Most people are aware of the importance of a diverse workforce. When men and women from different backgrounds and generations working together, we all benefit from the unique perspective each brings to the table.
Race, ethnicity, age, sex and religion are commonly recognized when considering diversity. But the different ways each of us learn and process information?
Definition neurodiversity
business owners, employers and employees are increasingly recognizing neurodiversity in their workplaces. Neurodiversity is to recognize and celebrate the neurological differences between people. Some common neurological differences include dyslexia deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
While the movement recognizes many conditions, most of the attention is focused on the integration of people with autism in the workplace. Autism, a condition marked by atypical social skills, difficulty communicating and different concerns and interests, has increased tenfold over the last 40 years. Today, a 68 American children is on the autism spectrum. For reasons not fully understood, men are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than females.
The "spectrum" refers to various degrees of differences individuals with ASD display. About 40 percent of people on the autism spectrum have average or above average intellectual abilities. Others, meanwhile, are completely nonverbal. Then there are Asperger syndrome, a condition that is similar, though milder-than autism.
The neurodiversity movement came out of the autistic civil rights movement in the 190s teams work to help people "neurotypical" refrain from view autism and other conditions as diseases or disorders that have needs to be healed. Instead, they advocate the recognition of individuals neurodiverse talents bring to the table.
Neurodiversity in the workplace
People with neurological disorders include a variety of jobs. Many people with ASD score high on intelligence tests and have a special talent for music, math and more. Many also have a special talent to focus on small details and work with systems (as opposed to others). These are great skills for a software engineer, statistician or someone who works in quality control to have.
Erie Insurance is proud to employ neurodiverse people and promote the importance of neurodiverse workplace. ERIE recently organized a "lunch and learn" Neurodiversity special event for employees interested in learning how to work more effectively with colleagues who are neurologically different.
Want to learn more about promoting an environment ? inclusive workplace for people neurodiverse Then check out the following books recommended by corporate librarian ERIE:
- Asperger's on the job: Must-Have Tips for people with Asperger's or high functioning autism, and their employers, educators and Advocates Rudy Simone
- How to find work that works for people with Asperger's syndrome: the Ultimate Guide to bring people with Asperger syndrome in the workplace Gail Hawkins
- Management with Asperger syndrome , Malcolm Johnson
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