Unlocking Potential: Neurodivergence in the Workforce
15 & 16 November 2023 | 9:00am – 12:30pm AEDT | Online
Training Overview
It is estimated that 1 in 8 people are neurodivergent (this includes people who are autistic, dyslexic and on the spectrum) with about 34 percent of the community unemployed, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
However, organisations are recognising the strength that neurodiversity brings to the workforce, with the public sector also embracing neurodivergent staff to solve problems and enhance their ranks.
Research indicates that companies with inclusive and diverse cultures are more likely to achieve financial targets, perform at higher levels, and display innovation and agility. Neurodivergent employees, in particular, contribute to improved team morale, heightened attention to detail, creative problem-solving approaches, and increased productivity compared to neurotypical employees.
The training is designed for individuals who work with, manage, or collaborate with neurodivergent individuals in workplaces that may not be well-equipped to handle neurodiversity. It offers insights into neurodivergence and equips managers with adaptable processes, systems, and communication to uplift neurodivergent staff.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for directors, managers, leads and officers, in charge of transforming all three levels of government including:
Organisational Development, Recruitment
Inclusion and Diversity,
Employee Experience
Capability Development,
HR Business Partners
Learning Outcomes
Debunking myths: Understanding Neurodivergence
Creating a safe and inclusive workplace for neurodivergent team members
Improving communication strategies and using strengths-based language
Managing disclosure and understanding accomodations
Meet Your Facilitator
MEREDITH WARD
Lead Neuro-Inclusion Specialist
Auticon Australia & Aotearoa
In addition to being a mother of an autistic child, Meredith has 20 years’ experience working for several well know NGOs that have a focus on providing better outcomes for autistic people. Meredith is truly passionate about providing a better future for those on the spectrum and communicating the valuable contribution they can make to businesses.
JANE HANCOCK
Lead Neuro-Inclusion Specialist
Auticon Australia & Aotearoa
Jane has a background in Secondary Mathematics/Science teaching and a Master in Inclusive Education specializing in supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum. She has a 22-year-old child, who was diagnosed Autistic at age 3, and in 2020 also received an Autism diagnosis. Jane loves sharing her professional and personal understanding of Autism to promote inclusive workplace and education practices that can help to set Autistic individuals up for success.
Key Sessions
Understanding Neurodivergence
- What is Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
- Understanding Terminology
- Using Inclusive language
- The benefits of Neurodiversity in the workplace
- Understanding Neurodivergent Conditions
- Neurodivergent conditions
- Understanding Autism
- Overview of other neurodivergent conditions e.g ADHD/VAST
Neurodiversity and Autism in the Workplace
- Communication and Inclusive Language
- Enabling inclusion
- The role of leadership and management
- Engagement and Communication
- Disclosure and Knowing the Individual
- Masking
- Trust
- Productivity
Modifications and Adjustments
- Building engagement within mixed neurotype teams
- The importance of effective communication
- How to navigate mixed neurotype workplaces
- The Individuality of Neurodivergent Employees
- Recognise and discuss the individuality of neurodivergence employees needs and success factors across the employee life cycle
- Case studies exploring different stages and scenarios
Workshop: Developing and Action Plane
- Workshop: Create and Action Plan to Enable Greater Neuro-Inclusion at Work
- Developing a neuroinclusive and safe workplace
- Setting up an action plan and milestones
- Commitments and next steps