Autism Guernsey has launched a new online toolkit for organisations with neurodivergent employees, customers, and clients.
Autism Guernsey’s ‘Neurodiversity Network Resource Hub‘ is a free online portal for organisations who want to “foster inclusive environments” for autistic employees, as well as those with ADHD, dyslexia, and other types of neurodiversity.
The hub is full of “evidence-based guidance, templates, and practical tools” to help firms set up support groups for neurodivergent employees to “share experiences, support each other and raise issues that need addressing”.
Autism Guernsey’s Education Manager, Martine Ellis, said groups like this, known as ‘neurodiversity networks’, were designed to help create “workplaces where everyone can thrive”.
Removing barriers
The charity’s CEO, Julia Watt, said inclusive workplaces begin “with understanding and engagement”.
“By providing these resources freely to the community, we aim to remove barriers and encourage organisations to harness the strengths of all minds,” she added.
The charity also launched a new podcast this week to help raise awareness of autism and spark conversation.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a catch-all term for people whose brains work differently to so-called ‘neurotypical’ people.
It includes well-known conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia, as well as less-familiar conditions like dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome and misophonia.
Many neurodivergent people struggle in the workplace, for a number of reasons.
These can include unclear instructions, noisy offices, or unsympathetic managers and colleagues.
Under Guernsey law, employers are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help their disabled employees – including neurodivergent people – to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
These adjustments can often be simple and inexpensive.
Examples include:
- Giving employees clear, unambiguous instructions in writing
- Not getting frustrated when neurodivergent employees ask clarifying questions
- Allowing people to wear noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders
- Letting people work from home or other parts of their workplace
- Giving meetings clear agendas and avoiding vague terms like ‘quick catch up’
- Allowing people to have their cameras off in video meetings
- Using to-do lists apps like Trello or Microsoft Planner to help people prioritise their tasks