(ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia)
Overview
One in 7 of us are Neurodiverse.
This means they may have conditions such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism or Dyspraxia.
These conditions occur from natural differences in the way peoples’ brains process information, learn and behave.
This can present challenges to people with Neurodiverse conditions, but there are also benefits as the brain can have strengths that other people don’t typically have.
Why are we talking about this?
This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
We think that the construction industry attracts a lot of neurodiverse people.
Other industries like the technology and creative industries can have as many as 20% of their workforce with Neurodiverse conditions.
This is because the strengths they have appeal to the type of work in that industry.
Construction attracts technical, creative people with good attention to detail who prefer active jobs.
Neurodiverse people are more likely to have these skills.
We have people in our leadership and management teams with conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia.
Read Lee Rowswell’s article on having ADHD and why the construction industry benefits from embracing neurodiversity.
www.linkedin.com/pulse/hidden-superpowers-neurodiversity-lee-rowswell/
So, if you have one of these conditions you are not alone at GKR!
GKR embraces neurodiversity
We have been educating ourselves on the challenges that people with Neurodiverse conditions have, as well as the strengths they can offer.
We have been making small changes to how we communicate information and there will also be changes to any in house training we do.
The most important thing is that we do not want anyone to feel they have to hide a diagnosis of a condition such as autism, ADHD, etc.
If anyone has challenges at work because of their condition, such as in receiving communication, information or when in training, let your Project Manager, Contracts Manager or People Operations know.
We can advise on different ways of doing things or share information that you might find useful.
The future is neurodiversity
Businesses like GKR want to remove any negative stigma around neurodiverse conditions.
These conditions are caused by very natural differences in our brains.
Previously, schools and businesses have not been set up to recognise these differences and have focussed on dealing with the challenges without the benefits.
This is changing.
We will support anyone who needs help managing the challenges these conditions bring.
But we also recognise the strengths that Neurodiverse conditions bring to both the individual and the work we do, just as with everyone who works for GKR.
Diagnosing and managing neurodiverse conditions
If you were diagnosed as a child:
You may find your condition affects you differently as an adult.
If you suspect you have one of these conditions:
But were never diagnosed, it may help you to receive a diagnosis to get support. 80% of people with Dyslexia for example were not diagnosed at school.
If you have children:
Be aware of these conditions. More children are able to be diagnosed and get the support they need.
The following links are gateways to getting further support and information:
ADHD https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/
Dyslexia https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
Autism https://www.autism.org.uk/
Dyspraxia https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/
