Career Strategies For Neurodivergent Professionals

Neurodiversity is the concept that there is natural variation in the way the human mind works. Rather than listing people with neurological problems with the stigma of “disabled”, this term was coined in the 90’s by Judy Singer to explain biological diversity amongst people including all types of minds was just as important as it is to include all types of races or ideologies.

Neurodivergence can cover a wide range of conditions, from ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, and many more. Almost 20% of the world is neurodivergent, and it can be difficult for them to achieve successful careers using traditional paths.

Here are some strategies to achieve successful careers for neurodivergent individuals.

The first step to success is to understand and evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses. Develop a deep understanding of your own cognitive and emotional strengths. For instance, individuals with ADHD might have strong creative abilities, while those with autism might possess incredible attention to detail or pattern recognition skills. Try to amplify or spotlight these skills while interviewing for jobs.

Employers are actually quite responsive to requests for accommodations once you have secured a job due to them falling under the American with Disabilities Act. Teams with neurodiversity tend to be 30% more productive, so the company sees value in its neurodivergent workers, and will support you with tools, flexible hours, and choices like remote work. It’s important for you to actively communicate to succeed.

If you think things like noise-cancelling headphones or other sensory changes might improve your workspace, voice your concerns.

There are many apps that can help you succeed now that wouldn’t have existed for these conditions a few years ago. Text-to-speech and speech-to-text apps remove any stress dyslexia may give people while working. Task management software and apps keep you organized for people with ADHD that lack the ability to focus on giant projects for too long.

Neurodivergent people tend to struggle in the field of communication more than neurotypical people. Strengthening your communication skills is an excellent way to succeed in any career.

There are various ways to improve communication skills. Sometimes this might involve practicing “work” based conversations outside of the with friends and family to improve your skills and confidence. Sometimes, it’s good to find topics you connect with your colleagues on and stick to those if they’re what you prefer to talk about. Another strategy is to make friends with some people online rather than in person if it feels less likely to cause overstimulation.

Connect with mentors who understand neurodiversity and can provide guidance tailored to your experiences. They can offer insights into navigating workplace dynamics and advancing your career.

A mentor can be anyone from someone you look up to in your office or field of work to another neurodivergent individual who is successful. Join communities and networks that celebrate neurodiversity to share experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

The path to success starts with you. Be proactive in advocating for neurodiversity inclusion initiatives within your workplace. Educate your peers and supervisors about how neurodiversity adds value to the organization. Show through your work how you do not have a disability in any way, so when rare times come when you do show impairment, the company brushes it off as minor mistake. Maintain open communication, share personal experiences, and build supportive networks.

These strategies are designed to enable neurodivergent individuals to thrive in their careers by using their unique strengths and help them navigate workplace challenges. Building a supportive network and continuously developing self-awareness are key components to achieving long-term career fulfillment. Encourage continuous learning, adapt to changes, and seek mentorship opportunities regularly.