Nurturing neurodivergent talent
Neurodiversity covers different brain functions, thinking styles, and learning differences like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Businesses that go the extra mile to attract, retain, and support neurodivergent employees can benefit from enhanced diversity in skills, perspectives, and problem-solving methods, giving them a competitive advantage.
Employers are also legally required under the Equality Act 20101 to make reasonable adjustments within the workplace to ensure equal opportunities for all employees2.
Approximately 1 in 7 of us are neurodivergent.4
10% of people in the UK have dyslexia.5
52% of people with dyslexia have faced discrimination.6
3-4% of UK adults are estimated to have ADHD, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1.7
Research suggests that teams with neurodivergent talent in certain roles can be 30% more productive than those without them. Inclusion and integration of neurodivergent colleagues can also boost team morale.8
4 Support for neurodiversity - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
5 British Dyslexia Association
6 In a report by the BBC in July 2019, 52% of people diagnosed with dyslexia claimed to have experienced discrimination during an interview or selection process.
7 Prevalence | Background information | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | CKS | NICE
8 Robert D. Austin and Gary P. Pisano, Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage: Why you should embrace it in your workforce, Harvard Business Review, May–June 2017
With nearly half (44%) of employers planning to enhance neurodiversity support within the next two years3 and 41% already supporting, this remains a key focus in the cross section of both equality and inclusion as well as wellbeing strategies.
3. AXA Health and REBA Employee Wellbeing Report 2024.
Read our guide to neurodiversity in the workplace
With nearly half (44%) of employers planning to enhance neurodiversity support within the next two years3 and 41% already supporting, this remains a key focus in the cross section of both equity and inclusion as well as wellbeing strategies.
Creating inclusive workplaces means building an environment and developing a culture where everyone can thrive. Discover more ways to foster neurodivergent talent in your business by harnessing unique skills such as analytical thinking, complex problem-solving, creativity, innovation, and empathy.
3 AXA Health and REBA Employee Wellbeing Report 2024.
Here are five key findings of our latest guide to neurodiversity in the workplace
Expert insight to guide your business
Hear from our leaders and industry experts on the hot topics shaping your people strategy.
Are you talking inclusively when it comes to neurodivergence?
We asked our neurodiversity service providers, Problem Shared, to share their thoughts around the importance of neuroinclusive communication within the professional environment, and the changes that we can all make to embrace this.
Enhancing member access to our Neurodiversity Assessment and Support service
From 1 April 2024 we’re increasing the way private healthcare members can access to our Neurodiversity Assessment and Support service – making it more convenient. Find out what we’re doing and why.
AXA Health's neurodiversity service - one year on
With 52% of patients currently left waiting over a year for an autism assessment and 40% for an ADHD assessment, the need for more employers to offer access to assessment and support for neurodiversity remains pressing. Find out more about our service one year on and how we can help.
Supporting neurodiversity at work
With nearly half (47%) of employers planning to enhance neurodiversity support within the next two years, we expect this to be one of the next areas of focus for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). As well as workplace wellbeing strategies.“To cultivate a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, all staff should understand how neurodiverse minds work and that everyone is different. There’s a role for workshops and training in driving broader awareness.” – Jan Vickery, Category Lead, AXA Health.”
– Jan Vickery, Category Lead
AXA Health products to support your workforce
We’re here to help you support neurodiversity in the workplace.
Neurodiversity assessment and support service
Wait times for an assessment are often long and stressful. Many aren’t getting the support they need to make the most of their strengths and better manage their challenges. Connect your employees, and their eligible family members, to timely assessments and early guidance. This service supports the investigation of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Members will have online access to:
- Initial needs assessment, typically available five working days from booking, following a GP referral.
- Further specialist assessment, where appropriate.
- Early support where appropriate, including group sessions for ADHD and autism, medication reviews, and/or help with navigating education support options.
Neurodiversity seminars and learning
Create a positive difference with seminars created by psychologists and neurodivergent individuals for those wanting to better understand neurodiversity. Not just for those working with and managing neurodiverse colleagues, but to build a better understanding and awareness amongst individuals across the business.
Resources to drive health engagement
Select from our complimentary resources and get your workforce fit, well and fired up about staying healthy.
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