The term “Neurodiversity” recognises and celebrates the fact that we are all ‘wired’ differently, and will therefore bring different ways of thinking, feeling and doing to our work and to our lives. I am passionate about advocating for greater awareness, inclusion and self-advocacy for all forms of Neurodiversity.
About 15-20% of the population is described as neurodivergent – a term that is currently used to encompass such cognitive differences as dyslexia, ADD / ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, Tourette’s and more. The term neurotypical is used for the larger proportion of people who are not neurodivergent. Other terms used include neurominority or neurodifferent; also neurocognition.
The terminology around Neurodiversity is constantly changing, so please be patient with me if the terms that I use here do not exactly mirror your understanding and preferences.
We all have a combination of strengths in some cognitive capabilities, and challenges in others. People who are neurodivergent tend to have what are known as “spiky” profiles: a more marked difference between the strengths and the challenges.
Examples of the cognitive skills involved include logic and reasoning, visual perception and spacial awareness, short and long term memory, creativity, literacy and numeracy. Other areas include senses and feelings, organisation and time management, motor skills, speaking and listening skills and general social interactions.
We can all learn to be more aware of our own and others’ strengths and challenges and how to make better use of those strengths. We can also identify and develop strategies and resources around such areas as communication, working styles and work place design to be more inclusive and adaptive in addressing our own and others’ challenges.
Do get in touch to explore how I can help you develop greater awareness, inclusivity and self-advocacy for Neurodiversity in your workplace and in your everyday life. I can deliver awareness seminars, and am also happy to have ad hoc conversations, as well as providing one-to-one coaching in this context.
Testimonials
“Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm around Neurodiversity and the implication for us as coaches [at the Herts Coaching Group]. The interest you generated was apparent in the chat, questions and discussion.”
Doug Montgomery, PhD, PCC, CSA Accredited Coach Supervisor, Executive Coach and Owner of Elmbank Coaching Ltd.
“I was really looking forward to this overview by Elisabeth for my local coaches’ group as I have a real passion for coaching in this area and am always looking to learn more and also discuss the topic more widely.
I found the content interesting and particularly liked the piece on medical vs social models of disability. I also found the piece on Robert Dilts Logical Levels a useful reminder.”
Amanda Bettridge, Cambridge Coaching Group
“The whole coaching experience was fantastic for my personal development, especially during a time of change. I enjoyed how we would start work on one objective and find that it interwove with another. I have learnt some clear tools that I can implement in my working life. I have built my confidence, learnt some techniques on influencing and have learnt to be more introspective when approaching tasks. My suggestion to you would be to continue to allow sessions to flow depending on how the person is feeling, continue to check-in, and make it clearer at the start the options around the structure – especially with neurodivergent people as they may not know what they need but might benefit from your check-in emails.”
Lili V.