Being part of an all-female panel sharing our experiences is a really inspiring process. The feedback is so validating and evidence to help with my imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity. A parent shared with me that they are supporting their child through an autism diagnosis and had been so worried about all of the things that their child couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to do. Today’s panel reassured them that there will also be many things that they can do and has given them a lot of hope. For me that’s mission accomplished.

I’ve learnt a few things too. Wonderful insights from people who were diagnosed as children, other late diagnosed people who are still navigating and making sense of it all, and in the chat so many people sharing their experiences, challenges and more importantly their successes. With the Buckland Report in 2024 highlighting that only 30% of working age autistic people are in employment it’s so reassuring to know that we’re not alone in the workplace. It also means that there is so much more employers need to do, and the conversations I’ve had with many are that they are just not sure where to start.

There is no one size fits all solution. When you’ve met one neurodivergent person you’ve met one neurodivergent person.*

True, there are things that can be changed that support everyone. What’s good for the hive is good for the bee**. So, what is good for the bee? This is where I learnt about Neurodiversity in Media and their 4S manifesto and they’ve summed it up in these four categories:

• Systems to enable differences in ways of working, with adjustments, for your team to thrive.
• Spaces that work for the neurodivergent talent to do their best work, from noise cancelling booths, to collaboration zones and breakout spaces.
• Safety for all types of people to be themselves at work without bias or reprimand; to be comfortable to unmask and be confident in their day to day.
• Support from tools and processes to human, pastoral care, or simply being there if things get tough.

Sounds simple when it’s put like that? Here’s my call to action if you are a line manager or in a leadership role; how can you help everyone around you with their systems, spaces, safety and support? What’s the one thing you are going to do today that starts to make a difference? What next? And then?

* A Cat wisdom that should be written in a book, so I’ve been told.

** Not one of mine, but shared by someone else and I liked it.