Neurodiversity at Work

Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity With a Neurodiverse Workforce

by Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby

“Neurodiversity at Work” is a hands-on guide to hiring neurodiverse talent and fostering work environments where they can excel. Despite the rapid changes brought by the digital age, many companies still rely on outdated hiring practices that fail neurodiverse individuals. By modernizing these practices, you can build a more inclusive workplace that leads to stronger, more innovative teams.

About the Authors

Theo Smith is a talent acquisition expert and part of the Resourcing Leaders 100. He previously directed recruitment strategy at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Professor Amanda Kirby is a medical doctor, tech entrepreneur, and seasoned researcher. Her other books include “How to Succeed in Employment with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism, and ADHD” and “How to Succeed in College and University with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism, and ADHD.”

Both authors identify as neurodivergent.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Your Workplace

Picture yourself job hunting and finding a perfect match. You thoroughly research the company and prepare for potential interview questions. But on interview day, nerves overwhelm you, leaving you speechless when asked a simple question. Despite being highly qualified, you don't get the job.

This scenario is common in hiring processes across all companies. Traditional interviews, CV reviews, and office behaviors favor specific types of performance, often sidelining neurodiverse candidates who might not thrive under such conditions. This exclusion isn't just a loss for neurodiverse individuals; it's also a missed opportunity for companies to benefit from their unique perspectives. Diverse teams are stronger and more innovative.

So, as a hiring manager or recruiter, how can you avoid excluding neurodiverse candidates? More importantly, how do you create a workplace where everyone can thrive?

This summary of "Neurodiversity at Work" by Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby will address these questions. We'll explore what neurodiversity means, how to build a neurodiverse team, and three actionable steps to attract and retain neurodiverse talent.

In this summary, you’ll discover:

• What neurodiversity is

• How to challenge your biases about good employees

• How to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed