Being neurodivergent - like having ADHD, autism, or a specific learning difference like dyslexia - means you bring unique strengths to your workplace, but it also means that may face unique challenges while at work.
The good news is that workplaces are changing, and many employers want to help. To get the best support, you will need to share your diagnosis with them.
This might feel a little scary at first, but it is the best way to get helpful changes (called workplace accommodations) so you can perform at your best.
Benefits of telling your boss you are neurodivergent
Before we look at how to tell your boss, let’s talk about why it can be a good idea.
Explaining how your brain works can help you in a few big ways:
- A better place to work: Your boss can change things to help you feel comfortable and do your best work. These are known as workplace accommodations.
- Fewer misunderstandings: When your coworkers understand your neurodivergence, it can help them understand how to work with you more efficiently and respectfully.
- Legal protections: In 2010, the UK government passed a law known as the Equality Act. It says that bosses must make fair changes to support you at work, and they are not allowed to treat you badly because of how your brain works.
While sharing your neurodivergence can seem scary, it can make you more productive, your workplace more welcoming, and can help protect you from unfair treatment or discrimination.
How to share your neurodivergence at work
Here are five useful tips to help you get ready for the conversation:
Tip #1: Work out your biggest challenges at work
Before you speak to anyone, think about what your biggest challenges are at work, and what has helped you do a good job in the past. Here are a few example questions you may want to ask yourself:
- What time of day do you feel most awake and ready to work?
- How often do you need to take a quick break?
- Does a noisy room or a shared desk make it hard for you to focus?
- What is the best way for people to give you instructions? (For example, do you prefer lists or someone speaking to you?)
Understanding yourself and your challenges is the first step to making your workplace a kinder and more welcoming environment for you.
Tip #2. Come ready with good ideas
Don't just think about the problems - think about the fixes! Be ready to suggest small changes that would make your work life easier. This shows your boss that you are being helpful and looking for ways to succeed.
If we return to the list in tip #1, here are a few examples of solutions that may work for you:
- You could ask for meetings to take place, where possible, during the hours you feel most awake and alert
- You could suggest that you use the Pomodoro technique to manage your workdays. This is a productivity technique where you work for a set amount of time (also known as a ‘Pomo’) and then take a short break. For example, your Pomo could last for 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute break
- You could ask to have your own desk, or to be allowed to wear noise cancelling headphones while you work
- You could request that tasks or important information be sent to you in an email so you can refer back to it.
Tip #3. Focus on the positives
Some people feel nervous sharing their neurodivergence with their boss because it feels as though they’re admitting to not being good enough; but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your brain just needs a little support to work at its absolute best.
When you explain what you need, let your boss know how those accommodations help you at work. They want you to be happy and productive, after all!
Focusing on the positives makes the conversation feel less like you are listing your limitations, and more like you are looking for ways to maximise your ability.
Tip #4. Bring some helpful facts
Sometimes people do not understand what words like neurodiverse mean, or they may have an inaccurate understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism or specific learning differences like dyscalculia.
It can be a huge help to bring along some simple information sheets or links to website that specialise in your condition. This gives your boss a chance to learn more.
As an example, we’ve written simple guides to autism and adult ADHD to help them get an understanding.
Tip #5. Team up with your boss
There may be some challenges you face at work that are beyond your boss’ power to change, but together, you can work on ways to manage situations that are out of their control.
This might include things like meetings that are organised by other departments that take place at a time when you don’t feel at your most focused or productive.
Remember, this conversation is all about teamwork. Let your boss know that you want to work with them. Listen to their ideas and feedback and figure out the best way forward together.
Email template
To help you begin the conversation with your boss, we’ve put together a simple email template that you can use – either as it is, or to edit into your own words.
You may want to also CC your HR representative into the email you send to your boss for extra support and awareness.
Hi [Boss/HR representative],
I’m reaching out to share some important personal information.
I am neurodivergent, which means my brain processes information and environments a little differently to other members of the team.
I would like to find some time to discuss the challenges I experience, and the small workplace accommodations that can make a massive difference in my day-to-day productivity.
I am fully committed to my growth here and appreciate your partnership in creating an environment where I can excel.
Thanks so much for your support and collaboration,
[Your name here]
What happens next?
Once you have shared your neurodiversity with your boss, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open.
Arrange a meeting them once every week or two to check in with them and tell them how your workplace adjustments are going.
Let them know what is working, what isn’t, and where things could be improved. This is a collaborative process, and nothing is perfect right away!
Additional resources
If you would like to learn more about neurodiversity and the ways in which your brain may process information, we have several other resources that may be of interest to you, including topics such as the different types of executive dysfunctions and how to manage symptoms of ADHD without medication.
Our Resources section is growing all the time, so please visit our main Resources page for more helpful content.
