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” I’d just like to highlight that this sort of language is unnecessary and stigmatising Note: As always, this is my personal take on this, I’m not speaking on behalf of my employer. There is nothing wrong with being disabled. The vast majority of us disabled people preferContinue reading “Persons with disabilities… Urgh”

Coming out story

#NationalComingOutDay I was sixteen when I first concluded that I was bi (thanks, Winona Ryder). I was open about this with my best friend, and my boyfriend at the time, but I was too embarrassed to discuss it with my family or wider social circle. However, the truth did come out during a sixth formContinue reading “Coming out story”

Neurotypical parents of neurodivergent kids

Unpopular opinion. Sorry, not sorry 🤷‍♀️ These are my thoughts about proud parents of neurodivergent kids… but parents who describe themselves as neurotypical, or think of themselves as “normal”. Neurodevelopmental conditions are hereditary. They LITERALLY RUN IN YOUR FAMILY! If your kids are ND, then you the parents are almost certainly ND as well. Yes,Continue reading “Neurotypical parents of neurodivergent kids”

Being an ally to your neurodivergent colleagues

Understanding the terminology – ‘neurodivergent’ and ‘neurodiversity’ ‘Neurodivergent‘ means having a neurological difference resulting in different cognitive processing and thinking. Basically, having a mind that works differently from societal norms. Many neurological differences are due to one or more lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s. Neurodivergence can also be acquired,Continue reading “Being an ally to your neurodivergent colleagues”

Elon Musk and openly autistic leadership

Since Elon Musk “coming out” as autistic (Aspergers) on Saturday Night Live, there is currently a lot of buzz on social media about rich and successful world leaders who are #neurodivergent (have neurological conditions or differences). Richard Branson has always been open about his dyslexia, and Bill Gates more recently about his ADHD, but thereContinue reading “Elon Musk and openly autistic leadership”

Struggling through education and work oblivious to my autism

Growing up As far as my parents and I were aware, I was normal.  Okay, so my development and behaviour may have been unusual at times, like in my eighteen-month development check when I built the Great Wall of China with building bricks instead of the anticipated tower, my solo role-playing games (spending whole weekendsContinue reading “Struggling through education and work oblivious to my autism”

Autism Awareness Month

Please don’t copy and paste random crap from social media for “Autism Awareness Month” this April with a bunch of platitudes, blue hearts and jigsaw pieces 💙💙💙 You do know #autistic people – it is not that rare. To increase your own awareness, try asking an autistic person to explain to you how their autism affects them.Continue reading “Autism Awareness Month”

Reflecting on one year of working from home in a pandemic

Pandemic reflection: If this year since the first Covid-19 lockdown (UK) has taught employers anything, it is the need to be agile and respond to changes in the external environment plus the changing needs of the workforce. Responding quickly to office closures required not just investment in enabling technology, but also rapid culture change, aContinue reading “Reflecting on one year of working from home in a pandemic”