What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the difference ways that the human brain functions. This can affect the way in which we think and learn. ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions.
Support at FI
Please tell us as soon as you can if you believe that you may be neurodiverse. By letting us know this we can design a study programme which is personal to you and put support in place to help you succeed. If you have previously had support at school or university, we can extend this into your study programme.
The support which we provide will be very much tailored to what you tell us will help you. If you are not sure what will help we can explore this with you. Some ideas are:
- More regular contact to help you stay up to date
- Helping you to plan your studies
- Support with written assignments
- Tutor support
- Extra time in exams
- A scribe or reader in exams
- Coloured paper or filters
- Advanced access to notes
- Access to a specialist counsellor who can support learners with your condition
- Cognassist tips
- Funding for assistive software if needed
Assessments
We will invite you to complete a Cognassist assessment when you sign up for an apprenticeship. This analyses 8 areas of neurodiversity. It will not diagnose conditions such as dyslexia but may identify areas where you need some support. If so, we can discuss with you what support is needed and make sure that this is in place. The report scores you on each area so you can see what your strengths and weaker areas are and plan your approach to your studies and work around this. In some cases we may be able to help by signposting further assessments and potentially with funding.
Telling your employer
We understand that some people may not want their employer to know about a condition, and we can still support you even if you do not want your employer to know. We will preserve your confidentiality. However, we would encourage you to share details with your employer as most employers are keen to help and are able to make small adjustments which allow you to shine. We are happy to support you with this and signpost your employer to information to support you.
Be proud of your neurodiversity
It is important to recognise that your neurodiversity is your superpower. History is full of very successful scientists, artists and creators who identified as neuro divergent. Companies are increasingly recognising this, Ernst & Young have recently launched a Neurodiverse Centre of Excellence, recognising that neurodiversity drives innovation.
The trick is in recognising that workplaces are usually designed for neuro typical people. In asking for a few adjustments you are asking to level up the playing field. Small changes can allow you to unlock your future career.
Neurodivse and proud of it
Bill Gates – dyslexia and ADHD
Tim Burton – Autism
Simone Biles – ADHD
Albert Einstein – Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism
Steve Jobs – Dyslexia
Emma Watson – ADHD
Jim Carey – ADHD
Walt Disney – ADHD
Read about Jo Dyson, director and tutor at First Intuition’s ADHA story.
