EP 6 - Autism and ADHD with Charlie Kiley

In this episode of the Neuro Diaries podcast, Jade Rose interviews Charlie Kiley, a speaker, activist, and content creator who trains workplaces on how to be more neurodivergent friendly. Charlie shares her personal experience as a multiply neurodivergent individual and discusses the challenges she faced in getting a correct diagnosis. She also talks about her work at Kiley Consulting, where she helps bridge the gap between neurotypical and neurodivergent staff in the workplace. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and understanding in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment. It highlights the stigma and lack of understanding that still exists, making it difficult for individuals to disclose their neurodivergence and receive the necessary support. The conversation also touches on the different responses people receive when they disclose their neurodivergence, ranging from supportive and understanding to dismissive and stigmatizing. The impact of neurodivergence on daily life is discussed, including difficulties with interoception, routine, socializing, and change. The conversation concludes with a focus on the positive aspects of neurodivergence, such as the ability to offer support and understanding to others and unique strengths like heightened pattern recognition.

 

takeaways

• Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in getting a correct diagnosis, especially in the UK healthcare system.
• Communication and understanding are key in creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for neurodivergent staff.
• There is a need for a cultural shift in organizations to prioritize the well-being and support of neurodivergent individuals.
• The onus is often on the neurodivergent individual to advocate for their needs in the workplace, but there is a growing awareness of the importance of neurodiversity in organizations. Neurodivergent individuals face challenges in the workplace due to stigma and lack of understanding.
• Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is crucial for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
• Disclosure of neurodivergence can elicit a range of responses, from supportive and understanding to dismissive and stigmatizing.
• Neurodivergence can impact daily life, including difficulties with interoception, routine, socializing, and change.
• Neurodivergent individuals possess unique strengths, such as heightened pattern recognition.

Keywords

neurodivergence, workplace, diagnosis, communication, support, inclusivity, neurodivergence, workplace, challenges, stigma, disclosure, support, understanding, responses, interoception, routine, socializing, change, positive aspects