Depending on when you were diagnosed, you may have different support systems and ways for advocating for a neurodivergent-friendly workplace.
If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child, you may have had an entire support network of parents, teachers, and counselors. A full team to create an individualized education plan, and make sure you had the tools you needed to succeed in the classroom. But does this carry forward to your career?
Who advocates for you in the workplace?
After a coaching client shared that she was diagnosed as ADHD and autistic, our coach asked if she felt supported at work. She said her employer was very open to understanding, but didn’t immediately offer up a list of accommodations. We walked through her work experiences to identify how she works best. This helped her advocate for herself with her boss and team.
Whether you were diagnosed as a child, or more recently, you are your own best advocate for getting what you need at work.
This might sound like:
- “I’d like to snag a desk by the window. I work better with natural light and minimal distractions from the main doorway.”
- “Clear deadlines would help. Please clarify what you need from me, and when I need to complete it.”
- “I’d like to explore text-to-speech options for the files we need to review.”
- “Please send an agenda for that meeting in advance, so I can come prepared.”
- “I’ll be off camera when I’m not presenting.”
- “I realize most of the team is back in the office daily. It will be best for me to continue working from home three days per week.”
This may feel silly at first. After all, you made it this far without making a clear accommodation request of your team or company. But don’t let that stop you! Advocating for what you need will look different throughout your career.
Advocating in the Workplace
Even if you didn’t have an advocate leading the way for you, how can you advocate for yourself and others now? Sometimes it’s hard to tackle it on your own. If you’re looking to set up Employee Resource Groups, or other community support for neurodivergent employees Mullins Professional Group can help. Reach out, and we can help you build something great!
