Neurodiversity at Work: Thinking Differently & Supporting Unique Talents

Thursday, 14th January 2021 | Online

Operating in a world which was not designed for you can present significant challenges. Neurodivergent staff and jobseekers are often disadvantaged by traditional systems which organisations have in place.

Failing to address these barriers puts your organisation at a significant disadvantage, given neurodiversity presents unique competitive advantages in the workplace. Talents associated with neurodivergence include an exceptional ability to spot patterns, increased creativity and problem- solving skills.

At ‘Neurodiversity at Work’, you will receive expert insight into different forms of neurodiversity (such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD) and the unique attributes associated with each. Through workshops, case studies, and personal perspectives, you will be provided with the understanding needed to create a neurodiverse workplace that enables both staff and business to thrive.

This event is CPD-Certified and will contribute to your professional development.

Register your place today.

Why attend?

Learn how to recruit, manage and support neurodivergent staff, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to progress and flourish within your organisation
Bring new, innovative ideas on increasing neurodiversity in your workplace back to your organisation, with the insight needed to put them into practice
Hear from leading figures about how to educate staff and foster understanding of neurodiversity within your organisation
Earn a CPD certificate for your personal progression
Enjoy an opportunity to network with top speakers and your peers

Speakers include

Louise McQuillan, Workplace Solutions Specialist, Texthelp
Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within
Aidan Healy, Chief Executive Officer, Lexxic
Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust

Agenda

09.00	Welcome from Dods D&I Kiren Kaur, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Dods PLC
09.05	Chair's introduction CHAIR: Aidan Healy, Chief Executive Officer, Lexxic
09.20	The Neurodiversity Paradigm: neurodiversity as workplace asset rather than obstacle Understanding neurodiversity as an innate way of thinking rather than a medical issue Examining different types of neurodivergence Increasing innovation and plurality of thought: the competitive advantage of neurodiversity at work SPEAKER: Daniel Aherne, Director, Adjust
10.00	Comfort Break
10.05	The Social Model: developing neurodiversity-friendly workplace policy and practice Using the Social Model as a guide when making adjustments and educating staff Understanding legal obligations and responsibilities for employers Examples of helpful reasonable adjustments
10.45	Comfort Break
11.00	Employer case studies: attracting and recruiting neurodiverse talent Adapting role descriptions to attract and include neurodivergent candidates Providing opportunities for disclosure during the recruitment process Interview best practice and considering alternative assessments Ensuring applicant filtering and progression methods do not disadvantage neurodivergent candidates
12.00	Why workplace accommodations are more important than ever - a case study from Texthelp SPEAKER: Louise McQuillan, Workplace Solutions Specialist, Texthelp
12.20	Break for Lunch
13.30	Workshop: Managing a neurodiverse workforce and ensuring fair progression Providing feedback and communicating clearly with neurodivergent staff Creating structures for support and prioritising wellbeing Training and educating managers to support neurodiversity in their teams
14.15	Comfort Break
14.30	Neurodivergence & individuality: increasing understanding and shifting perspectives Re-examining the language around neurodiversity Moving away from generalisation, towards a nuanced understanding of neurodivergence and individuality Valuing each staff member for their unique traits and contributions Building neurodiverse teams which play to each member’s strengths SPEAKER: Dr. Nancy Doyle, CEO and Founder, Genius Within
15.15	Chair's closing remarks CHAIR: Aidan Healy, Chief Executive Officer, Lexxic
15.30	Event close