Aim of this group
We are a network of employers, support organisations, Neurodivergent people and allies with a shared passion and commitment to influence organisational cultures that celebrate the talents of neurodivergent people in the workplace and strive to promote neuroinclusion.
How will we do that?
- By recognising and empowering the existing neurodivergent population within our current workforces.
- By increasing awareness of the value of cognitive diversity and working to eliminate stigma in the workplace.
- By sharing good practice and offering peer support to other employers.
- By supporting each other to build confidence and access appropriate external help.
- By opening up opportunities for neurodivergent and people via jobs, work experience and mentoring opportunities.
- By supporting the development of neurodiversity staff networks in organisations that have not developed these.
What will be the format of the Network’s Activity be?
- Events (at least 2x yearly)
- Sharing good practice via the closed Linked in Account
- Sharing good practice and information via a mailing list administered by the Greater Manchester Autism Consortium
Who is in the Network?
- Employers
- Support organisations (though they should also represent their organisations at events as employers as well)
- Neurodivergent people and family members
Definition of Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a reference to the natural diversity of human cognitive functioning; the fact that we all have differently wired brains. This umbrella term, coined by the sociologist Judy Singer, recognises that our society is made up of individuals with more typical cognitive processing (Neurotypical) and individuals who diverge from this societal typicality (Neurodivergent).
Neurodiversity recognises that individuals might have a profound difference in ability for different tasks, both positively and negatively and that if we understand this, we can create environments,
products and services which accommodate everyone’s abilities and preferences, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent.
It is estimated that around one in seven people are Neurodivergent and a growing number of employers are beginning to include Neurodiversity as part of their wider Diversity &Inclusion strategy, recognising emerging research that demonstrates the value of cognitive diversity in an inclusive and accessible environment.
The term neurodivergent includes people with the following conditions (diagnosed or self- identified):
Autsim, ADHD, Learning disability, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourettes Syndrome, Aquired Brain Injury, mental health and chronic neurological conditions.
Secretariat support and contact for further Information
The Greater Manchester Autism Consortium coordinates this group and acts as a point of contact.
For further information, contact mari.saeki@nas.org.uk.
Updated- April 2025