This toolkit is full of resources to help you navigate neurodiversity in the workplace. Whether you’re an employer looking to support a team member, a member of staff looking for support or a potential applicant looking for support through the recruitment process, you’ll find helpful information in this toolkit. The toolkit is not an exhaustive resource on neurodiversity, but a helpful guide to the support and rights available for employers, staff and potential applicants in the NHS (WYHCP), aiming to make workplaces safer and easier to navigate for neurodivergent colleagues.

 

Terminology

The word ‘neurodiversity’ is an umbrella term for a range of neurological conditions which affect how someone processes information and/or communicates with the world around them. Other common terms include ‘neurodivergence’ and ‘neuro-difference’. Another important term is ‘neurotypical’, a term which represents all those who are not neurodivergent.


It is estimated that around 15-20% of the world population have some form of neurodivergence. Many neurodivergences co-occur, for example some autistic people may also have ADHD.
Neurodivergence covers a wide range of conditions, which includes but is not limited to:

  • Autism, or Autism Spectrum Condition: Around 1-2% of the population of the UK is autistic and autism can be diagnosed at any age. No two autistic people are the same, but some of the common characteristics are preference for routine, anxiety around change, sensory sensitivity, intense interests, delayed or absent speech and stimming (repetitive behaviour to regulate emotions). What is autism? | Autistica
  • ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADD): Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD is a disorder which affects how a person behaves. It is characterised by inattention, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness and processing of information. Some people with ADHD take medication, but not all are medicated. Approximately 3-4% of adults in the UK have ADHD. What is ADHD? - About ADHD (adhduk.co.uk)
  • Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty relating to numeracy. It affects how a person processes number-based information and math. Dyscalculia - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
  • Dyslexia is a learning difficulty relating to literacy. It affects a person’s reading and writing skills. People with dyslexia experience difficulty processing and remembering information. What is dyslexia? - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
  • Dyspraxia, or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). Dyspraxia primarily affects a person’s movement and co-ordination which in turn affects many aspects of a dyspraxic person’s life. Co-occurs often with Dyslexia. (Dyspraxia Foundation)
  • Cognitive functioning difficulties or executive dysfunction
  • Dysgraphia
  • Misophonia
  • Slow processing speed
  • Stammering
  • Tourette’s syndrome

Formal versus self-diagnosis

A staff member does not have to have a formal diagnosis of neurodivergence to ask for reasonable adjustments or increased support in the workplace.


As professionals, we understand how difficult and time-consuming it is to pursue a diagnosis and do not wish for this to be a barrier to staff wellbeing. Therefore, a formal diagnosis is not required to receive additional support and reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

 

Navigate through the toolkit

  1. Resources for employers and managers
  2. Resources for staff members and applicants
  3. Suggested further reading