Bringing neurodiversity and inclusion together
Our recent Perth Neurodiversity Advocacy Network event brought together a diverse group of people and we're excited to share the final results of the post event survey with you. We invite you to join us in reflecting on the importance of embracing neurodiversity in society based on these findings.
A diverse crowd
Firstly, we're thrilled to announce that 67% of attendees identified as neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity includes everything from autism to ADHD, to dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. There's a big representation of neurodivergent people in our community, so we need to make sure their talents thrive in inclusive spaces.
Results from idoba’s post event survey
There was more diversity news, 56% of the attendees were female. It was great to see so many women coming to an event like this one. It’s important to have gender diversity to ensure balanced perspectives and foster a supportive environment. Especially in a group that has a history of being misdiagnosed or told they’re “Just being emotional”.
Experiences and disclosure in the workplace
According to our survey, 73% of respondents disclosed their neurodivergent identity at work. There's a positive trend towards more openness and a willingness to talk about neurodiversity in professional settings. It also speaks volumes about the growing acceptance and understanding within workplaces.
Unfortunately, 33% of those who disclosed their neurodivergence had encountered negative experiences as a result. This highlights the ongoing need for education, awareness, and advocacy to combat stigma and create truly inclusive workplaces. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no individual faces discrimination due to their neurodivergent identity.
Reviewing the current workplace
The survey also asked participants to rate their workplaces on a scale of 1 to 10 for equity and inclusion, diversity, and neurodiversity friendliness.
The results were promising, with an average rating of 7.39 for equity and inclusion, 7.26 for diversity, and 7.04 for being neurodiverse friendly.
While these ratings demonstrate a generally positive sentiment, they also emphasise the need to continue working towards more inclusive environments. By actively addressing areas for growth and leveraging the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, we can enhance workplace experiences for everyone involved.
The importance of embracing neurodiversity
Neurodiversity brings a wealth of diverse talents, skills, and perspectives to the table. The more neurodivergent individuals we embrace and support, the more opportunities we create for personal growth, professional success, and innovation.
To create neurodiverse-friendly workplaces, it is crucial to:
Foster open communication and encourage dialogue around neurodiversity in and outside of the workplace.
Provide accommodations and supports tailored to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
Promote awareness and provide education among all employees to combat, knowledge gaps, stereotypes, and unconscious biases.
Establish inclusive hiring practices that recognize the strengths of neurodivergent candidates.
Continuously assess and improve upon the inclusivity and accessibility of workplace policies and practices.
Building an inclusive future
Our recent event and survey provided valuable insights into neurodiversity within our community. The significant representation of neurodivergent individuals and positive workplace ratings for equity, diversity, and neurodiverse friendliness show progress in fostering inclusivity. However, negative experiences remind us to remain committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for all, regardless of neurological differences.
Minds of All Kinds community
Moving forward, we will continue advocating for neurodiversity, fostering understanding, and working towards inclusive workplaces. Join us for our upcoming event in October, exploring neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, and belonging.
Follow us for more information about our upcoming Neurodiversity Advocacy Network events. Or join the broader neurodiverse community at Minds of All Kinds for more neurodiverse events, network connections, and advice about navigating the industry.
Together, let's celebrate diversity and build a future where everyone's talents are valued. Thank you for your support as we strive to embrace neurodiversity and create a compassionate society.