Neurodiversity Celebration Week is about embracing different minds. At Phoenix, we celebrate the strengths of our neurodiverse Team Members.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Anna is proud of her dyslexia and neurodivergence. She was diagnosed with dyslexia later in life at university. Growing up, she worked extra hard to keep up at school.
"I thought everyone struggled like I did," Anna shared. She was told she couldn't be dyslexic because her spelling was fine. But dyslexia is about more than reading and writing.
"It’s about processing speed and how we absorb information." Anna struggled in an academic school with high expectations. At university, she finally got the support she needed.
Breaking the stigma
Anna doesn’t see dyslexia as a barrier, it’s part of who she is. "It’s not a disability; it’s an ability," she said with pride. But some people don’t understand neurodiversity fully.
"When I got my degree, some said it was because of extra support." But support helps level the playing field, not give an advantage."
Anna also experiences mixing up words in funny ways. Her family calls them ‘Anna-rysms’ and they just laugh about it. "I know what I’m trying to say; the words just get muddled!"
How dyslexia impacts work
Anna is open about neurodiversity with her team. She knows what works best for her and how to adjust.
"I need clear instructions in writing, or I’ll forget." If a Team Member asks something in passing, she won’t remember. So, they all communicate in ways that work for everyone.
"We’ve created a culture where adjustments are normal." Fidget toys and colouring help with focus in long meetings. "I need to be doing something to listen properly," Anna explained.
She’s also learned how to manage her focus at work. During a long managers' meeting, she caught herself getting distracted. "I realised I was back in school, messing around with my friends!" Now, she makes sure to bring something to fidget with.
Supporting neurodivergent Team Members
Anna believes in making adjustments for everyone’s needs. Her team members have ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergences. "We all work differently, so we support each other."
For one Team Member, long meetings were overwhelming. Instead of forcing them to sit through it, she made changes. "We broke it up into smaller sessions, and it worked better."
Another struggled with report writing due to dyslexia. "I told them, ‘You CAN do it, you just need the right tools.’" Anna helped them find resources to make things easier.
Changing the narrative
Anna believes more education is needed on neurodiversity. Some people think accommodations are ‘spoon-feeding’ adults. "That’s just not true," she said. "It’s about giving equal access."
She encourages her team to own their neurodivergence. "You’ve got your diagnosis, now, what are you doing about it?" She teaches them how to use tools like overlays and audio readers.
Looking forward
Anna is excited about the progress Phoenix has made. "We’ve come so far, but there’s still more to do." She hopes to see even more neurodiversity awareness training.
"We talk about meeting the needs of our Pupils, let’s do the same for Team Members." By understanding and adapting, we create a stronger workplace.
Neurodiversity is not a limitation, it’s a different way of thinking. By embracing it, we unlock new ideas, creativity, and innovation.
Let’s continue to support and celebrate neurodivergent Team Members!