In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, Grant Harris shares his journey as a neurodiverse individual and the work he does to promote neuroinclusion and diversity in organisations. He discusses his late diagnosis of autism, the challenges he faced in communication, and the importance of community and family support. Grant also highlights his experience in writing books on DEIA and his consulting work aimed at helping organisations implement effective diversity practices. Takeaways Grant Harris is a small business owner and advocate for neurodiversity. He was diagnosed with autism in ..read more

In this conversation, Theo Smith and Steven Ingram discuss the importance of neurodiversity and neuro-inclusion in the workplace. Steven shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent individual and the founding of Neurodiversity Together, emphasizing the need for organisations to adopt inclusive practices that benefit all employees. They explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly in parenting and workplace settings, and the importance of flexibility and understanding in fostering a supportive environment. The discussion also touches on the future of neurodiversi ..read more

In this conversation, Theo Smith and Stephen Ingram discuss the importance of neurodiversity and neuro-inclusion in the workplace. Stephen shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent individual and the founding of Neurodiversity Together, emphasizing the need for organizations to adopt inclusive practices that benefit all employees. They explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly in parenting and workplace settings, and the importance of flexibility and understanding in fostering a supportive environment. The discussion also touches on the future of neurodiver ..read more

In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, Sarah Dixon, Director of the Accessible Learning Foundation, shares her inspiring journey from a successful career in law and property to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodivergent communities. Motivated by her experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children, Sarah discusses the importance of early identification and support for neurodivergent individuals in schools, workplaces, and prisons. She highlights the challenges faced in these areas, including funding and cultural barriers, and emphasises the need for systemic change to crea ..read more

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Steve Collinson, Chief HR Officer at Zurich Insurance UK, to discuss a crucial topic: neurodiversity in the workplace. ? ? Key Takeaways: - **Rethinking Recruitment**: Zurich is pioneering inclusive hiring processes to remove barriers for neurodivergent candidates. - **Data-Driven Insights**: Research revealed that 63% of neurodivergent adults feel employers see neurodiversity as a red flag. Zurich is using this data to drive change. - **Practical Initiatives**: From clear job descriptions to flexible interview formats, Zurich is im ..read more

In this episode Theo Smith speaks with Nicole Bateman, a SEND advisor and co-founder of the Super Sensory Squad. They discuss Nicole's journey from being a teacher to advocating for children with sensory needs, the importance of understanding sensory processing, and practical strategies for parents and activity providers to support children. The conversation highlights the significance of creating inclusive environments and the impact of parental experiences on education. Takeaways Nicole Bateman is a SEND advisor and co-founder of the Super Sensory Squad. The Super Sensory Squad uses penguin ..read more

In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, David Plink, CEO of Top Employers Institute, shares insights on the intersection of neurodiversity, inclusion, and leadership. The conversation explores the importance of understanding neurodiversity in the workplace, the role of organizations in fostering inclusive environments, and the challenges and opportunities that arise in neurodiversity initiatives. David emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how organizations approach neurodiversity, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and community in creating supportive workplaces. The ..read more

In this episode of Neurodiversity with Theo Smith, Kimberly Fraser shares her personal journey with dyspraxia, discussing the challenges she faced in education and the workplace. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the impact of early experiences on self-perception, and the need for greater awareness and adaptations in various environments. Kimberly emphasizes the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and advocates for increased dialogue and support for those with dyspraxia. Dyspraxia affects individuals differently, impacting memory, concentration, an ..read more

Today I am lucky to have James and Chance on the show. MEET JAMES ► A ‘corporate refugee’ - formerly a senior international executive at Diageo, Bass and Omnicom – but lost (almost) everything due to a combination of bad luck, bad people and undiagnosed bipolar disorder. MEET Chance ►The Guy That Turned His Life Around, Employed And Runs His Own Business After losing his sister to Cancer, he had a mental breakdown which led to heavy use of drugs and alcohol. His life became reckless. And before he knew it, his life had spiraled out of control and he woke up one day, sat in a prison cell, alone ..read more

In this engaging conversation, Theo Smith and Dave Thompson explore the evolving landscape of neurodiversity and inclusion in the workplace. They discuss Dave's personal journey with neurodiversity, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in traditional work environments, and the importance of moving beyond labels to focus on success enablers. The conversation highlights the need for universal design in workspaces and the emerging trends in neurodiversity-focused employee resource groups. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of creating a more inclusive and empathetic work envi ..read more