Neuroinclusion: A Series Of Whys! Part 4: The Never Ending Story

Neuroinclusion: The Never-Ending Story, Not a One-Night Stand

 

Neuroinclusion isn't a fad; it's a lifelong commitment, a never-ending story of learning and growth.

Forget the "wham bam, thank you ma'am" approach – this is marriage material!

 

Let's be clear: neuroinclusion isn't a checkbox or a marketing ploy. It's not about exploiting a trend or ignoring the very real challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

 

The data speaks for itself.

As you can see, only 3 in 10 autistic people of working age are employed, highlighting a massive gap between rhetoric and reality.

 

Why is this happening?

 

Our working theory is that many organisations are stuck in a one-night-stand mentality when it comes to neurodiversity.

 

They throw a few training sessions here, a couple of articles there, maybe tweak some policies, and then declare themselves "neuroinclusive."

 

This superficial approach is a recipe for disaster, as evidenced by the dismal employment statistics.

 

Neuroinclusion needs to be ingrained in the DNA of your organisation, not a flimsy Band-Aid slapped on existing problems.

 

Now, I don't have a fancy research paper to back this up, but I do have real-world data!

 

Over the past few weeks, I conducted a poll (huge thanks to everyone who participated!).

 

The question was simple:

 

"Would you consider your organisation to be neuroinclusive?"

 

The results are in... and they're not pretty.

Total participants: 192

 

Total Industries Represented: 9

(General industry sectors, not detailed by specific roles or subfields)

 

Total Job Roles Represented: 5

(Broad categories, not divided into specific job titles or departments)

The Data Speaks: A Disconnect Between Image and Reality

 

While the data set is small, the results reveals a deeply concerning trend...

 

While many big-name organisations shout their 'commitment to neurodiversity' from the rooftops, the truth behind the curtain is… well, let's just say it wouldn't win any awards.

 

Nearly 200 people took our survey, and a whopping 46% of them – many from these very same high-profile companies! – reported a complete lack of neuroinclusive practices.

 

A glimmer of hope?

 

Maybe...

 

17% reported a supportive neuroinclusive environment.

Hold the confetti!

 

Let's be real, that's a tiny oasis in a vast desert of indifference.

 

The remaining 37% are a mixed bag of chaos. 

 

Some organisations are throwing pebbles at the mountain of change, calling it progress. Others are just adrift at sea, lost in a fog of confusion about neuroinclusion. 

 

This lack of direction is a huge problem – many businesses haven't even gotten their compasses out, let alone charted a course towards true neuroinclusion.

 

So yeah, Busted!

 

Our small survey confirms our suspicions! 

 

Organisations are more concerned with flashy "look-at-us-we're-inclusive!" gestures than genuine inclusion. Public image is their priority, not the well-being and support of their employees.

 

It's a cynical game of corporate bingo. 

 

 

This surface level approach is not only ineffective, it's downright harmful. It creates a facade of progress while fostering a culture of exclusion.

I'd love to see their recruitment, retention and diversity figures – my guess is they wouldn't be pretty either!

 

The data unfortunately paints a disturbing trend: organisations trapped in a cycle of short-term fixes. They throw out a one-off training session or tweak a policy here and there, all the while neglecting a long-term strategy for neuroinclusion. A superficial approach that is a disservice to both the organisations and their employees.

 

The road to authentic neuroinclusion is a long and winding one, but it's a journey worth

taking. 

 

Organisations that prioritise long-term strategies, invest in comprehensive training, and foster a culture of inclusivity are the ones that will ultimately succeed. 

 

A shift of the focus from gimmicks to genuine support is all that's needed for businesses to unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive true change.

 

Beyond Buzzwords: It's Time for Human Decency

 

It's time to lose the "neurodiversity is the new trend" business jargon and get real about ethics.  

 

Neurodifferent individuals are one of the largest marginalised groups globally.  

 

Up to 20% of the global population is estimated to be neurodifferent, that's 2.6 Billion People!

Chances are, you know someone who's neurodifferent. 

 

Businesses can't keep ignoring the talents and needs of this vast pool of people!

 

Leave No One Behind!

 

What most people don't seem to comprehend is that a lack of neuroinclusion affects us ALL regardless of neurotype.

 

The problem with focusing on specific neurotypes within neurodiversity rather than on neuroinclusion as a whole has created a new moral and ethical black hole.

 

Being neurodifferent is now, rightly so, gaining traction as a disability in the workplace. This offers legal protection under the Equality Act 2010, forcing organisations to provide reasonable adjustments for neurodifferent employees. #Brilliant #Progress

 

However, there's a crucial point to consider: the neuromajority doesn't receive these same legal safeguards!

 

Let's face it: life throws curveballs at everyone.

We all need support or adjustments at work sometimes. It's part of the human experience, right?

 

But without robust neuroinclusive practices, some individuals are denied these adjustments simply because they aren't legally mandated. It might sound unbelievable, but it's a reality for many!

 

Why? Companies often prioritise hitting targets over actual human needs.

 

Targets are just numbers without the people to make them a reality.

 

No team, no targets! It's that simple.

 

 

A swift move beyond just "equality" towards the concept of "equity." is needed!

 

Skipping over neuroinclusion cultivates a breeding ground of division, resentment, and conflict in teams.

 

This kind of toxicity is what tanks productivity, innovation, and retention – the holy trinity of a failing organisation.

 

Get the right tackle!

 

Neuroinclusion is the right tackle to face all of the aforementioned issues and deal with them head-on!

 

Ignoring this reality isn't just ethically questionable, it's how you will ultimately lose the game!

 

By meeting people where they are and focusing on their strengths you will create a culture of equity and psychological safety, where compliance with regulations becomes a natural byproduct.

 

Think of it like universal design principles: built by diverse communities, for diverse communities!

 

It's about offering accommodations for everyone, not just tossing crumbs to a few.  

 

We all deserve a seat at the table, a slice of the cake, not just the leftovers.

#PutTheHumanBackIntoHumanity

 

Your Call to Neuroinclusion

 

The data is clear: your workforce needs neuroinclusion!

 

Ignoring this reality isn't just ethically questionable, it's a recipe for stagnation.

 

Neuroinclusion isn't a fad, it's a game-changer. 

 

It cultivates a culture of equity and psychological safety, PLUS ultimately it unlocks the true potential of your most valuable asset – your people. 

 

Compliance becomes a natural byproduct, not a chore.

 

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to unleash their unique strengths. 

 

Now that is the why of the neuroinclusion!

 

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This is IMUK's "why's" wrapped up!

We believe in a workplace where every single brain is a powerhouse, celebrated for its uniqueness, not ostracised for its differences.

That's neuroinclusion!

Ready to ditch the stagnation and ignite a revolution? IMUK is your neuroinclusion SWAT team.

Join IMHub Waitlist: Fueling Neuroinclusion, One Member at a Time!

As an IMHub member, you’ll gain access to expert guidance, practical resources, and a supportive community dedicated to making neuroinclusion a reality. With exclusive events, tools, and insights, we’re here to help you make sustainable, impactful change—one step at a time.

Join IMHub today and be part of the movement transforming workplaces across the UK. Let's create spaces where everyone can thrive!

Register Here

#Neurodiversity #Neuroinclusion #IMUK

 

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Meet Ria Jackson: SHE-EO and Cheif - Brewmaker of IMUK

 

Forget a closet full of clothes, Ria has a hat rack overflowing with experiences! Engineer, educator, mindset coach, NLP practitioner and coach, specialist study skills tutor for ADHD and Autism, trauma-informed practitioner, senior leader, and the list goes on!

 

She brings a wealth of experience, shaped by her journey as a neurodifferent woman, veteran, and Mum (her whole family is basically a full neurodiversity ad campaign in itself!)

 

Ria's life and career have been anything but linear!

 

Now, as the SHE-EO of IMUK, she brings a wealth of experiences and a unique perspective.

 

Sick of the same old, same old, and wanting to forge a better future for her neurodifferent daughter, Ria's here to disrupt the system!

 

With a background as diverse as her passions, she's on a quest to make neuroinclusion the new normal.

 

She believes in authenticity and leaving a positive impact, as evidenced by her closing quote: 

 

"Always be yourself, cos everyone else is already taken!"

(Oscar Wilde, apparently).

 

Welcome to IMUK!