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On this episode
Working in a system that pushes us to our limits and expects us to perform perfectly can lead to burnout. If you’re neurodivergent, you likely experience even more challenges, from heightened sensitivity and difficulty managing uncertainty, to masking your true self in order to fit in.
Instead of trying to conform to a one-size-fits-all approach, what about experimenting with small changes that play to our strengths and accommodate our needs? This could mean adjusting how we approach tasks, looking for roles that align with what we do best, or shifting how we think about success.
If you have ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodivergence, working within systems built for neurotypical people can feel exhausting, and you might end up feeling unsupported.
In this episode, neurodivergence specialist Matthew Bellringer returns to offer an opportunity to think about what’s working in your current role, and what isn’t. Think about one small change you could make today to play to your strengths or reduce a challenge you’ve been facing.
Whether it’s adjusting how you approach a task, trying a new routine, or reaching out to a supportive community, start experimenting with what could make things better for you.
Show links
More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
- Doctors with ADHD – Episode 262, with Dr Sarah Goulding
- How to Thrive in a High-Stress Job When You’re Neurodivergent – Episode 178, with Matthew Bellringer
- How to Manage Your Energy if You’re a Highly Sensitive Person – Episode 194, with Dr Becki Taylor-Smith
About the guests
Reasons to listen
- For actionable strategies to explore neurodivergence and adapt your environment to suit your strengths
- To create workplaces and systems that accommodate diverse needs and encourage collaboration
- To learn about the relationship between strengths, sensitivities, and how they influence performance and wellbeing
Episode highlights
What neurodiversity means
Designing for clarity
Atypical presentations of neurodivergence
The neurodivergent need to “rescue”
When noticing more feels like a character flaw
Strengths and weaknesses vs sensitivities
Why seek a diagnosis?
The benefits to a person-centred approach
Supporting a neurodivergent person in a vital role
We need a new design
Matthew’s top tips
You don’t need permission to explore
Episode transcript
[00:00:00] Rachel: Chances are you are working with someone who’s neurodivergent in some way. Maybe they’ve got ADHD or autism or dyslexia. Maybe you identify as neurodivergent or you think you might be. Either way, people working in teams represent a whole spectrum of neurodiversity. And while we tend to diagnose disorders to identify so-called deficiencies, there are also incredible strengths that we can access. [00:00:25] Rachel: And sometimes one symptom masks another one. So one person’s extroverted behavior might be another person’s autistic special interest in people. [00:00:33] Rachel: This week. I’m really pleased to welcome neurodiversity specialist Matthew…
