We know that diverse teams perform better. When team members bring a variety of skills, qualities and perspectives, they are more likely to solve problems and be innovative. Adopting neuroinclusive ways of working can create high-performing neurodivergent teams.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. Whilst we all see the world differently, research suggests that 1 in 7 of the population is neurodivergent. This includes people who are autistic, and those with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette's syndrome. Many neurodivergent people have more than one diagnosis.

It is likely that your organisation is already neurodiverse – with both neurodivergent and neurotypical staff.

Neurodivergent strengths

Cognitive strengths

We know from research that autistic and neurodivergent people can have cognitive strengths that allow them to outperform their neurotypical peers. These include:

• Attention to detail
• Logical analysis
• Higher sustained concentration
• Particular interests and expertise with excellent retention of information
• Different approaches to problems

Qualities

We know that autistic people often have the qualities and values that employers value too:

• Honesty
• Loyalty to a job
• Reliability

Supporting neurodivergent employees

Neurodivergent people can only perform to their best if we embrace new ways of working and support them with their strengths and challenges.

By taking part in the Neurodiversity Employers Index, NDEI®, your organisation can take part in the only gold-standard evidence-based neuroinclusion tool to attract and support neurodiverse teams. Free for a limited time only.

Learn more about best practices by registering for updates and get access to our Employers Guide to Neurodiversity.