Embracing diversity of thought

Our employee led Neurodiversity Network aims to improve knowledge regarding neurodiversity and neuro-divergence and provide a supportive forum for our neuro-divergent colleagues and those with neuro-divergent family, friends or colleagues.

Dougie from our Nuclear Decommissioning business shares his experience of neurodiversity

When my daughter was a toddler, we noticed that she was behaving differently to what is considered ‘normal’. She was assessed and diagnosed with the following neurodivergent conditions:

• Autism, which affects how you communicate, experience and interact with the world.
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a developmental impairment of the brain’s executive functions which can display as inattention and/or hyperactivity.
• Dyspraxia, which can show as problems with movement, balance, and motor skills.

Morag has her challenges but is a typical child, interested in everything, chatty, clever and fun. During these diagnoses, I realised that I have similar behaviours, which led to me being diagnosed with ADHD in December last year.

What challenges have you faced?

People with ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions, generally have poorer mental health. I suffer from anxiety and depression and day-to-day my mental health can vary greatly.

The NHS has limited resources, so we decided to use private healthcare providers to assess Morag and me, and the NHS accepted the outcomes. Girls can mask behaviours, though there is more understanding and recognition of this now.

Friends and colleagues see you functioning ‘normally’ and you learn how to hide it, which takes its toll mentally. People often don’t understand these complex conditions, which are unique to every individual.

You're part of the Neurodiversity Network. How can this help?

It’s been hugely supportive. It’s hard to know where to turn, you can find articles online but it’s important to speak with people who really understand what you are going through and are keen to help others.

As part of being an inclusive organisation, we have a real opportunity to drive change and educate. We can make the workplace better for everyone, whether you are neurodivergent or not.

What advice would you give anyone who is neurodiverse or supporting family or friends?

Firstly, make sure you get the right information from reputable sources. Our neurodiversity network is not just for neurodivergent people, but for anyone wanting to understand more. We cover different topics each month and have a special ‘time to talk’ session.

There is a huge difference between thinking you have a condition to a medical professional telling you that you do so I’d encourage you to get an assessment for peace of mind. And remember that every one of us is different, we all have our own views, thoughts and ways we process information.

What else can colleagues do to support the neurodiverse community?

It’s important to understand that being neurodivergent can have its advantages too. For example, because of my ADHD I think quickly and can see multiple solutions to problems in parallel. I can be hyper-focused and energetic, which can also help motivate others. I’d like people to be open-minded, compassionate and prepared to learn. You can be neurodivergent and still be effective, you just might need different tools to succeed at work.