Neurodiversity
[ch 1: page 5]The term “neurodiversity” refers to different ways the brain can use and interpret information, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. One in seven people in the UK are estimated to be “neurodivergent”, meaning that their brain functions, learns and processes information differently.
While some neurodivergent people will be considered to have mental ill health, others will not, and one result of this uncertain status is that the issue is largely ignored by employer policies. In some cases the kind of adjustments required to support neurodivergent individuals to enter and remain in work are similar to those covered in later Chapters of this booklet.
Some unions, particularly the TSSA rail staffs union, have been at the forefront of this issue for some years. The TSSA has a range of campaign and bargaining materials on its website. Employment relations service Acas has also produced a range of guidance on neurodiversity.