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Writer's pictureLaurence Paquette

Advocating for Yourself as a Neurodivergent Professional

Updated: Oct 13

Navigating the corporate world can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially complex if you are a neurodivergent professional. Whether you are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or another form of neurodivergence, the typical workplace can present unique obstacles. From rigid expectations to sensory overload, it's easy to feel out of place. Believe me, I know I have. However, advocating for ourselves is key if we want to thrive in a corporate environment that may not always accommodate our needs by default. Here are some strategies to help anyone advocate for themselves and ensure we get the support needed while staying true to who we are. ๐ŸŒฑโœจ


1. Understand Your Needs and Strengths ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿง 

The first step to advocating for yourself is understanding your own needs and strengths. Neurodivergence comes with a range of experiences, and understanding how your brain works best is crucial to advocating effectively. Do you need more structure in your schedule? Do you concentrate better in closed environment with dim lights (I do ๐Ÿ˜‰). Do you need time between meetings to regain your energy? Do you perform better with flexible deadlines? Or perhaps sensory issues make it difficult to work in a noisy environment. Reflect on your needs, and also identify your unique strengths. Neurodivergent professionals often bring creativity, hyper-focus, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking to the workplace. Knowing your needs and strengths will help you articulate them clearly to others. ๐ŸŒŸ


2. Be Honest and Direct in Communication ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธโœ๏ธ

Advocating for yourself requires clear and direct communication. This can be challenging, especially if you are worried about stigma or being misunderstood. And letโ€™s be honest, neurodiversity is not yet understood by everyone nor a key focus area in all workplaces. Therefore, talking about it can be hard and scary. However, being open about your neurodivergence and explaining what accommodations would help you can pave the way for a more supportive work environment. For example, if you need more time to process information before making decisions, let your manager know that having an agenda ahead of meetings helps you contribute more effectively. Focus on how these adjustments can benefit both you and the team, emphasizing the positive impact on your productivity and well-being. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿค


3. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-Being ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ

Many workplaces come with unspoken expectations, whether it is to be available outside working hours or pressure to attend social events or ability to work effectively in an open office. As a neurodivergent professional, itโ€™s important to set boundaries that protect your well-being. This might mean politely declining meetings without clear agendas, stepping away from large social gatherings, or taking breaks when you need them to recharge. Setting these boundaries isnโ€™t about being difficultโ€”itโ€™s about ensuring you have the environment you need to thrive and be the employee you want to be and although it can be hard, you shouldnโ€™t be afraid to stand firm in protecting your mental health. โœจ๐Ÿ’ช


4. Seek Allies and Build Support Networks ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿค

Having allies in your workplace can make a huge difference when advocating for yourself. Look for colleagues, mentors, or managerss who understand your situation and are supportive of neurodiversity. These allies can help amplify your voice, advocate on your behalf, and provide guidance when youโ€™re navigating difficult situations. Building a support network, even if itโ€™s just a few trusted individuals, can help you feel less isolated and more empowered to ask for what you need. ๐Ÿ’›


5. Use Written Communication to Your Advantage ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“ง

Many neurodivergent individuals find that written communication is a more effective way to express their needs than face-to-face conversations. If you feel overwhelmed during verbal discussions, consider following up in writing. An email can give you the opportunity to articulate your thoughts clearly and to ensure that your message is understood without the pressure of real-time communication. ๐Ÿ’Œ๐Ÿ–Š๏ธ


6. Educate Others About Neurodiversity ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ก

Sometimes advocating for yourself also means educating those around you. Many people still have misconceptions about neurodivergence, and helping to foster understanding can lead to a more inclusive workplace. Share articles, resources, or your own experiences with colleagues to help them better understand neurodiversity. You donโ€™t need to share more than youโ€™re comfortable with, but even small efforts can go a long way in creating awareness and empathy. The more people understand, the more likely they are to be supportive. ๐ŸŒโœจ


7. Frame Accommodations as Benefits for Everyone ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿค

This point is critical! When advocating for accommodations, it can be helpful to frame them as changes that could benefit the whole team. For instance, requesting more structured communication or clear expectations can improve productivity for everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals. Presenting your needs as ways to improve overall efficiency and clarity can make managers and colleagues more receptive to implementing them. This approach shifts the focus from "special treatment" to improving the work environment for all. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ’ฌ


8. Practice Self-Compassion ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’–

Advocating for yourself can be exhausting, especially if you encounter resistance or misunderstanding. Itโ€™s important to practice self-compassion and acknowledge that advocating for change is not easy. Remind yourself that your needs are valid and that seeking support is not a weakness but a strength. Being neurodivergent is part of who you are, and you deserve a workplace where you can thrive. Give yourself credit for the courage it takes to speak up, and remember that every step you take toward advocating for yourself helps pave the way for others as well. ๐Ÿ’ช๐ŸŒธ


Embrace Advocacy as a Path to Growthย ๐ŸŒฑโœจ

Advocating for yourself as a neurodivergent professional can feel daunting, but itโ€™s an essential step toward creating a work environment where you can succeed. By understanding your needs, communicating clearly, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can create a space that allows you to thrive. Advocacy is not just about making your own experience betterโ€”itโ€™s also about paving the way for others who may face similar challenges. The more we advocate for ourselves, the more inclusive and understanding our workplaces can become. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’™


Remember, your neurodivergence is a strength, and your voice matters. Advocate and lead by example to help create a corporate world that embraces diversity in all its forms. ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒˆ


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