Our Neurodiversity Consultancy Service
At Exceptional Individuals, we know that even with the best will in the world, it can be difficult to be a truly inclusive employer. That is why we support organisations through our neurodiversity consultancy services, offering advice and guidance on drafting and implementing inclusive policies, HR guides, and creating a culture of open communication.
We can get you started by supporting you to become more "neurodiversity friendly", and then provide more bespoke consultancy services such as neurodiversity audits and training. Our specialist services help to ensure that being inclusive is not treated as a one-time engagement, but a progressive attempt at genuinely improving the inclusivity of your workplace.
What is a neurodiversity consultant?
A neurodiversity consultant is an individual who specialises in supporting businesses in creating a more neuro-inclusive environment for employees who are neurodiverse. This may include carrying out neurodiversity audits to measure neuro-inclusion within the organisation and then developing initiatives from this data to improve the inclusiveness of the workplace. Neurodiversity consultants can help businesses create a more supportive environment for all employees while also tapping into the unique perspectives and skillsets of those who are neurodivergent.Interested in using our Consultancy service? Give us a call on 0208 133 6046.
What are the benefits of working with a neurodiversity consultant?
Some of the key benefits of working with a neurodiversity consultant include:
- Access to specialised knowledge and expertise.
Neurodiversity consultants have extensive experience in neurodiversity employee support, and can provide expert guidance on issues such as workplace culture and reasonable adjustments.
- Improved understanding of neurodiversity.
Working with a neurodiversity consultant can help you gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergent individuals, their experiences, and how to best support them in the workplace.
- Greater awareness of existing resources and supports.
A good neurodiversity consultant will also be familiar with existing resources and supports that can benefit your employees, which can further enhance your ability to create a neuro-inclusive environment.
By working with a neurodiversity consultant, you can gain the knowledge and expertise needed to create a more neuro-inclusive and welcoming workplace for neurodiverse employees. This can help foster an environment where you not only attract employees who are neuro distinct but also help them to advance in their careers so that you encompass a truly inclusive culture.
How can our consultancy services help to improve neurodiversity and inclusion within your workplace?
It’s a good question, so we thought the best people to answer were our clients.Our relationship with EI has supported both new candidates and existing staff. The training sessions have been insightful, engaging, well-received by all those who attended and have given our staff and team leaders confidence in supporting neurodiverse individuals
The session they presented was fantastic. Exceptional Individuals are all amazing people, they are engaging and inspiring, and extremely humorous!
This has translated into increased sales and diversity in their stores nationwide. Our partnership with Ryman continues to increase awareness of the untapped potential of the UK’s neurodiverse population, and we are thrilled to be contributing new talent and dyslexic-friendly resources to Ryman.
If you want to see key results like our clients then get in touch with us today.
Our Neurodiversity Consultancy offering includes
Policy Advice:
We offer consultancy in the form of policy advice, supporting organisations to draft and developing policies regarding neurodiversity. Throughout your policy development process, our team will be available to provide help and advice, and review drafts at each stage of the process. We can also provide a number of example policies to assist you in the process.
HR Guides:
We provide you with Human Resources guides to support you through challenging situations in the appropriate way, and offer expert advice and guidance on the best ways to interact with neurodiverse candidates and employees across your organisation. Examples of these guides may include: managing neurodiverse individuals; reviewing neurodiverse employees’ performance; creating an inclusive workplace culture; and valuable assistive technology solutions.
Helpline:
If you choose our consultancy service, we provide a helpline, available throughout the working day, Monday to Friday, every week. If you have any questions or queries, we will be on-hand to provide expert advice and support. You can also use this direct helpline to discuss future work with us, or to discuss any inclusive initiatives you may be considering in your organisation.
Example process
How neurodiversity can impact an employer and employee
Employer
As an employer, it’s important to understand the positive impact that neurodiversity can have on the business.
- Neurodiverse employees can bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills. For example, those with autism may excel in detail-orientated tasks.
- A neurodiverse team can create a more inclusive and empathetic culture, leading to a stronger workforce.
- You tap into a broader talent pool and may find some exceptional individuals to add to your team.
- Creating a diverse environment and ensuring the space is inclusive of neurodivergent people can improve job satisfaction leading to increased staff retention.
Although there are many benefits to employing neurodivergent individuals, it’s important to understand the challenges that may come if your workplace has not yet taken steps to become fully inclusive. For example, there may be communication barriers, misunderstandings, and a higher risk of burnout.
Neurodivergent individuals have needs that are different from many other people in the workplace. It is therefore important to consider accommodations such as flexible schedules, quiet workspaces, more time to digest information, and adapting to different communication styles. This is where neurodiversity training can be beneficial to the entire team.
Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace as an employer is a journey, but even making small adjustments can unlock the full potential of your neurodivergent employees.
Employee
As a neurodivergent employee, being productive in the workplace can be difficult and there can be certain challenges they have to face every day that those who are neurotypical may not. For example:
- Sensory challenges such as bright lights, noises, and interruptions
- Difficulty staying organised and focused
- Problems managing workload
- Misunderstandings between other team members
- Difficulty navigating social interactions
- Neurodivergent individuals may require different tools, equipment, and resources to work with
A neurodiversity consultant can help to identify these types of issues and make recommendations to help employees feel more comfortable and included in the company.
The benefits of our neurodiversity consultancy
Some of the key benefits of working with a neurodiversity consultant include:
Access to specialised knowledge and expertise
Neurodiversity consultants have extensive experience in neurodiversity employee support and can provide expert guidance on issues such as workplace culture and reasonable adjustments.
Improved understanding of neurodiversity
Working with a neurodiversity consultant can help you gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergent individuals, their experiences, and how to best support them in the workplace.
Greater awareness of existing resources and supports
A good neurodiversity consultant will also be familiar with existing resources and supports that can benefit your employees, which can further enhance your ability to create a neuro-inclusive environment.
A more inclusive workplace
A neurodiversity consultant can help make recommendations on how to create a culture that supports all types of learners.
Helps support all learners
By working with a neurodiversity consultant, you can help support all types of learners by considering situations that might make it more difficult to learn. Neurodivergent individuals may have different triggers, concerns, and needs for learning.
Makes all employees feel valued
Making the effort to hire a neurodiversity consultant shows your employees that everyone’s contributions to the team are valued. Employees will therefore feel more engaged and productive.
By working with a neurodiversity consultant, you can gain the knowledge and expertise needed to create a more neuro-inclusive and welcoming workplace for neurodiverse employees. This can help foster an environment where you not only attract employees who are neuro-distinct but also help them advance in their careers so that you encompass a truly inclusive culture.
The difference between neurodiversity consultancy and training
Neurodiversity consultancy and training go hand in hand to create a more supportive, engaging, and inclusive workforce. A neurodiversity consultancy helps to analyse your workplace and culture and offer advice. It can include a range of areas within the business, such as recruitment, internal processes, and neuro-inclusive initiatives.
On the other hand, neurodiversity training has the goal of creating an inclusive environment for individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism. Training is provided to employers and employees to educate them on the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, and how everyone within the business can create a more accommodating space.
How to arrange your neurodiversity consultation
If you’re ready to create a more neuro-inclusive workplace for your employees, we can help. Arrange your neurodiversity consultation by contacting us with your contact details and selecting the ‘Neurodiversity Consultancy’ from our services drop-down menu. Leave us a message with your goals and expectations and our team will reach out to arrange your consultation.
Why choose Exceptional Individuals for your neurodiversity consultancy
At Exceptional Individuals, our mission is to provide employers with the help and advice they need to be able to effectively support their neurodiverse employees. We’re passionate about creating wider employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals across the UK, and we aim to inspire people through our own life experiences. Over half of our staff are neurodivergent, and we see neurodivergence as a strength rather than a weakness! Let us help you create an environment for every person to thrive in.
FAQs
What is neurodiversity?
Being neurodivergent means your brain functions differently from what others consider to be ‘typical’. For example, you may learn differently, work differently, and behave differently.
Why should my organisation become more neuro-inclusive?
Creating a workplace that is neuro-inclusive promotes creativity, innovation, and problem-solving by embracing different cognitive styles. It helps neurodiverse employees feel more comfortable and be able to work to the best of their ability. As an employer, you will also experience your employees’ full potential.
Do you offer neurodiversity training?
Yes, we offer neurodiversity training workshops for employers and employees so everyone can work together to foster a more inclusive environment. Our training also helps the whole workforce understand the different needs of neurodivergent individuals and how you can help them maximise their abilities.
What are some ways I can accommodate neurodivergent employees as an employer?
There are many ways you can accommodate neurodivergent employees, including:
- Quiet spaces
- Flexible working hours
- Remote working options
- Clear and structured instructions on tasks or their responsibilities
- Regular feedback in an appropriate communication style
How long does the consultancy process take?
Our consultancy process can take anywhere from one day onwards. The length of the process depends on the needs of your business.
What happens during the consultation?
During the consultation, we will audit your processes, systems, and company culture to highlight any barriers that may affect those with ADHD in your workplace.
What are the next steps following the consultation?
Following the consultation, we will offer feedback and make recommendations for a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent employees.
Do you offer neurodiversity consultations all over the UK?
Yes, we offer our neurodiversity consultations can be delivered online anywhere in the UK. Please contact us to arrange your training.