Join us as we delve into the personal journeys of individuals navigating life with dyslexia and ADHD. In this episode, Nathan Whitbread, founder of The Neurodivergent Coach, shares his insights and experiences from coaching in the neurodiversity space. Discover how late diagnoses, workplace challenges, and personal growth intersect in the lives of those with neurodivergent traits. Nathan's candid discussion offers a unique perspective on the importance of a needs-led approach in education and the workplace. Tune in to explore how understanding and support can transform challenges into strengths.
In this episode, Theo Smith and David Richmond explore the complexities of neurodiversity in the workplace, discussing personal experiences, career transitions, and the importance of supportive policies. They delve into the barriers faced by neurodiverse individuals in employment, the significance of open communication, and the need for organizations to create inclusive environments. David shares insights from his journey, including the development of a neurodiversity policy and the challenges of self-advocacy in a rigid recruitment landscape. In this conversation, David Richmond discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity within organizations, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that consider the perspectives of neurodiverse individuals. He shares his personal journey of self-discovery and advocacy, highlighting the significance of community support and the role of fathers in the neurodiversity conversation. The discussion also touches on the impact of HR practices and technology, particularly AI, in creating supportive environments for neurodiverse individuals.
- The journey of understanding neurodiversity is personal and ongoing.
- Career transitions can lead to discovering one's true potential.
- Rigid policies often create barriers for neurodiverse individuals.
- Open communication is essential for effective support in the workplace.
- Self-advocacy is crucial but often challenging for many individuals.
- Organizational support can significantly impact employee experiences.
- Creating inclusive policies is a vital step towards neurodiversity acceptance.
- Understanding individual needs requires empathy and patience.
- The perception of neurodiverse individuals can differ from reality.
- Starting with the end goal in mind can simplify complex tasks. Organizations often recognize the need for neurodiversity initiatives but struggle with implementation.
- Neurodiverse individuals can provide unique insights into policy development.
- Self-advocacy is crucial for understanding one's own needs and experiences.
- Community support is vital for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
- Dads play an essential role in the neurodiversity conversation and should be included.
- Inclusive spaces are necessary for neurodiverse individuals to thrive.
- HR departments can be both a barrier and a support system for neurodiverse employees.
- Technology, including AI, can aid neurodiverse individuals in their daily tasks.
- Open communication about challenges is important in both personal and professional settings.
- Understanding neurodiversity benefits everyone, not just those who identify as neurodiverse.
In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, guest James Driver shares his personal journey with neurodiversity, discussing his experiences with dyslexia and the potential for ADHD. The conversation explores the challenges faced in early education and the workplace, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. James highlights the need for education around neurodiversity, particularly in startup environments, and discusses initiatives to create supportive work cultures. The episode concludes with insights on the impact of open conversations about neurodiversity in fostering inclusive workplaces. In this conversation, James Driver discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity in the workplace, the implementation of reasonable adjustments, and the feedback received on new policies. He emphasizes the need for ongoing education and support for neurodivergent employees, the integration of AI in HR practices, and the cultural perspectives that influence how neurodiversity is perceived. The discussion highlights the importance of individualized support and the necessity for organizations to take proactive steps in creating inclusive environments.takeaways
Interested to connect or reach our guest James Driver, you can find him here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdriver/
In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, Grant Harris shares his journey as a neurodiverse individual and the work he does to promote neuroinclusion and diversity in organisations.
He discusses his late diagnosis of autism, the challenges he faced in communication, and the importance of community and family support.
Grant also highlights his experience in writing books on DEIA and his consulting work aimed at helping organisations implement effective diversity practices.
Takeaways
Find and connect with Grant on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantharris555/
In this conversation, Theo Smith and Steven Ingram discuss the importance of neurodiversity and neuro-inclusion in the workplace. Steven shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent individual and the founding of Neurodiversity Together, emphasizing the need for organisations to adopt inclusive practices that benefit all employees. They explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly in parenting and workplace settings, and the importance of flexibility and understanding in fostering a supportive environment. The discussion also touches on the future of neurodiversity and the potential for positive change in organizational cultures.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
keywords:
face blindness, aphantasia, brain damage, recognition, strengths, writing, book, faceblind, subjective experience, neuroscience, neurodiversity, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, synesthesiatakeaways
In this episode, Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby discuss the challenges parents face when their children go through transitions, such as starting school or moving to a new school. They emphasize the importance of supporting parents and addressing their stress, anxiety, and mental health. Amanda shares her experiences as a parent and grandparent, highlighting the small but significant details that can make a big difference in preparing children for transitions. They discuss the importance of planning ahead, creating visual timetables, and providing structure and support for children during these transitions. In this conversation, Amanda and Theo discuss strategies for parents of neurodiverse children to navigate the challenges of back-to-school season. They emphasize the importance of understanding and accommodating individual needs, creating a positive relationship with schools, and prioritizing key areas of support. They also highlight the significance of listening to and observing children to better understand their needs and preferences. The conversation concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and to appreciate the unique qualities of neurodiverse children.
Keywords parenting, transitions, stress, anxiety, mental health, support, planning, visual timetables, structure, neurodiversity, back-to-school, individual needs, positive relationship, support, listening, observing, self-care
Takeaways
TitlesSound BitesChapters00:00Supporting Parents Through Transitions03:09The Importance of Planning and Visual Timetables19:28Creating Structure and Support for Children23:08The Impact of Small Details on Coping with Transitions30:07Building a Positive Relationship with Schools35:15Prioritizing Key Areas of Support41:22Listening and Observing: Understanding Your Child's Needs45:20Being Kind to Yourself: The Long Game of Parenting
In this conversation, Theo Smith and Ceri Reed discuss the challenges faced by neurodiverse families and the need for parental support.
They highlight the impact of neurodivergence on parents' careers and income, as well as the mental health challenges they face.
They emphasise the importance of a needs-led approach in education and the need for parents to advocate for their children.
They also discuss the need for a whole family approach and the role of third-sector support. The conversation touches on the lack of sustainable support hubs and the challenges faced by young people during transitions.
The conversation covers various topics related to supporting neurodivergent children in school, including anxiety, social and emotional needs, educational support, and individual strengths.
The importance of modeling positive behavior and avoiding catastrophising is emphasised. Chapters could be organised around these themes.
Takeaways
Keywords
neurodivergent families, parental support, needs-led approach, advocacy, whole family approach, third-sector support, support hubs, transitions, neurodivergent children, school support, anxiety, social and emotional needs, educational support, individual strengths
In this episode, Theo Smith interviews Mitch Leppicello about anxiety and stress in relation to autism. They discuss the evolution of understanding autism, the shift from Asperger's syndrome to autism spectrum, and the importance of neurodiversity.
Mitch shares his experience working with parents and caregivers, emphasising the need for support and understanding.
He introduces his CALM Compass Autism Parenting Program, which focuses on connecting, articulating, lifting, and moving to help individuals with autism and their families navigate stress factors and self-regulate. The program aims to empower parents and create a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism in schools and workplaces.
The conversation explores the challenges faced by parents of neurodiverse children and the importance of understanding and supporting their unique needs. The hosts discuss the ineffectiveness of punishment and the need to address the underlying barriers that prevent children from meeting expectations.
They emphasise the importance of staying connected with children during moments of dysregulation and understanding that behavior is a result of thoughts and feelings. The conversation also highlights the impact of neurodiversity on families and the need for support systems. The hosts provide insights on how parents can effectively communicate with their children and seek the support they need.
Takeaways
Keywords
autism, anxiety, stress, neurodiversity, Asperger's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, parenting, support, CALM Compass Autism Parenting Program, neurodiversity, parenting, support, punishment, barriers, dysregulation, behavior, communication
In this conversation, Mel Francis, a HR professional specializing in neurodiversity, shares her personal journey as a single parent of a child with neurodiverse needs. The discussion covers the challenges of balancing work and advocacy, the gendered responsibilities of parenting, the impact of single parenthood, and the difficulties faced in accessing support and understanding for neurodiverse children within the education system. The conversation covers a range of topics related to neurodiversity, education, support, and transition into the workplace. It explores the challenges and successes of parenting a neurodivergent child, the impact of diagnosis, the role of schools in providing support, and the complexities of transitioning into the workforce. The discussion also delves into societal perceptions, the need for cultural intelligence, and the importance of creating neuro-inclusive environments.
Keywords
neurodiversity, parenting, single parenthood, work-life balance, gender roles, advocacy, education system, neurodiverse children, support, challenges, neurodiversity, education, support, transition, neurodivergent, diagnosis, school, workplace, societal perceptions, cultural intelligence, neuro-inclusive environmentsTakeaways
In this podcast episode, Theo Smith interviews Hannah Litt, a neurodivergent advocate, about her experiences with ADHD and OCD.
Hannah discusses the importance of intersectionality and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in navigating systems that were not built for them.
She emphasizes the need for validation, support, and understanding from both organizations and communities. Hannah also highlights the impact of past trauma and the role of parents in advocating for their neurodivergent children.
She calls for empathy, equity, and an intersectional approach in creating inclusive environments for everyone.
Keywords: neurodiversity, intersectionality, ADHD, OCD, support, validation, trauma, education system, parents, organisations, empathy, equity, inclusion
Takeaways
You can find out more about Hannah and her work here:
https://hannahlitt.com/
Neurodiversity with Theo Smith and Friends - A to Z of Parenting Series
Welcome to the first episode of "Neurodiversity with Theo Smith and Friends - A-Z of Parenting!"
In this exciting new series, we dive into the A to Z of parenting, inspired by our upcoming book co-authored by the incredible Professor Amanda Kirby.
Through this podcast, we explore the narratives and lived experiences of extraordinary individuals, providing insights and support for parents navigating the neurodiversity journey.
In today's episode, we're honored to have Rich Ferriman, a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD individual, a devoted parent to four children, who are neurodiverse, and a renowned consultant and speaker in the field of neurodiversity.
Rich shares his profound journey, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of raising neurodivergent children, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical strategies for creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
Key Discussion Points:
Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation that aims to empower and support parents of neurodivergent children. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments!
Join us for an insightful conversation with Gem Parker from EY, a seasoned recruitment expert with nearly 18 years of experience.
In this episode, Gem shares her journey from agency recruitment to in-house roles in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and professional services.
She delves into the importance of candidate engagement, strategic workforce planning, and the serendipitous moment that led her to champion inclusivity and diversity in recruitment at EY.
Discover innovative strategies for creating talent communities, overcoming systemic challenges in finding diverse candidates, and the role of technology and human touch in enhancing the candidate experience.
Whether you're a recruiter, a candidate or manager, Gem's passion and practical insights will leave you inspired.
Key themes: