“Neurodiversity is a concept that regards individuals with differences in brain function and behavioral traits as part of normal variation in the human population.”Put another way, regardless of whether we consider ourselves to have “normal” brain function, whether we are challenged with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia or Epilepsy, whether we have exceptional gifts in one or more areas of mental activity, we are all on the same broad spectrum of brain function. We are each unique; gifted in some ways and challenged in others. This is why neurodiversity should be celebrated and the potential of individuals on the spectrum should be maximized. In this segment of What Makes Up Your Mind, Dr. Lawrence Fung explains how it can be done, especially in the workplace.Dr. Fung is the Director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project (SNP), and the Adult Neurodevelopment Clinic, as well as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.In his research for best practices to broaden opportunities in quality employment for non-neurotypical workers, corporations report that neurodiverse individuals’ unique skills, talents and ways of thinking have improved bottom lines through innovation and higher productivity.“Attention to detail, out of the box thinking, and tendency to dwell deep in their topics of interest make up part of this potential,” says Dr. Fung, “but perhaps the most impactful is the general increase in employee morale when neurodiverse workers are part of a team.”Yet, the unemployment and underemployment rate for those on the spectrum remains incredibly high, with estimates in some categories topping eighty percent.Click the link to hear how SNP’s Neurodiversity at Work and Wellness Initiative offers resources for success in every component of neurodiverse employment. Utilizing the Stanford Neurodiverse Candidate Registry and the Stanford Neurodiversity Job Bank, the Neurodiversity at Work program facilitates good matches, offers interview and job prep assistance, as well as help in onboarding for neurodiverse employees, their employers and co-workers.If you have a loved one with Autism for whom a work program is not appropriate, check out the additional resources through our Autism Program at med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/patient_care/adpp.htmlFor more on Dr. Fung’s work and helpful resources:The Stanford Neurodiversity Project: med.stanford.edu/neurodiversity.htmlAdult Neurodevelopment Clinic: med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/patie…re/neurodev.htmlNeurodiversity at Work Program: med.stanford.edu/neurodiversity/NaW.htmlStanford Neurodiverse Student Support Program: med.stanford.edu/neurodiversity/s…upport--im-.html

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