Abstract:

This project set out to:
1) advance understanding of how individuals with various neurodiversity’s survive and thrive in the workplace,
2) explore what these individuals need from executive education programmes.

Forms of neurodivergence include dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyspraxia among others. These neurological differences impact on individuals’ information processing and functioning.

As part of a growing agenda for diverse and inclusive workplaces, organizations are now recognising the value of neurodiversity, and are partnering with various experts to provide training for HR professionals to embrace neurodiverse candidates. As a first step it is important that we understand what neurodiverse employees want and need from managers, colleagues and leadership development programmes. Therefore, this initial phase of research aimed to investigate the work and employment experiences of the neurodiverse, with a view to identifying positive changes and additions that could be implemented by executive teams, managers and education providers.

We have spoken to 13 individuals, with a diagnosed neurodiversity, about their career trajectory and experiences of executive education or adult learning. Participants represented a range of neurodiversity’s including ADHD, Dsylexia and Dsypraxia. They ranged in age from 25 to 78 years old and worked in a variety of sectors both public and private. Some were working in entry level jobs, while others had progressed to more senior roles with significant responsibility. Some were self-employed while others worked within an organisation. Their level of satisfaction with their current or previous jobs varied, as one would expect from any cross-section of society. While the majority were interviewed, several felt more comfortable completing an online survey and were given the opportunity to do so. Preliminary analysis was conducted to identify common themes across the dataset that reflect the narratives of neurodiverse individuals at work. Through this paper we present an overview of the initial findings and recommendations.

Findings suggest that while neurodiverse employees face challenges in the workforce, these challenges can be overcome with understanding, adaptation and the employ of new technologies, apps and software. Crucially, neurodiverse employees have much to offer with unique ways of processing information, problem solving and communicating. Employers and education institutions must ensure they are facilitating inclusive working practices at all levels and continue to acknowledge the untapped potential of those with neuro-diversity.

Keywords:

Neurodiversity, Executive Education, Inclusion, Diversity.