Neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) refer to a group of lifelong conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), that affect the development and function of the brain. These are very different from Mental Health disorders which refer to a wide range of conditions that affect a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. These are not always lifelong disorders and can be short-lived, reactive to certain situations, and often reversible or treatable depending on the circumstances
ND conditions can have a significant impact on an individual's daily life, including their ability to work effectively. If you have a colleague with a neurodevelopmental disorder, it's important to understand how you can support them at work. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for supporting colleagues with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Educate Yourself:
The first step in supporting colleagues with neurodevelopmental disorders is to educate yourself about their condition. This could involve understanding more about the specific disorder they have, the challenges, and strengths associated with the disorder and possible issues they may face at work, and any room or space or adjustments they may need. There are many resources available online and through voluntary organisations that can provide information on various neurodevelopmental disorders. By educating yourself, you can better understand your colleague's needs and be more effective in supporting them.
Communicate Openly and Respectfully:
Effective communication is essential when working with colleagues with neurodevelopmental disorders. It's important to communicate openly and respectfully, avoiding any judgment or assumptions about their abilities. Be clear in your communication and avoid using overly complicated language or jargon. Listen actively and ask questions to ensure that you understand their perspective and needs.
Provision of appropriate working areas:
Depending on their specific needs, your colleague may require a suitable room or working area to perform their job effectively. This could involve modifications to their workspace, such as noise-cancelling headphones or a private office, or adjustments to their workload, such as flexible scheduling or reduced hours. Work with your colleague and your HR department to identify and implement somewhere that can help them succeed at work.
Be Patient and Understanding:
Colleagues with neurodevelopmental disorders may require more time to process information or complete tasks. It's important to be patient and understanding of their needs, avoiding any pressure or criticism. Offer support and encouragement and be willing to provide additional guidance or clarification as needed.
Focus on Strengths:
Colleagues with neurodevelopmental disorders often have unique strengths and abilities. Focus on your colleague's strengths and find ways to utilise them in their work. This will not only benefit your colleague but also the team as a whole.
Foster a supportive environment:
Create a supportive and positive workplace environment where your colleague feels comfortable asking for help or expressing their needs. Encourage your team to be accepting and understanding of neurodiversity.
Avoid assumptions:
Avoid making assumptions about your colleague's abilities or limitations based on their neurodevelopmental disorder. Everyone is unique, and it's important to treat your colleague as an individual rather than a stereotype.
Respecting Privacy:
While it's important to be aware of your colleague's needs and challenges, it's also important to respect their privacy. Avoid sharing information about their condition with others without their permission. Treat your colleague with the same respect and professionalism you would offer to any other colleague.
Finally, supporting colleagues with neurodevelopmental disorders requires empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By educating yourself, communicating openly and respectfully, providing accommodations, being patient and understanding, and respecting their privacy, you can create a positive workplace culture that’s supportive, and inclusive which enables all colleagues to thrive.