In the United Kingdom, 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, and 1 in 4 individuals experience a mental health issue every year. That’s why treating neurodiversity and mental health right has never been more important. In this article, we’ll provide tips on what role you can play to help treat neurodiversity and mental health in the right way.
What Is Neurodiversity and Mental Health?
Neurodiversity describes the extensive range of neurological functioning existing among human beings and the numerous ways brains differ from each other. However, some of these differences have been pathologised, and individuals have been treated and seen as lesser than others. However, it is worth noting that all brain functioning types are valid, and none is inherently worse or better than another.
Both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals are part of neurodiversity. Here is the kicker: neurodivergent is not a medical term. Instead, it is just a term that was coined to describe people with brain differences that can affect how their brain functions and how they are structured. Now, let’s look at how you can support neurodiversity and mental health in various environments.
A Connection Between Neurodiversity and Games
Neurodivergent is part of the variability in human beings and life, and the best part is that it makes life on earth interesting and exhilarating, like spinning the reels of free online slots that don’t require downloading or registration. Free slot machines provide an excellent opportunity for players to enjoy a diverse array of high-quality casino games from top-rated iGaming providers and from the comfort of their homes without spending a penny.
The fact that you can find free slots no download with varying themes, RTP, game mechanics, volatility, features and paylines means there is something for every type of player from the UK, including low-stake bettors and high-rollers. Whether you prefer giving free 3D slots, free video slot games, free classics or free fruit machines a spin, you have a boatload of options. The best part is that playing free slot titles allows you to familiarise yourself with their gameplay and learn the rules and features before spinning their reels for real money.
Lend a Listening Ear
Neurodivergent people and individuals with mental health problems may feel left out or misunderstood since they can be excluded or harshly judged. Be willing to always lend a listening ear to them. You can tell them you hear, understand and respect them and their preferences and choices.
You should also try to communicate in ways that help them. Remember that some neurodivergent people prefer written communication like emails, texting and instant messaging over face-to-face conversations or phone calls. Give them the tools and time they need to communicate.
Increase Neurodiversity and Mental Health Awareness
We should discuss neurodiversity and mental health openly to lift the stigma in various environments and communities. Young people are sensitive to any message they receive from friends, teachers, parents and characters in books or television.
For this reason, introduce children to role models they relate to who talk about normalising neurodivergent conditions and mental health struggles. Not only is this a powerful way to show your child what they are capable of, but it also helps them to challenge any limiting beliefs.
Ensuring there’s adequate understanding and support put in place can be difficult sometimes, particularly when schools only have funding to support a single teacher to complete basic mental health training. But, even with limited resources, you’ll always find numerous creative ways designed to make life easier for children who are struggling.
Talking to children about neurodiversity and mental health will help them understand and accept who they are while giving them the tools to ask for help whenever they need it.
Educators and employers should also ensure that students and employees have educational resources for mental health and neurodiversity. Additionally, employers can include mental health care in their packages and benefits.
Ensuring Employees and Managers Understand Neurodiversity
Employees should also ensure everyone at the workplace understands what neurodiversity is, what it looks like and how to interact with neurodivergent workers. They should also train managers and employees on what the law says about employees who are neurodivergent or those struggling with mental health. That means everyone should understand that the Equality Act 2010 protects all employees with disabilities from six different types of discrimination at work.
Disability includes individuals with neurodivergent conditions in the table below.
| Recognised Types of Neurodivergent Conditions |
| Dyslexia | Learning difficulty that can affect either writing or reading. |
| Dyscalculia | This is a disability that leads to difficulty in learning or comprehending arithmetic. This can include difficulty in learning facts in mathematics, performing mathematical calculations and understanding numbers. |
| Dyspraxia | Also known as DCD (developmental coordination disorder), this condition affects physical coordination. |
| ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) | This condition is defined by excessive amounts of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention that are pervasive and impairing in multiple contexts. |
| Autism | This spectrum disorder is defined by deficits in social interaction and social communication and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests, which can include hypo or hyperactivity to sensory input. |
| Tourette’s syndrome | This condition is characterised by one or more vocal (phonic) tics and multiple movements (motor) tics. |
Protection the Equality Act Provides
The Equality Act protects neurodiverse people from different types of discrimination, including:
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments
- Discrimination arising from disability
- Perceived discrimination
- Indirect discrimination
- Direct discrimination
Hire Neurodiverse Talent and Support People With Mental Health Struggles
There are numerous benefits to hiring neurodivergent people. You can create hiring programs aimed at neurodiverse talent. For instance, hiring managers can encourage neurodivergent individuals to apply for positions in their job descriptions.
While they may process information differently, neurodivergent employees bring their unique set of extraordinary skills that their neurotypical colleagues don’t have. And while it’s the legal duty of every employer to support neurodivergent employees, it is also their moral duty to ensure they promote a more diverse workforce. Provide support when they are experiencing mental health problems by putting in place reasonable adjustments as stated in the Equalities Act.
By providing neurodivergent workers with workplace adjustments, employees will build a better relationship with their neurodivergent workforce. Ensuring they have the tools they need will help them thrive at work.
With that in mind, let’s look at the benefits of hiring and supporting neurodivergent individuals:
- Increased employee loyalty: By providing adequate support and care to neurodivergent employees and those struggling with mental health issues, they will likely work at your organisation for a long time and boost your business model.
- New perspectives: Neurodivergent professionals have special skills, such as excelling at mathematics, pattern recognition and a strong memory. They also have different approaches when it comes to problem-solving, which can be more effective than a solution provided by a neurotypical employee.
Conclusion
Treating neurodiversity and mental health the right way is a great way to celebrate how different the brain functions in humans. This will ensure schools, workplaces, and other environments are comfortable and not challenging for individuals with neurological differences. As a result, this will help them thrive and live a happier, fulfilling life.