If you're neurodivergent, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Those moments when your brain is churning with incredible ideas, but the rapid-fire conversation feels like an impossible obstacle course.
Let's get real: traditional workplace communication isn't just ineffective, it's exclusionary. It's a system that accidentally silences some of the most innovative thinkers in the room.
Read more: How to create a thriving neurodiverse workplace
Rethink communication: it's personal
As far back as 2017, research from the Harvard Business Review highlighted that neurodivergent professionals bring unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities to the team. Yet many workplaces still default to what I call the 'speak up or miss out' culture.
Neurodivergent professionals aren't looking for special treatment. They're seeking genuine opportunities to contribute, in ways that work for their unique neural wiring. We're talking about people whose brains process information differently, who might need a moment to translate complex thoughts into words, or who find traditional meeting formats overwhelming. Here's the good news: creating an inclusive environment doesn't require a massive organisational overhaul. Let me share three simple, yet powerful tools that transform team dynamics while improving business outcomes.
The two-minute deep listen: a simple revolution
Imagine a meeting where everyone – and I mean everyone – gets two minutes of uninterrupted time to share. No interruptions. No judgement. Just pure, focused listening.
- For the person who needs time to organise their thoughts, this is a lifeline.
- For the team, this is an opportunity to hear perspectives they'd otherwise miss.
Pro tip: count how many times you want to jump in. You'll be shocked. This practice isn't just about being nice, it's about unlocking hidden potential.
Read more: How neurodivergent individuals contribute to innovation
The format flip: communication, your way
Communication isn't one-size-fits-all. Some people think in pictures. Others in words. Some need time to write, others to speak.
The 'format flip' is a tool I use to promote different communication styles. It essentially means offering real-time options for both expressing and absorbing information so that your team knows they have options.
Ask yourself: "Would another format work better?"
- Want to sketch your idea? Do it.
- Prefer a voice memo over a live meeting? Go for it.
- Need a written summary to process complex information? Absolutely.
The goal isn't just accommodation. It's creating an environment where every brain can shine.
The pressure valve: breathing room matters
Neurodivergent people often experience sensory or cognitive overload. The 'pressure valve' is about creating safe spaces to step back and recharge.
Normalise:
- Brief breaks during intense discussions
- Simple signals for "I need a moment"
- No explanations required when someone needs space.
Beyond inclusion: a competitive advantage
A report published by the CIPD and the upskilling platform Uptimize last February demonstrates that when appropriate communication accommodations are in place, neurodivergent professionals can contribute unique perspectives that significantly enhance problem-solving and innovation outcomes.
Read more: Neurodiversity: a legal perspective
This isn't charity; it is smart business. Neurodivergent professionals bring unique problem-solving skills, incredible attention to detail and innovative thinking that can transform organisations.
Research shows that when communication is truly adaptive, neurodivergent team members don't just contribute, they lead revolutionary changes.
Start today
Pick one tool. Try it in your next meeting. Watch what happens when you create space for different thinking styles to shine. These practices aren't optional extras, they're essential for building teams that leverage the full spectrum of human capability.
Inclusion isn't about grand gestures. It's about consistent, thoughtful actions that say: "Your way of thinking isn't just welcome, it's valued."
By Simon Philips, founder of the Change Maker Group consultancy
