Input: “Introduction to neurodiversity – recognizing potential, understanding needs”
What does the concept of neurodiversity mean? What requirements and needs do neurodivergent employees have in the workplace, and how can managers support neurodivergent employees, such as people with ADHD, or on the autism spectrum? What are the typical challenges and barriers in workplace environments, and what special aspects are relevant for team interactions?
Christin Engel from the AutARK project discussed these and other questions with over 30 participants during an online training event (90 minutes) at TU Dresden, organized by the Centre for Continuing Education (ZfW). The event was targeted explicitly at people with personnel responsibility, which defined the focus of the event. Accordingly, particular attention was paid to tasks, opportunities and the potential for action from the perspective of those with human resources responsibility. Participants were first given an introduction to the concept of neurodiversity, taking a look at the topic from different perspectives. The main focus was on the characteristics and needs of employees on the autism spectrum and with AD(H)S. Furthermore, the heterogeneous, invisible barriers and challenges of neurodivergent people as well as the negative implications of unsuitable working conditions were highlighted along with the underlying mechanisms. The goal: Creating empathy in order to strengthen one’s own ability to act and to better recognize and classify specific needs of neurodivergent people. This forms the basis for establishing positive working environments and cultures for all employees that enable everyone to benefit from collaboration and the advantages associated to diverse teams.
Note: Are you interested in the slides of the talk, or in a similar event? Please contact us at autark@tu-dresden.de. Alternatively you can contact the speaker directly at christin.engel@tu-dresden.de.