Meaning of Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to the different ways our brains process information and interact with the world around us.
Neurodiversity is used as a collective term for separate profiles such as:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
- Tourettes
Whilst each of these are assessed and diagnosed separately, there is some overlap between them, affecting such things as social interaction, attention, absorbing information, sensory processing, communication styles, spatial awareness.
Benefits of Neurodiversity
Employers understand there are benefits in the workplace from having neurodivergent staff.
Whilst neurodivergent individuals might experience challenges in some areas, they are also likely to be strong in other specialisms.
Rather than being ‘generalists’ it is common for neurodivergent people to be very skilled in specific areas at work. If an employer can tap into those specialisms and provide the right platform a neurodivergent worker can thrive in the workplace.
We also believe it is good business practice to embrace diversity because it adds broader experiences and perspectives in the workplace. An organisation’s effectiveness depends on the sum of its parts.
Is Neurodiversity a Disability?
The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as:
a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
This definition shows the focus is on how impairments affect the individual person.
An employer must be mindful of their legal obligations in relation to neurodiversity in the workplace, such as:
- Making reasonable adjustments to practices and procedures to prevent neurodiversity discrimination at work
- Providing auxiliary aids (for example, computer software to help with Dyslexia)
- Ensuring there is no bullying or harassment related to neurodiversity in the workplace
- Avoiding neurodiversity discrimination in recruitment
There are some examples of how Employment Tribunals have considered neurodiversity on our Resources page.
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