Making Reasonable Adjustments for Neurodivergent Employees

Introduction

“Neurodiversity” is the idea that there is a wide variety of ways in which the human brain can work. Neurotypical people are people whose brains work in the way that society perceives to be “standard”. There is a wide variety of neurodiversities, such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia. A person who is neurodivergent has a brain which is different from the perceived “standard”.

Many people who are neurodivergent do not think of themselves as potentially being “disabled” and may be reluctant to do so. However,  the law recognises that neurodivergent conditions are capable of being “disabilities” for the purposes of the Equality Act – provided that they have an adverse effect on the person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities and that effect is both substantial and long-term.

What do Employers need to be aware of?