October 22, 2024, 8:23 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Have you ever heard of neurodiversity or neurodiverse? Here, you can find out exactly what it is, what challenges it entails, and how those affected can make their everyday life and, specifically, their working lives easier.
Neurodiversity describes people whose brains work differently from the majority. This term encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia and emphasizes that these neurological differences are not diseases but normal variations in human brain development. For many neurodiverse people, everyday life is a challenge, especially in the work environment. However, expert Simone Burel, herself neurodiverse, shows in an interview with “dpa” that this diversity also harbors valuable potential.
Overview
Neurodiversity as valuable diversity in the working environment
Neurodiversity means recognizing the mental diversity of people with different neurological structures. Simone Burel, linguist and author, explains that neurodiverse people have particular strengths that are often of great benefit in work contexts. These include creativity, an unconventional style of thinking, attention to detail, and empathy. These skills could be a great asset in the right circumstances.
Special abilities of neurodiverse people
Creativity and innovative thinking
Many neurodiverse people are known for bringing in new perspectives and thinking outside of existing structures.
Attention to detail
People with autism, in particular, pay great attention to detail and patterns.
Specialist knowledge through hyperfocus
Neurodiverse people can build up a high level of expertise through a deep interest in specialized topics.
Fast learning and knowledge recall
People with ADHD are often able to learn and recall new knowledge quickly.
Empathy
Many neurodiverse people have profound emotional sensitivity.
However, these abilities can only be fully utilized if neurodiverse people are able to work according to their needs. But what challenges need to be overcome?
Challenges in everyday working life for neurodiverse people
According to Simone Burel, there are three key areas in which neurodiverse people are particularly challenged in the working environment.
1. Different perception of stimuli
Neurodiverse people often perceive their environment more intensely. Sounds, colors, or light can be perceived as particularly disturbing. Burel describes how certain sounds can be physically unpleasant for them. Visual stimuli such as colors or surfaces can also be very stressful. This hypersensitive perception makes it difficult to concentrate in noisy, hectic offices.
2. Deviating knowledge processing
Neurodiverse people often process information differently. This applies to both linguistic and mathematical concepts. Some prefer written communication, which is clearer and more precise, while verbal conversations can overwhelm them. This can lead to misunderstandings in a professional environment if, for example, spontaneous telephone conversations are expected instead of written requests.
3. Difficult social interactions
Social norms, as they apply in many companies, are often difficult for affected people to understand. Little lies or ignoring taboo topics in conversation are behaviors that neurodiverse people often cannot comprehend. Many, therefore, try to imitate social conventions, which is known as “masking.” However, this strenuous adaptation behavior increases stress and reduces performance in the long term.
How can neurodiverse people improve their working conditions?
Self-empowerment and education
It is important for neurodiverse people to recognize their own needs and communicate them clearly. According to Burel, this is the first step to a successful career. Instead of conforming to the working habits of the majority, individuals should advocate for themselves and request the necessary accommodations.
Open communication in the workplace
Discussing one’s own neurodiversity with supervisors and colleagues can foster understanding and support. Companies are often willing to make changes if it is clear what is necessary to be able to work productively. Adjustments to working hours and workspaces can be particularly helpful.
Networks and support groups
Seeking support through networks can be highly beneficial. These can exist both internally within the company and externally through self-help groups. By exchanging ideas with other neurodiverse people or supportive colleagues, valuable experiences can be shared, and a safe space can be created.
Self-care as the key to success
Self-care is crucial for individuals with neurodiversity. Regular breaks, exercise, and relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
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What to do when rejection occurs?
Individuals with neurodiversity may frequently face misunderstanding or even rejection when discussing their neurodiverse traits openly. In such situations, Burel recommends sharing factual information and scientific findings in order to overcome prejudices. At the same time, it is important to be aware of your own needs and not be discouraged by negative comments. In particularly difficult cases, it may be advisable to seek professional support from therapists or counselors.
With material from dpa