Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to the infinite variation in the way our minds think, learn and process information. No two brains work the same and there is no right or wrong way for our brains to function, there are just different ways.
Neurodiversity is a term coined by the sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s and in its broadest sense it includes all of humanity on a spectrum or variety of difference in how our brains are “wired”, including differences caused by injury or illness.
How your brain works and where you sit on the cognitive spectrum will be unique to you. Neurodiversity and the diagnoses linked to it are often referred to as a spectrum, like the spectrum of light and colour – with many variations and combinations. We all have different interests and motivations and we are naturally better at some things, or find other things more challenging.
In the UK, fifteen to twenty per cent of the population is neurodivergent, with different thinking and learning styles. This equates to thirteen million people, including seven hundred thousand people with autism spectrum condition and two million people with dyslexia. Neurodivergence also includes attention hyperactivity disorder, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, among others. (ICAEW).
To book a place or any other information regarding Wellbeing please use the link to our Wellbeing Workforce page: Wellbeing
There is more information on neurodiversity relating to Menopause on the webpage: Menopause
Below are our Neurodiversity webinars and resources in which you will find information about the 4 modules as well as others including Sleep along with presentation and slides.
Neurodiversity 2025/2026 Series
Module 1
•Introduction to Neurodiversity: Defining neurodiversity and exploring the spectrum of neurological differences.
•Neurodivergent Conditions: an overview of common neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and others.
•Benefits of neurodiversity and neuro-inclusivity: Exploring how embracing neuro-inclusivity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, communication, and innovation within the workplace.
Module 2
•The Role of leadership: understanding the importance of leadership in fostering a neuro-diverse friendly workplace.
•Communication strategies – Effective communication techniques to accommodate diverse communication styles.
•Physical environment – Adapting the workspace to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals
Module 3
•Building Awareness: Educating employees on neurodiversity and breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions
•Sensitivity Training: Developing empathy and understanding towards neurodivergent colleagues.
•Creating Allies: Empowering employees to become advocates for neuro-inclusion in the workplace.
Module 4
•Legal Framework: An overview of legal requirements related to neurodiversity in the workplace.
•Ethical considerations: Ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment while respecting privacy and individual rights.
•Recruitment and Retention – attracting neurodivergent talent, interviews, and workplace reasonable adjustments.
•Challenges and Solutions: Learning from the experience of companies that have navigated neurodiversity inclusion effectively.
•Creating lasting change – key takeaways to continuing to foster a neurodiverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Neurodiversity 2024/2025 Series
Module 1 – Understanding Neurodiversity
•Introduction to Neurodiversity: Defining neurodiversity and exploring the spectrum of neurological differences.
•Neurodivergent Conditions: an overview of common neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and others.
•Benefits of neurodiversity and neuro-inclusivity: Exploring how embracing neuro-inclusivity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, communication, and innovation within the workplace.
Module 2 – Creating an Inclusive Environment.
•The Role of leadership: understanding the importance of leadership in fostering a neuro-diverse friendly workplace.
•Communication strategies – Effective communication techniques to accommodate diverse communication styles.
•Physical environment – Adapting the workspace to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
Module 3 – Awareness and Sensitivity Training
•Building Awareness: Educating employees on neurodiversity and breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions
•Sensitivity Training: Developing empathy and understanding towards neurodivergent colleagues.
•Creating Allies: Empowering employees to become advocates for neuro-inclusion in the workplace.
Module 4 – The Role of the Line Manager and Organisation.
• Legal Framework: An overview of legal requirements related to neurodiversity in the workplace.
• Ethical considerations: Ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment while respecting privacy and individual rights.
• Recruitment and Retention – attracting neurodivergent talent, interviews, and workplace reasonable adjustments.
• Challenges and Solutions: Learning from the experience of companies that have navigated neurodiversity inclusion effectively.
• Creating lasting change – key takeaways to continuing to foster a neurodiverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Webinar Overview
Sleeping better with Neurodiversity
- Understanding how neurodiverse traits can influence sleep
- Common sleep difficulties experienced by neurodiverse individuals
- How to create a sensory-friendly sleep environment
- Practical sensory integration techniques for better sleep
- Q&A
Link to the platform. Login | Sleep School. - Password sy123
As part of Neurodiversity celebration week that took place on 17th March, see the link below to view recordings of the webinars that Lexxic presented.
Overview:
• Understand what autism is, and how it presents in individuals.
• Recognise common misconceptions and challenges faced by autistic individuals
• Explore practical strategies to create and inclusive and supportive environment.
Overview:
• Understand what ADHD is, and how it presents in individuals.
• Recognise common misconceptions and challenges faced by ADHD individuals.
• Explore practical strategies to create and inclusive and supportive environment.
Overview:
• Understand Neurodiversity and sensory processing
• Recognise common challenges and preferences
• Explore the impact of nutrition and hydration on wellbeing
• Practical strategies for support and inclusion.
• Promote inclusive mealtime environments.
Overview
• Understand the basics of Autism, ADHD and OCD
• Recognise common challenges and strengths
• Breaking down misconceptions and stigma
• Practical strategies for support
• Neurodiverse Inclusive spaces
Check out the recent LinkedIn article where we discuss why neurodiversity in women is often underdiagnosed, the effects of this oversight, and strategies for addressing gender bias in neurodiversity.
Gender Bias In Neurodiversity - Why are women often overlooked
NHS Employers: Access guidance to help you support neurodivergent colleagues in the workplace
Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace | NHS Employers
See below a list of our local (South Yorkshire) Neurodiversity Organisations
1. Spectrum-e (South Yorkshire)
- Offers disability specialist ‘in-work’ support to individuals in South Yorkshire with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, learning disabilities, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and ADD, physical disabilities and long term health conditions. They also offer specialist autism awareness training.
- Spectrum e – Autism Asperger Learning Disability Employment Support
2. Rotherham Adult Neurodiversity Support Service (RANSS)
- Peer support groups, activities, and information for autistic and ADHD adults (18+) with a Rotherham GP.
- RANSS | Rotherham Adult Neurodiversity Support Service
3. Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS)
- Diagnostic assessments and follow-up groups ("Understanding Autism", sensory workshops) for Sheffield adults (16+/18+).
- Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS) | Sheffield Health and Social Care
4. Beyond Boundaries – Autism Plus (Barnsley Area)
- One-to-one specialist employment coaching for neurodivergent adults looking to access work or training.
- Beyond Boundaries - Autism Plus SES
5. Stride Yorkshire (Sheffield Region)
- Specialist coaching and career support for neurodivergent adults. Also delivers workplace training and consultancy.
- Stride Yorkshire
6. South Yorkshire Integrated Care System Neurodiversity Webinars
- Health and care workforce training on workplace inclusion, communication, and accessible environments.
- Neurodiversity :: South Yorkshire I.C.S.
7. Action for Autism Barnsley (AfAB)
- A charity based in Barnsley Town Centre which runs weekly sessions for neurodiverse adults which provide opportunity to meet new people who have similar life experiences, build friendships and social connections. Sessions include interesting and fun activities.
- AfAB | Action for Autism Barnsley
8. ADHD Social Group (Doncaster)
- A group for adults with ADHD to meet and socialise in a friendly environment. The sessions provide opportunity to chat, socialise and share lived experiences with others.
- For adults with a diagnosis of ADHD or on a referral pathway.
- ADHD Social Group - YourLifeDoncaster
National Neurodiversity Organisations
1. Autism Plus
- Yorkshire-based, national support provider offering employment and community support services.
- Autism Plus - Adding Value to Lives
2. White Rose Dyslexia Centre
- A dyslexia and dyscalculia specialist organisation based in Sheffield which also provides access to people living outside the area. They provide a range of services including diagnostic assessments and workplace assessments.
- Dyslexia Specialist | White Rose Dyslexia | Sheffield
3. National Autistic Society (NAS)
- Services for autistic adults including employment support, training, and workplace consultancy.
- National Autistic Society
4. Ambitious about Autism
- Employability programmes for young autistic people transitioning into work.
- Ambitious about Autism | National charity for autistic children and young people
5. Dimensions UK
- Provides supported employment and independent living services across England.
- About Us | Learning Disability & Autism Support Provider | Dimensions
6. Disability Rights UK
- Advocacy, legal rights info, and resources on inclusive employment.
- Disability Rights UK | We are Disabled people working for an inclusive society
7. ADHD UK
Information and support for anyone affected by ADHD.
ADHD Adult UK
Information and peer support for adults with ADHD.
8. ACAS
- Practical guidance and legal advice on inclusive recruitment and neurodiversity at work.
- Acas | Making working life better for everyone in Britain
9. Lexxic
- Provide neurodiversity assessments, coaching, e-learning, workshops & webinars & toolkits.
- Neurodiversity Experts | Neurodiversity in the Workplace | Lexxic
Disability Employment Support Organisations (UK-Wide)
1. Access to Work (DWP)
- Government-funded grant scheme offering practical support (equipment, job coaching, transport, mental health support).
- Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK
2. Shaw Trust
- Large UK charity providing employment programmes, in-work support, and inclusive employer training.
- Home - Shaw Trust
3. Disability Confident Scheme (DWP Initiative)
- Helps employers become more inclusive. Three levels of accreditation: Committed, Employer, Leader.
- Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK
4. Remploy (Maximus UK)
- Delivers the Work and Health Programme. Also offers in-work mental health support.
- Home - Maximus UK
5. Scope – Support to Work
- Free remote coaching for disabled jobseekers aged 16+.
- Support to Work | Disability charity Scope UK
6. Evenbreak
- Inclusive job board for disabled candidates and employers. Offers employer support services.
- Evenbreak - Award-winning Job board for disabled people
7. Leonard Cheshire (Change 100)
- Paid internships and development for disabled university students and recent graduates.
- Change 100 internships | Leonard Cheshire
8. BASE (British Association for Supported Employment)
- Advocacy and training for employers and providers delivering supported employment.
- The British Association of Supported Employment
9. Disability Rights UK – Careers Hub
- Employment advice and resources including Access to Work and workplace rights.
- Patchwork Hub | Disability Rights UK
10. NAS Employment Services
- Workplace assessments and support tailored to autistic individuals and employers.
- For employers
Local (South Yorkshire) disability or long term health condition Employment Support Organisations:
1. Work Well
- WorkWell provides free support to people living with a health condition or disability to find and stay in work. They offer free support for people aged 16+ living in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. They support people who are either recently unemployed (in the last 0-6 months) or in work and want support to continue working or to return to work.