What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the concept that all human brains are different and function in unique ways. In other words, people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.

Related Terms

• Neurodivergent (ND): An individual whose brain functions in ways that diverge significantly fro the dominant societal standards; "typical"
• Neurotypical (NT): An individual whose brain functions within the range considered typical for their age and culture‍
• Neurodivergence: The state of having a brain that functions differently from the "typical" brain

Common Neurodivergent Conditions

The following conditions are most commonly included under the neurodvergent umbrella.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Definition: A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, social interaction, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities
• Key Traits/Differences:
  • Difficulty with reciprocal social interaction (e.g., understanding non-verbal cues)
  • Intense, specific interests (hyperfocus)
  • Need for routine and predictability
  • Sensory processing differences (over- or under-sensitivity to light, sound, texture, etc.)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Definition: A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development

• Key Traits/Differences:
  • Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus on non-stimulating tasks, organisational challenges, and forgetfulness
  • Hyperactivity: Excessive motor activity, restlessness, or difficulty remaining seated
  • Impulsivity: Acting without considering consequences, interrupting others, or difficulty with emotional regulation
  • Note: Many adults with ADHD present more with inattention (sometimes historically called ADD) and 'internal' restlessness

Dyslexia

• Definition: A specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It is not an issue of intelligence

• Key Traits/Differences:
  • Difficulties with phonological awareness (the sound structure of language)
  • Slow reading speed or low reading accuracy
  • Challenges with spelling and written expression
  • Strengths often include strong visual-spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder - DCD)

• Definition: A neurological condition that affects physical coordination, motor skills (fine and gross), and movement planning

• Key Traits/Differences:
  • Difficulties with fine motor tasks (e.g., handwriting, tying shoelaces, using cutlery)
  • Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated (tripping, bumping into things)
  • Challenges with organisation, time management, and sequencing tasks

Other Common Conditions

• Dyscalculia: A specific learning difficulty involving persistent challenges with number-based concepts, arithmetic, and mathematical reasoning‍
• Dysgraphia: Difficulty with the physical act of writing, including handwriting legibility, spacing, and expressing thoughts through written language‍
• Tourette Syndrome (TS): A condition that involves involuntary movements and sounds (tics)

The impact at work - statistics

Capacity to perform their roles

- Almost three-quarters of neurodiverse workers are currently experiencing ill mental health at work

- 51% of neurodivergent employees have taken time off work due to issues related to their neurodivergence

- Neurodivergent individuals were found to have a 45% probability of being employed and suffering with worry/anxious feelings

- The most prevalent concerns among neurodivergent individuals are being easily distracted or sidetracked (59%) and a lack of focus and engagement (56%)

- 90% of employees with ADHD report work errors, conflicts, or working extra hours as a result of challenges managing their symptoms

- Two-thirds of employees with ADHD find work challenging on a daily basis, with 80% struggling to maintain focus and over 50% finding it difficult to manage their time

Insufficient workplace support

- Half of neurodivergent people surveyed reported being off work in the last year due to a lack of sufficient workplace support for their condition

- Nearly one in three neurodivergent employees are not satisfied with the current support (accommodations) they receive at work

- 65% of managers admitted they did not have enough knowledge to support neurodivergent employees

- Among autistic employees who requested adjustments, over a quarter were refused, and more than 1 in 10 found the adjustment was poorly implemented

- 65% of neurodivergent employees fear discrimination from management

- 55% of neurodivergent employees fear discrimination from colleagues

- 40% of neurodivergent employees feel there are not enough knowledgeable staff at work to support neurodivergent workers

The benefits of neurodiversity support

- Higher Productivity: Teams with neurodivergent professionals in certain roles are found to be up to 30% more productive than those without them

- Superior Quality: Professionals in JPMorgan Chase's "Autism at Work" initiative were found to have fewer errors and were 90% to 140% more productive than neurotypical employees in the same roles.

- Innovation Advantage: Cognitively diverse teams, which include neurodivergent individuals, are 30% more effective at problem-solving and show a 30% improvement in identifying risks compared to homogeneous teams

Neurodiversity support through Fertifa

Check in with your HR team to see what kind of neurodiversity support or benefits you may be entitled to. For those who have access to our neurodiversity services with Fertifa, support is available through our dedicated clinical network. In partnership with organisations such as Melios, Sloane Court Clinic, Neurobox, Psicon and Lexxic, we provide personalised care for a wide range of neurodiverse conditions, including ADHD, dyslexia, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder and more.

Our clinical partners can carry out diagnostic assessments where appropriate, and refer individuals back to us for ongoing support. This may include medication, therapy, coaching, specialist software and equipment, coloured lenses and other tailored tools to help manage symptoms more effectively.

We also offer workplace needs assessments. These are available whether or not someone has a formal diagnosis, and are designed to identify simple, practical adjustments that can make day-to-day work more accessible and sustainable.

Simple adjustments for neurodivergent employees can make a significant difference. When people with ADHD feel understood and supported, they are far more likely to thrive, contribute fully and feel confident in their role. If you want to learn more about how you can support your employees with ADHD and what neurodiversity support is available as a Fertifa patient, book a call with us today.