Did you know that we all are Neurodivergent?
We are all individuals with diverse needs which are specific to our problems. Which is why it is not possible to have the same formula to work for every one of our lives. It is as similar as how the same academic course may not work the same for every student in the class. You’ll always find varied groups of interests flourishing in different fields though they’ve been catered under one school’s roof. While, this being a broad idea on intellectual diversity, neurodivergence is as common as how emotions work differently in each individual.
A typical neurodivergent are those whose brain functions differently and has got different strength and challenges from rest of the crowd while they may also need medical attention for the same reason. The divergence can be because of any underlying conditions like mental, behavioural or psychological disorders or simply because of ageing. These groups of people need more empathized design approach because of their disabilities. An empathized design applied around such individuals has been observed to make much difference in their livelihood.
But, is it possible to address every single challenge of every single neurodivergent?
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Built environment as an industry has been known for its user centric design methods and is one such businesses which has been applying design principles specially made for the neurodivergent group. I recently attended a webinar on Lighting Design for the Neurodivergents , where this concept was discussed elaborately and according to the researchers and designers it is currently the most challenging because of the global demography with 8 billion different people with different issues and that is why only the popular most problems like Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism has been given the highest preferences.
Nevertheless, I see the need for similar consideration for the neurodivergent ones at workplaces too. Which may need in-depth analysis on workplace policies vs general employee behaviours. Neurodivergent friendly workplace framework can go long way in keeping up the mental wellness of the organization in general and make everybody’s life easy. Neurodivergent accommodative workplace could bring an equitable environment for establishing individual competencies over the inescapable limitations.
Again, empathized and equitable framework for workplace may not mean every miniscule problem will have a way out but sure can be a solution that can help the organization to become the real “great place to work”.
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