Neurodiversity in the workplace
I'm grateful for my experience as a student at the University of Essex.
I graduated from the University of Essex 9 years ago, and in that time, I have worked exclusively in higher education. I believe one of the reasons for staying within the higher education system since graduating was the sense of belonging, I developed in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre studies (LiFTS) at Essex.
I've worked in many areas of higher education including, student transitions and engagement, assessment, and timetabling. Currently, I work at the University of the Arts in London as the Course Timetabling Lead for the Screen School. I also do lots of work surrounding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, both in my own time and as part of university initiatives. As part of my work at the university, I deliver training and lectures on how AI can be used to empower neurodivergent individuals during the recruitment process. I am regularly consulted by Deans and Directors when it comes to neuro-inclusion best practice.
I'm grateful for my experience as a student at the University of Essex. I couldn't have asked for much better. One of my professors really went above and beyond in the second year of my undergraduate degree and took a chance by advising me to explore a dyslexia diagnosis, as my academic writing and class participation were disproportionately stronger compared to my exam results. I was given a positive diagnosis of memory-based dyslexia, and that's where my journey of understanding my brain truly began. After my diagnosis, I was able to start stepping away from the shame of just feeling like I wasn't enough, or stupid, or limited. Instead, I was able to start learning about the social model of disability, which focuses on how to foster an environment that enables you as an individual.
At the University of the Arts in London, my current workplace, we can count a huge proportion of our staff as neurodivergent. Just by me communicating my needs clearly and kindly explaining the consequences of not having the environment I need; my workplace well-being and the quality of my work has significantly improved. It just goes to show what an enabling and kind environment can do for a person.
We now live in a world where, for the most part, neurodivergent isn't just a synonym for odd. Education and professional sectors alike still have a long way to go when it comes to creating enabling environments, but from what I've observed, the key to getting the best out of yourself in your environment is to be curious about your own mind and to explore adjustments. You don't have to get it right the first time.
You don't have to be worried to change your adjustments further down the line after discovering you may need something else. My best advice is to do your research, join forums and networks both within and outside your workplace, because there are people who may be further along in their journey who can impart knowledge and little hacks that you can deploy in your everyday life that will make your day just a bit easier.
Use your time in education as an opportunity to try out new ways of working, because the adjustments that you implement then come with you into the workplace. There is nothing better to have than self-awareness and the ability to self-advocate.
If you're a current student, find out about the support available to you through the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service.