This constant effort to fit in often leads toburnout.

However, biases persist.

Conditions such asautism,ADHD,dyslexia, dysgraphia,dyspraxia, and Tourettes syndrome are common examples.

woman stressed out at desk

Delmaine Donson

People without these conditions are referred to as neurotypical.

Being neurodivergent comes with unique challenges at work.

Constant movement, connected desks, and distracting noises can create a sensory overload.

Social dynamics and workplace politics can add to these difficulties.

A lack of understanding and support can lead to burnout or missed professional opportunities.

This gives Casanova more days in the week to recuperate so she can be a better teacher.

Thankfully, her employer understands that.But that isnt the case for everyone.

The fear of stigma or job insecurity can make asking for accommodations an intimidating process.

Provide an Advocate

Neurodivergent people expend a lot of energy in communication.

Constantly having to self-advocate can be draining.

This is reasonable, said Casanova.

Highlight Strengths

Neurodivergent individuals may struggle to summarize their strengths and selling points, Casanova said.

Offering portfolio-based evaluations can showcase their work quality.

Maybe theyre phenomenal coder, but their processing speed is not great, adds Casanova.

Breaking tasks into smaller steps and offering quiet spaces can also improve productivity, said Sultan.

Neurodiversity training for staff and managers can foster an environment where neurodivergent workers can authentically thrive.

EduBirdie.Understanding neurodiversity in the workplace: stumbling block or superpower?.