In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, Sarah Dixon, Director of the Accessible Learning Foundation, shares her inspiring journey from a successful career in law and property to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodivergent communities.

Motivated by her experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children, Sarah discusses the importance of early identification and support for neurodivergent individuals in schools, workplaces, and prisons.

She highlights the challenges faced in these areas, including funding and cultural barriers, and emphasises the need for systemic change to create a more inclusive society.

Sarah also shares her aspirations for the future of ALF and how individuals can get involved in supporting this vital work.

• Sarah transitioned from a successful legal career to advocate for neurodivergent communities.
• Her personal experiences as a parent motivated her advocacy work.
• Early identification and support for neurodivergent individuals are crucial.
• The Accessible Learning Foundation focuses on schools, prisons, and workplaces.
• Funding and time constraints are significant barriers in education.
• Cultural change is needed in workplaces to support neurodivergent employees.
• Diagnosis can empower individuals to understand their strengths and challenges.
• Community engagement is essential for driving change in neurodiversity advocacy.
• Sarah emphasizes the importance of every conversation being a positive one.
• The future of ALF includes expanding early identification programs and community outreach.

You Can find out more here:

https://www.accessiblelearningfoundation.org/

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Steve Collinson, Chief HR Officer at Zurich Insurance UK, to discuss a crucial topic: neurodiversity in the workplace. 🤝 🔍 Key Takeaways: - **Rethinking Recruitment**: Zurich is pioneering inclusive hiring processes to remove barriers for neurodivergent candidates. - **Data-Driven Insights**: Research revealed that 63% of neurodivergent adults feel employers see neurodiversity as a red flag. Zurich is using this data to drive change. - **Practical Initiatives**: From clear job descriptions to flexible interview formats, Zurich is implementing strategies to support neurodivergent individuals. - **Employee Feedback**: Listening to neurodiverse colleagues has been instrumental in shaping Zurich's initiatives. - **Supportive Environment**: Zurich offers neurodiversity assessments and flexible working options, ensuring employees can thrive. Steve shared Zurich's journey, emphasizing the importance of concrete actions over mere presentations. With 1 in 7 people in the UK being neurodivergent, it's vital to create an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. 🌈 Zurich's efforts are not just about compliance but about genuinely making the workplace better for everyone. By focusing on neurodiversity, they are tapping into a valuable talent pool and fostering a culture of understanding and support. 🌟 Let's continue to push for inclusivity and make our workplaces a haven for all talents. 💼✨ #Neurodiversity #InclusiveWorkplace #HR #Recruitment #DiversityAndInclusion #ZurichInsurance #WorkplaceInclusion #NeurodivergentTalent #EmployeeSupport #FlexibleWorking #DataDrivenHR

In this episode Theo Smith speaks with Nicole Bateman, a SEND advisor and co-founder of the Super Sensory Squad.

They discuss Nicole's journey from being a teacher to advocating for children with sensory needs, the importance of understanding sensory processing, and practical strategies for parents and activity providers to support children.

The conversation highlights the significance of creating inclusive environments and the impact of parental experiences on education.

Takeaways

• Nicole Bateman is a SEND advisor and co-founder of the Super Sensory Squad.
• The Super Sensory Squad uses penguin characters to teach children about sensory systems.
• Understanding sensory and emotional regulation is crucial for children's learning.
• Nicole's journey began after her son was diagnosed with epilepsy and autism.
• Parents often leave teaching roles to support their children with additional needs.
• It's important to look beneath a child's behavior to understand their needs.
• Creating a predictable environment helps children feel in control.
• Activity providers need training to support children with sensory differences.
• Regulation strategies can include proprioceptive input and sensory-friendly activities.
• Future aspirations include getting the Super Sensory Squad animated for wider reach.

In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, David Plink, CEO of Top Employers Institute, shares insights on the intersection of neurodiversity, inclusion, and leadership. The conversation explores the importance of understanding neurodiversity in the workplace, the role of organizations in fostering inclusive environments, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in neurodiversity initiatives. David emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how organizations approach neurodiversity, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and community in creating supportive workplaces. The discussion also touches on global perspectives on neurodiversity and the future of work, advocating for personalized and adaptable work environments that cater to diverse needs. Takeaways: - Neurodiversity is a unique way of looking at the world. - Personal experiences drive the importance of neurodiversity. - Organizations need to create a culture of openness. - Neurodiversity initiatives are still in early development stages. - Collaboration is key to advancing neuroinclusion. - Different countries are at varying levels of neurodiversity awareness. - Technology can help in creating inclusive recruitment processes. - Understanding neurodivergent perspectives can improve workplace design. - Personalization in the workplace enhances employee experience. - Community building is essential for sharing best practices.

In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, Kimberly Fraser shares her personal journey with dyspraxia, discussing the challenges she faced in education and the workplace. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the impact of early experiences on self-perception, and the need for greater awareness and adaptations in various environments. Kimberly emphasizes the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and advocates for increased dialogue and support for those with dyspraxia.

• Dyspraxia affects individuals differently, impacting memory, concentration, and coordination.
• Early educational experiences can significantly shape self-perception and self-worth.
• Realization of one's neurodiversity can be transformative and empowering.
• Barriers in education and the workplace often stem from a lack of understanding.
• Adaptations in work environments are crucial for neurodiverse individuals to thrive.
• Neurodiverse individuals often possess unique strengths and skills.
• Advocacy for dyspraxia awareness is essential for societal change.
• Reading and connecting with others can help individuals understand their neurodiversity.
• Community support and resources are vital for those discovering their neurodiversity.

neurodiversity, dyspraxia, personal experiences, education, workplace challenges, advocacy, awareness, strengths, self-perception.

In this engaging conversation, Theo Smith and Dave Thompson explore the evolving landscape of neurodiversity and inclusion in the workplace. They discuss Dave's personal journey with neurodiversity, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in traditional work environments, and the importance of moving beyond labels to focus on success enablers. The conversation highlights the need for universal design in workspaces and the emerging trends in neurodiversity-focused employee resource groups. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of creating a more inclusive and empathetic work environment for all individuals, regardless of their neurodivergent status. Takeaways Neurodiversity is an evolving space that requires continuous adaptation. Segregation in education and work can limit opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Neuroinclusion should focus on individual needs rather than creating special programs. Success enablers are more effective than traditional accommodations. Universal design benefits everyone, not just those with specific needs. Employee resource groups are gaining traction in organizations. The future of work will require neurodiversity to be a strategic mandate. Open discussions about needs can lead to better workplace environments. Labels can be limiting; focusing on individual strengths is crucial. Creating a supportive community is essential for neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode, Theo Smith and Nathan discuss Nathan's personal journey with dyspraxia and his passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals.

Nathan founded NeuroExpression, a social enterprise that aims to provide a platform for neurodivergent artists and promote a neurodivergent-friendly world.

They explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support and funding, as well as the need for reasonable adjustments and feedback from the neurodivergent community.

The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique talents and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and the importance of reasonable adjustments. It highlights the negative societal perception of neurodivergence and the need for a more inclusive and understanding culture. The role of AI in supporting neurodivergent individuals is also discussed.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of work and the potential for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship to create more inclusive environments.

Takeaways

• Nathan's personal journey with dyspraxia led him to found NeuroExpression, a social enterprise that empowers neurodivergent individuals and promotes a neurodivergent-friendly world.
• Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in accessing support and funding, and there is a need for reasonable adjustments and feedback from the neurodivergent community.
• The educational system is geared towards verbal thinking, which puts visual thinkers at a disadvantage. There is a need for more awareness and support for different learning styles.
• Grant applications and funding processes can be barriers for neurodivergent individuals, and there is a need to empower them to apply for and be successful in obtaining grants.
• It is important to recognize and value the unique talents and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals and provide platforms for them to showcase their work. Society has a negative confirmation bias towards neurodivergence, seeing it as a barrier rather than a difference.
• Reasonable adjustments are essential to remove barriers for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.
• The culture of the workplace and the attitude of colleagues and management are crucial in creating an inclusive environment.
• AI can be a valuable tool for neurodivergent individuals, enhancing productivity and providing support.
• Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship can offer opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to thrive and contribute their unique strengths.

Key words: neurodiversity, dyspraxia, neurodivergent, social enterprise, empowerment, reasonable adjustments, funding, feedback, neurodivergence, workplace, reasonable adjustments, societal perception, culture, AI, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship

Sadie Dingfelder, a freelance writer and science writer, shares her experiences with face blindness and aphantasia.

She discovered her face blindness when she failed to recognise people she had interviewed just minutes earlier.

Through research and testing, she found that her face blindness may be due to brain damage during birth. She also realised that she has aphantasia, the inability to visualise mental images.

Despite these challenges, Sadie has found strengths in her unique brain, such as being quick to connect with strangers and having a natural talent for writing.

She wrote a book to raise awareness and understanding of these conditions. Sadie Dingfelder's book, 'Do I Know You? A FaceBlind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination,' explores her experiences as a faceblind individual and her journey to understand the science behind it.

She shares her interactions with various researchers and the tests she underwent to understand her condition. Dingfelder also discusses the concept of subjective experience and how scientists are studying it objectively.

She explores other unique experiences, such as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and synesthesia, and the potential benefits of understanding and accommodating different ways of processing and seeing the world.

• Face blindness and aphantasia are conditions that can impact how individuals recognise faces and visualise mental images.
• Face blindness may be genetic or caused by brain damage, and it can affect a person's ability to remember and recognise faces.
• Aphantasia is the inability to visualise mental images, and it can impact how individuals process and remember information.
• Despite these challenges, individuals with face blindness and aphantasia can have unique strengths and talents.
• Writing can be a natural outlet for individuals with aphantasia, as it allows them to explore their thoughts and ideas in a tangible way.
• Raising awareness and understanding of face blindness and aphantasia is important to combat misconceptions and promote empathy. Understanding subjective experience is a growing field of study in neuroscience.
• Different neurodiverse experiences can provide innovative perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
• Accommodating diverse ways of processing and seeing the world can benefit everyone.
• The rapid changes in modern society can pose challenges for human brains to adapt.
• Exploring and understanding unique experiences can lead to new insights and opportunities.

keywords:

face blindness, aphantasia, brain damage, recognition, strengths, writing, book, faceblind, subjective experience, neuroscience, neurodiversity, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, synesthesiatakeaways