Strength in (Neuro) Diversity

Posted on by Yvonne Drakeley

Woman studying in the Lancaster University library. She is sat at a desk writing on a notepad. She is wearing headphones connected to a laptop in front of her.

As we move into National Autism Acceptance month, Lancaster’s Disability Careers and Employment Adviser explores some of the strengths that students with Autistic Spectrum and other Neurodivergent conditions can offer in the workplace.

Neurodivergence (also referred to as ‘being Neurodiverse’) is the concept that a significant minority of the population have brains that are ‘wired differently’, leading to different thinking and problem-solving styles. There is growing awareness amongst graduate employers that neurodivergent individuals – including those diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Condition - are an asset in the workplace.

Every individual – whether neurodivergent or neurotypical - has their own ‘constellation’ of traits and strengths but here is a list of frequently observed aspects of Autistic individuals in the workplace that are valued by employers:

  • Integrity and reliability
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to see patterns and themes
  • Alternative approaches to problem analysis and solution
  • Ability to stay focused and complete tasks/projects
  • Commitment to projects/causes and loyalty to teams/employers
  • Awareness of the larger context and implications of work tasks.
  • Excellent memory
  • Ability to observe and respond to confusion and uncertainty in colleagues.

So if you have an Autism diagnosis or see yourself as neurodivergent, as well as being realistic about the adjustments you might need to show your potential in employment recruitment processes, make sure to also give some thought to your particular combination of strengths and how you can communicate these to potential employers.

If you would like more information or have a 1-2-1 meeting to explore your situation, strengths and potential difficulties, with Yvonne Drakeley, Lancaster University’s Disability Careers and Employment Adviser, or email DisabilityCareersAdviser@lancaster.ac.uk. You can also book a 1-2-1 meeting using this link.

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Yvonne has been Lancaster’s Disability Specialist Careers and Employment Adviser since 2018 and before that worked with young adults with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties and disabilities in a range of careers and education settings. She professionally trained in both careers and Teaching in the Post-16 sector. She is also a Lancaster Alumni (MA Language and Linguistics).

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