Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity, or ND, refers to variations in the human brain and cognition. Although a relatively new term, there is a growing understanding within education, work places, and wider society, that there is individuality and uniqueness in cognitive function, and that neurodivergent individuals may be disadvantaged when neurotypical expectations are imposed on these individuals without reasonable adjustments. ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of "Neurodiversity".
Resources
Ambitious About Autism is an organisation that supports neurodiverse people, offering tools and supportive information relating to employment and employability.
Aucademy was set up by autistic academics, researchers, speakers and trainers, to educate autistic people and non-autistic people about the autistic experience. On the website they have a list of books, articles and resources, on topics such as reasonable adjustments and inclusive learning plans.
Exceptional Individuals provides support to neurodiverse people, including CV support and advice; career coaching; and a mentoring programme.
The Image Project - a range of resources to help students navigate the transition to employment, e.g. how to identify skills and strengths; how to disclose to an employer; how to deal with/avoid conflict relating to autism; how to prepare for a meeting with a careers adviser, etc.
Other:
Auvision is a University of Birmingham project highlighting the experiences of autistic students. In the section on ‘being an autistic student at university’ students share their experiences via several short films.
The Social Connection: an Instagram site where neurodiverse individuals from The University of Exeter and Falmouth University can create a social connection.
- Career Zone Podcast - 'In conversation with Ridi' - Ridi shares her experience of being neurodivergent and how neurodiversity can be explored and supported within the workplace.
- My Career Zone Digital - suite of resources focused on neurodiversity.
- PRO Autism - Free online employability course for autistic people.
- The National Autistic Society offer a free online course on the steps involved in applying for work, interview tips and starting a job
- The British Dyslexia Association has an information and advice page on looking for work; whether to disclose to an employer; how to present your strength, plus links to helpful organisations.
- The Dyspraxia Foundation offers help and advice for jobseekers, on applying for a job; interviews; disclosure; and strategies at work.
Ambitious About Autism run a number of employability programmes to ensure that autistic people can gain employment experience, including paid work experience and supported internships.
Exceptional individuals have a neurodiverse jobs board advertising inclusive companies’ jobs, specifically for neurodivergent people.
The National Autistic Society’s ‘Autism at Work’ programme aims to increase the number of autistic people in sustainable paid employment by making employers aware of autistic talent and the benefits of a truly neurodiverse workforce