When researching roles and organizations, search for a dedication to DEI and neurodiversity within the firm’s imaginative and prescient and mission. Nameless evaluation websites like Glassdoor are nice instruments for gathering perception into the group’s tradition and worker expertise. Search for crimson flags in critiques that may counsel an disagreeable expertise for a neurodivergent particular person.
Again once I was interviewing for my first job at Ogilvy, I used to be given a take-home take a look at that was untimed. I submitted it and so they didn’t suppose it was my very own work, so that they had me come to the workplace for a timed take a look at. They requested me to jot down a two-page press launch, however I couldn’t comprehend the written instructions and full the take a look at within the half-hour they gave me. I took a courageous step and defined my battle, and the pinnacle of the workplace took an opportunity on me.
If disclosing a studying and pondering distinction feels snug throughout the utility and interview course of, ask questions on how the corporate can meet particular person wants, resembling flexibility to have extra time on an interview project. To get a way of the tradition, contemplate asking questions on how the corporate helps staff with related struggles. An alternative choice is to say one thing extra normal like, “Inform me in regards to the group’s worker useful resource teams.”
In terms of the bodily working surroundings, contemplate asking about points like noise, lighting and work-from-home alternatives. Hear for solutions that counsel there’s flexibility and an openness to new concepts. If the questions are met with silence or an uncomfortable stare, it in all probability means the corporate isn’t arrange for a neurodivergent worker to succeed.
Handle challenges, discover assist, construct confidence
Disclosing is a really private resolution and will solely be achieved if somebody feels snug. However I found early on that talking up is a confidence-builder, and it’s helped me thrive professionally.
Early in my profession, I knew I wanted mentors to assist me as a person with distinctive strengths. I additionally wanted co-workers to assist me perceive the workplace tradition and what was anticipated so I may assimilate into the office. Discovering the fitting individuals to reveal any such info with and who perceive the distinctive challenges and strengths can assist with a quicker development trajectory and foster neighborhood internally. Take into account connecting with individuals exterior the corporate via organizations just like the Consideration Deficit Dysfunction Affiliation, the Autistic Self Advocacy Community or the Asperger/Autism Community for mentorship and training.
If somebody struggles with multitasking, think about using a visible help like a move chart to maintain observe of duties and tasks. Or if somebody is well distracted in conferences—one thing these with ADHD battle with—contemplate asking for pre-reads or different supplies to go over at a extra individualized tempo. If prolonged emails are overwhelming, ask co-workers to go away a short voice message or use bullet factors of their emails. It’s all about discovering what works for the person.
