Empowering employers to look deeper systemic inclusion and universal design to consider neurodivergent brains in the workplace. Dreaming of a world where we all feel psychologically safe, cared for and valued at work.

NEURODIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

How to create an inclusive and safe environment

Have you hoped for a more understanding and supportive workplace?

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: How to create an inclusive and safe environment contributes to the growing conversation around neurodiversity and inclusion. Debut author, Alice Hewson, walks you through how to promote systemic inclusion, cultivate community and create an open dialogue to help ensure the workplace is a positive place that you want to be in and most importantly, be yourself in.

Alice Hewson experienced several periods of poor mental health throughout her teenage years and although her dyspraxia was recognised in childhood, she wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until she was in her thirties and that's when it felt like things began making sense, like they should have all along. This became her motivation for this book. Hewson has worked as a North-East Children & Young People's Coordinator for Time To Change and is now Communications & Digital Officer for Dartington Service Design Lab. She has also appeared on Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Sheffield.

Music credit: Lost Words Spell Songs

REVIEWS

  • "It is a pretty great read on how to operate as a neurodivergent in the workplace, and even more how to manage people with neurodiversity. The author, Alice Hewson, shares a lot of her personal stories from her life and work environment, making it easier to understand and connect to the advice she is giving. I loved the overall approach of the book: explaining how neurodiversity manifests in the workplace, pointing out that not all neurodivergent people are the same, but in fact, all are different, indicating that some questions and approaches will be great not only for ND people but for neurotypical as well, and describing how to create a safe environment for all. I did have my takeaways from the book to apply in real life with my team, which maybe weren't directly expressed, but made me think of them while reading."

  • “Neurodiverse employees deserve to be appreciated and supported appropriately in their jobs. (As do all employees.) This book is written from the heart, using the author’s personal neurodiverse employment experience, both good and bad. It is a must read for all managers. There are lots of ideas to make you consider how to go about creating structures and a positive environment in the workplace where neurodiverse employees can give their best. I’m a teacher, and I can see so many things that my school managers and Authority managers could learn from this book. Also, although written for life beyond school, it’s given me ideas for use in trying to support pupils in school."

  • “As a neurodivergent this was a super interesting read. Alice the author is neurodivergent which definitely adds to the book by including her personal experience. I highly recommend any neurodivergent struggling in the workplace to read this. I love the fact that there was so many useful tips . I have made highlights to read again and will definitely read certain chapters again.”

  • “This book feels like home so much and I wish my employer and all jobs had you read this, it’s very hard for us to shine at a job when the employer doesn’t know how to properly “handle” us. This would also be great for teachers as well because I remember so many times that I had issues in school but was just shrugged off when I just needed them to explain it to me in another way.”

  • ”This book should be in the hands of every manager or person who has a say in hiring practices. Heck, this book should be in the hands of loved ones of neurodiverse individuals as well. It's easy to read and understand. It breaks down every aspect not just of the hiring process, but the day to day work as well. It gives real-life examples and offers practical solutions.”

  • “Very interesting and full of useful and applicable ideas in case one is in the right work environment, open to change and inclusiveness. Preface necessary because sometimes the author seemed a bit too idealistic to me, but certainly you have to start somewhere to change things.“

  • “The writer brings lived experience and insights with her, and her understanding and appreciation of neurodivergence. The book offers a wide range of detailed information, recommendations, advice and strategies about neurodivergence both in the workplace and in every day life. It opens with definitions related to neurodivergence. The author’s employment of her own experience made this book a better read for me, and I was glad to see a balance between the anecdotal and the specific, sustainable, feasible and more generalised tips.”

  • "Alice Hewson’s debut work is nothing short of a revelation. In a world where corporate buzzwords like "diversity" and "inclusion" are often thrown around with little substance, Hewson dives deep into the heart of what it truly means to cultivate a workplace that is not just inclusive in name but in practice. By dissecting systemic biases and offering tangible strategies to foster genuine community and open dialogue, this book is a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or misunderstood in their professional life. Can you imagine working in an environment where being yourself is not only accepted but celebrated?... This book does more than offer solutions; it demands a transformation of the workplace into a sanctuary where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Isn’t that the dream we all share? To not just be accepted, but to flourish in our authenticity? In "Neurodiversity in the Workplace," Alice Hewson doesn’t just provide a roadmap; she ignites a movement. This is a book that will stay with you, challenge you, and inspire you to advocate for change. If you’ve ever hoped for a work environment that not only acknowledges but cherishes neurodiversity, this is the guide you've been waiting for. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and ultimately, empowered to make your workplace a better place for everyone."