Neurodiversity in the Workplace Information and Education Toolkit

  • Neurodiversity acknowledges that each person’s brain is unique. Our brains work and interpret information differently and we all bring individual experience, strengths, and assets to a situation. At the heart of neurodiversity is the idea that individual differences are not weaknesses, but that society imposes expectations based on a majority neurotypical population. When not met, this can lead to challenges. 

    This toolkit has been developed to support individuals with neurodiverse conditions and includes the following sections.

    • General Information about Neurodiversity and descriptions of the different types of neurodiversity
    • Information and guidance for staff with neurodiversity
    • Information and guidance for managers 
    • Directory of organisations that support individuals with neurodiversity


    • Very simply, neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information.

      The term Neurodiversity indicates that people naturally think about things differently, process information and learn differently. It is an umbrella term for a set of different skills profiles including dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s syndrome and other conditions. These are ‘spectrum’ conditions, with a wide range of characteristics, which share some common features in terms of how people learn and process information.

      It Is estimated that around 1 In 7 people, more than 15% of people in the UK are neurodivergent. Neurodiversity can impact a range of mental functions including attention, executive function (planning tasks) sensory processing, learning, sociability, and mood. Society, education systems and workplaces are typically designed in a way that suits neurotypical people. This creates challenges for neurodiverse people whose brains do not function in the same way. The impact of this can also change over time and some people will often have characteristics of more than one type of neurodiversity.

      Most forms of neurodiversity are experienced along a ‘spectrum ‘. For example, the effects of dyspraxia on one person can be different for another person with dyspraxia. Neurodiversity is not an illness and cannot be changed – with support and adaptations people can develop strategies to manage their neurodivergent condition. For example, this may include using alarms and reminders to help remember tasks they need to do or wearing headphones or ear defenders to manage sensory overload (becoming overwhelmed by too many senses and sensory stimuli).


      • A staff member does not have to have a formal diagnosis of neurodivergence to ask for reasonable adjustments or increased support in the workplace.

        As professionals, we understand how difficult and time-consuming it is to pursue a diagnosis and do not wish for this to be a barrier to staff wellbeing. Therefore, a formal diagnosis is not required to receive additional support and reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

        • The benefits to an inclusive and diverse workforce are plentiful. Different skills, background and experience improves service delivery. An inclusive and diverse workplace improves retention and strengthens working relationships. Neurodivergent people are great team workers, have excellent caring skills and bring a different and creative perspective to services. Our communities are best served by a workforce that is inclusive and able to understand and be reflective of those they support.

          • Click on the page link below for information on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and for a table of strengths and talents, other traits and misconceptions.

          • Click on the page link below for information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and for a table of strengths and talents, other traits and misconceptions.


          • Click on the page link below for information on Cognitive Function Difficulties or Executive Dysfunction

          • Click on the page link below for information on Dyscalculia and for a table of strengths and talents, other traits and misconceptions.

          • Click on the page link below for information on Dysgraphia.

          • Click on the page link below for information on Dyslexia and for a table of strengths and talents, other traits and misconceptions.


          • Click on the page link below for information on Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and for a table of strengths and talents, other traits and misconceptions.


          • Click on the page link below for information on Misophonia

          • Click on the page link below for information on Slow Processing Speed

          • Click on the page link below for information on Stammering.

          • Click on the page link below for information on Tourette’s Syndrome and for a table of strengths and talents and misconceptions.

          • Click on the page link below for information on Directory of Neurodiversity Support Organisation

          • Click on the page link below for information on Neurodiversity Toolkit Support for Staff

          • Click on the page link below for information on Neurodiversity Toolkit Support For Managers.

          Back to top