Neurodiversity - Be You!

Connect and Grow Magazine- Edition 6 February 2024

We are all different, and that is a good thing!

How do you see yourself?

Do you embrace your differences?

We are all different, even those who may have the same interests and habits as us.

Last month, I wrote about being different, and this week, I would love you to stop and think about how being different is a good thing. Being true to who you are, loving who you are, and being proud of who you are frees you up to focus on doing more of what you love.

This month, our theme is setting healthy boundaries as part of self-love, and this is extremely important for everyone but probably even more important for those who are neurodivergent.

You may be aware of the masks you wear, or you may not even notice how you normally wear a mask, but then you are exhausted at the end of the day. Wearing a mask is something that is a form of protection for many who are diagnosed with autism or ADHD to fit in. However, not all people who have those diagnoses and other neurodivergent traits wear masks; some are themselves no matter what and in many ways, that is awesome.

Where does mask-wearing occur?

For many people with neurodivergent traits, wearing a mask is part of being able to hold down a job, having friendships and being able to go to social gatherings and get-togethers.

For a long time, I did not realise I was wearing a mask, only that I was exhausted at the end of the day or an event. Masking may give you the energy required for work or the event, and then it may take a few days to get over it, which was sometimes an issue when work was five days a week.

Wearing a mask is a form of protection, protection from potentially being rejected or judged, and can help, in some instances, the person to fit in and be able to attend an event or be present at work.

Masking can also mean the person cannot be ultimately themselves, which may negatively impact their self-esteem and confidence over time. So, while masking has its benefits and is great for the person to be part of the community and even the workplace, the impact of not being entirely accepted for who they are also has an effect and, for some, can be negative.

Have fun with being who you are...

It's important to have fun and be true to yourself. Neurodiversity is unseen, and many people make judgements based on a person's behaviour without stopping to ask questions, which sometimes makes it hard for people to be true to who they are.

Social etiquette often determines acceptable behaviour in public and the workplace. When a person is direct in conversation, they may miss social cues and can be seen as being different, rude or antisocial when the person is doing the best they can.

Being true to yourself and accepted starts by knowing who you are and your traits, what you struggle with and what you are great at. Then you know what your triggers are, and where possible, start to learn how to navigate the different situations of life, including the workplace and bring the best of you forward.

Starting with self-awareness with the right support can go a long way.

Break Free Consultancy neurodiversity education in the workplace offers

We are providing training on neurodiversity for businesses in New York and Canada and are now getting more companies in Australia on board.

We take you through the different traits that come under the title of neurodiversity, with a particular focus on Autism and ADHD and how they impact a person in the workplace and their life. We focus on how everyone is different.

We will also train people to learn strategies and tools to improve their qualifications when working with neurodivergent people.

Neurodiversity Training for Workplace and Practitioner Training

A workplace that welcomes everyone and empowers everyone in a manner that suits them is a workplace that will succeed.

Empowerment and understanding are crucial to success, regardless of the workplace.

To learn more, visit our website: Neurodiversity Training and Consultations.

Written by Jacqui Grant

Empowerment Coach, Neurodiverse, Business Consultant

Books we have available: Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Empowering Me

(C) 2024 Break Free Consultancy

Disclaimer: All information is for general use only. It is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change. Always seek professional support.