Tania Gerard was invited to provide a lunch and learn session for Digital Women members.

On November 12th, I had the privilege of leading a Lunch & Learn + Networking session with Digital Women, titled "Building Bridges: Enhancing Workplace Communication for Neurodiversity." This session brought together an incredible group of professionals eager to learn practical strategies for creating inclusive workplaces that support and celebrate neurodiversity.

As someone with ADHD and a passion for neurodiversity advocacy, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of being neurodivergent in professional settings. Sharing my knowledge and experiences in this session was a wonderful opportunity to encourage greater understanding and inclusion in the workplace.

Topics We Covered

Here’s a closer look at the key areas we explored during the session:

• What is Neurodiversity?
  We began by defining neurodiversity and breaking down common misconceptions. Neurodiversity is not a limitation—it’s a natural variation in how brains work, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

• Communication Preferences of Neurodivergent Individuals
  Understanding that communication is not a one-size-fits-all process is essential. We discussed the diverse ways neurodivergent individuals may prefer to communicate, including the importance of clear, direct language and respecting sensory needs.

• Strengths of Neurodivergent Employees
  Neurodivergent employees bring unique strengths to the workplace, from creative problem-solving to hyper-focus and innovative thinking. Recognising and leveraging these strengths can unlock incredible potential.

• Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Employees
  We addressed common workplace challenges, such as sensory overload, rigid communication styles, and a lack of understanding about neurodivergent needs. Identifying these barriers is the first step to creating a more supportive environment.

• Supporting Neurodivergent Employees: Key Strategies
  I shared actionable strategies for incorporating inclusivity, such as offering reasonable adjustments, providing clear expectations, and encouraging feedback. These small but meaningful changes can make a world of difference.

• Important Takeaways
  Attendees left with practical tools to enhance workplace communication, support neurodivergent colleagues, and build an inclusive culture that benefits everyone.

The Networking Opportunity

The session concluded with a networking segment, where attendees shared their thoughts, asked questions, and connected over shared goals for more inclusive workplaces. Hearing their enthusiasm and insights reinforced the power of open conversations like this.

Catch Up or Learn More

If you missed the session, the good news is that Digital Women will soon release the video recording, so you can catch up on everything we covered. In the meantime, you can learn more about the event and my collaboration with Digital Women here.

I’m incredibly grateful to Digital Women for hosting this session and to everyone who attended for their curiosity and engagement, the q&a session was bursting full of questions and very kind words which made my day. Together, we can continue to build bridges, break down barriers, and create workplaces where neurodiversity thrives.

Book a consultation with me to discuss your next Neurodiversity workshop and make a real difference in your business.