As we step into Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I want to share my journey as a leader who navigates the world as an Autistic with ADHD, also known as AuDHD, and as a mum to incredible neurodivergent kids. This is more than just a story; it’s an invitation to walk alongside me through the challenges and triumphs of embracing neurodiversity in leadership and parenting.
Understanding My World: Autism Meets ADHD
Being Autistic and ADHD is like having a brain that’s on a constant adventure, full of deep dives and sudden sprints. I’ve learned to work with my brain such that I am empowered, even when it feels like a double-edged sword. It’s about managing a love for detail and consistency while riding the waves of creativity and impulsiveness.
The journey of Understanding My World has taught me that my attention can be both a lantern and a laser—shining light on what truly matters or focusing intensely on my passions. But it’s not just about how my mind works; it’s about how I connect with my kids, guiding them through their own unique experiences with empathy and understanding.
My Leadership Style: Insight and Innovation
As a leader, I’ve discovered that my neurodivergent traits are not just quirks— they’re qualities that empower me to lead with insight and innovation. My dedication and focus drive me to explore every angle of a problem, while my ADHD-fuelled creativity often leads to out-of-the-box solutions that surprise even me. Around me, there is always a way.
This world of experiences has shown me that leading by example means embracing who I am, neurodivergence and all. I was not diagnosed until I was 48 and it means being compassionate to myself and others that it was so late in the game. It means creating spaces where everyone feels valued for their unique perspectives, especially in building teams that celebrate differences and strengths.
The journey of understanding my world has taught me that my attention can be both a lantern and a laser—shining light on what truly matters or focusing intensely on my passions. But it’s not just about how my mind works; it’s about how I connect with my kids, guiding them through their own unique experiences with empathy and understanding.
Juggling Act: Professional Life, Personal Growth, And Parenthood
Navigating professional life, personal growth, and parenthood is a juggling act that requires grace and grit. Finding ways to communicate effectively, advocate for myself and my children, manage time, and stay organised while being true to myself has been key.
Technology has been a lifesaver, offering tools that complement my unique way of thinking, or providing support with what I find challenging.
As a mother to neurodivergent children, I’m constantly learning and adapting. It’s about more than just leading in the workplace; it’s about leading at home, guiding my children through a world that doesn’t always understand them.
Learning and Adapting
It’s a journey of love, learning, and advocacy, driven by the hope of creating a more inclusive world for them to thrive in.
A Personal Message Of Advocacy And Empowerment
My story is one of many in the neurodivergent community, but I share it with a purpose: to advocate for understanding, and to empower others like me. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating your professional path, or raising neurodivergent children, know that your unique perspective is invaluable.
As we celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let’s remember that our journeys are filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth. Embracing our neurodiversity is not just about recognising our strengths, I say it’s about using them to make a difference in the world.
This week, and every week, let’s celebrate the brilliance of being uniquely ourselves.
In sharing my story, I hope to light a path for others, showing that it’s possible to lead with brilliance and warmth, embracing the unique challenges and joys of being a neurodivergent leader and parent. Here’s to thriving in our neurodiversity together.
How do you balance leadership and parenting as a neurodivergent individual?
- Balancing leadership and parenting as a neurodivergent individual involves a dynamic blend of self-awareness, structure, and flexibility. It’s a dance of prioritising, understanding personal limits, being in communication, and using neurodivergent traits to one’s advantage.
- I establish routines that work for my brain’s unique wiring, creating stability both at work and home. Clear communication is key, not just with my team and colleagues, but with my children as well, to foster an environment where everyone’s needs are understood and met.
- Leveraging technology helps keep me organised, and delegating when necessary allows me to focus on my strengths. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, and that doing so is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Above all, I embrace my neurodivergence, I celebrate that I can connect deeply with my children and lead with creativity and empathy. It’s not about finding a perfect balance, but about making the most of the journey, one day at a time.
What strategies have helped you embrace your neurodiversity in a professional setting?
- Embracing my neurodivergence in a professional setting has been a journey of self-acceptance and strategic adaptation. Identifying and leaning into my strengths, like the ability to hyper-focus or think outside the box, has turned potential challenges into assets. I’ve learned to structure my environment in ways that reduce sensory overload and increase concentration.
-
Open communication helps foster understanding and building supportive relationships with colleagues. I also advocate for flexibility in work approaches because one size does not fit all, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Regular breaks, mindfulness exercises, and a commitment to continuous learning have also been instrumental in harnessing the positives of my neurodivergent brain.
- Above all, I connect with other neurodivergent adults. My tribe is everything.
Can you share a moment where your neurodiversity was a clear advantage?
- Every day, my neurodivergent brain shapes my experiences as a leader in profoundly beneficial ways. For instance, during meetings, where nuances and non-verbal cues are often missed, my heightened perception cuts through the noise. I can sense underlying tensions or unspoken ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed. This deep sense of empathy allows me to address concerns before they escalate and to forge a team environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Or, when my autistic self cannot understand something, I have the freedom to ask directly.
- Creativity is another realm where my neurodivergence shines daily. It allows me to envision solutions that defy conventional thinking and inspire innovation within my team. My mind doesn’t know the bounds of ‘the usual way’; it thrives in ‘what could be’.
- Moreover, my straightforward communication has become one of my most valued attributes. By ‘saying it how it is’, I’ve built a foundation of trust with my peers and clients. They know I deliver unvarnished truth and clarity, leading to outcomes that are built on authenticity and integrity. Every day, these attributes derived from being neurodivergent prove not just advantageous but essential to my success and the success of those around me.
How do you support your neurodivergent children in understanding and embracing their identities?
How do neurodiverse teams enhance organisational success?
- For organisations aspiring to cultivate a more inclusive environment, my advice is multi-faceted. Start with awareness—educate your teams about neurodiversity and the value it brings. Move beyond mere acceptance to understanding and celebration; recognise that neurodivergent individuals are not just to be accommodated, but actively included, given spaces to have their voices heard and valued, and promoted into leadership roles.
- Implement flexible work policies that cater to various needs, such as offering quiet spaces or the option to work remotely. Encourage open dialogue and create channels where neurodivergent employees can comfortably express their needs and suggestions.
- Diversify your leadership and invest in training that emphasises empathy and understanding of different cognitive styles. And importantly, involve neurodivergent individuals in the decision-making process for policies that affect them.
- Inclusion isn’t just a policy; it’s a culture. It’s about creating an environment where every individual feels they truly belong and can thrive.
Why is self-care important for neurodivergent parents and leaders?
-
Self-care is crucial for neurodivergent parents and leaders because it replenishes the mental and emotional energy needed to navigate a world that isn’t always accommodating of their unique needs. There is a daily toll that is paid to live in a neurotypical world. It’s vital for maintaining the stamina required to advocate, both for oneself and one’s children, in various settings.
- Practicing self-care helps in managing sensory overload and reduces the risk of burnout, which is especially important for those who process stimuli more intensely. It also models healthy habits for neurodivergent children, teaching them the importance of self-compassion and setting boundaries.
- Moreover, self-care is essential for maintaining the clarity and focus necessary for effective leadership. It ensures that one can bring their best self to both their professional roles and their family, leading with resilience and empathy.
