When you are a neurodiverse employee, it can feel like you are fighting an uphill battle at times. Your co-workers might not exactly understand what you are going through because they may not have the same needs and abilities as you, and it can be hard to advocate for accommodations from your supervisors because they may also have trouble understanding too. But despite the challenges, neurodiverse employees have plenty of strengths, such as being able to think outside the box and paying attention to details, among others. There are plenty of resources available for neurodiverse employees to help with advocating for the accommodations they need to be able to perform up to their full potential in a neurotypical environment. Without further ado, here are four resources to help give you the support you need to thrive in the workplace.
1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (Title I)
One big resource to help you advocate for yourself in the workplace is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a civil rights law that bans discrimination against individuals with disabilities in areas of public life, like in work or school. Specifically, Title I of the ADA, is meant to help people with disabilities access the same employment opportunities as people without disabilities. Employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodation to help qualified employees do their jobs effectively.
2. Job Accommodation Network
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides guidance to individuals with disabilities and their employers. JAN helps employees with disabilities explore types of job accommodations and provides practical suggestions for negotiating accommodations with an employer. They can also provide basic information about the employment provision of the ADA.
3. Mentra
Mentra is a job-seeking network for neurodivergent workers that aims to match them with employers and roles that value neurodiversity. Users enter their preferred accommodations and sensory sensitivities in their profile. Then, Mentra will match you with roles that meet your specific needs. As a neurodivergent worker myself, I highly recommend this platform. I find it helpful to know which employers will be most supportive of your needs. It is easier to do your best, after all, when your employer is respectful of the accommodations you need.
4. The UConn Center for Neurodiversity and Employment
If you’re a neurodiverse student who goes to UConn and need some advice on how to start your career, then the UConn Center for Neurodiversity and Employment is for you. The Center for Neurodiversity and Employment provides neurodivergent students entering the workforce with one-on-one coaching in regard to pursuing internship and employment opportunities with organizations that are supportive of neurodiversity. I also highly recommend this, as it has helped me a lot on my career journey. Working with a career coach has helped me learn of opportunities I might not have learned about otherwise.
So, that’s my list! While being a neurodiverse employee can be hard, it can help to know what resources you have at your disposal to assist your journey in the workplace.
