In the words of today’s podcast guest, “Everyone can benefit from neurodiversity”. But how much do you understand about the way it impacts you and your colleagues?

Neurodiversity can be a real strength in high-stress roles like medicine. Different ways of thinking can allow us to cope with high pressure situations, handle complex information, and perform brilliantly in ways that others couldn’t.

But it also offers us challenges, both when it comes to managing our own needs but also in supporting those around us. A great example is “masking”, where people try to hide elements of themselves in order to “fit in” with those around them. It takes a huge amount of energy, and can take a significant toll on our mental and physical wellbeing.

You might have a diagnosis of something like ADHD, ASD, or dyslexia, or know a colleague or family member who does. But even if you don’t, all of us benefit from understanding more about different ways of thinking and seeing the world, and knowing how to support each other better using our unique strengths and talents.

In this conversation, we hear from neurodivergence coach and facilitator Matthew Bellringer who unpacks the terminology in a brilliantly clear way. He shares how you can make the most of the advantages of neurodivergence in you and your team, as well as dealing more effectively with the challenges it brings so we can support each other better.

Listen to the episode if you want to

1. Understand the terminology of neurodiversity and how it can benefit individuals, society, and organisations
2. Learn about the unique strengths and challenges that come with neurodivergence, and how to capitalise on those strengths while mitigating the costs
3. Discover how masking and camouflaging can take a toll on the mental and physical wellbeing of neurodivergent individuals, and how to work towards expressing oneself and one's experiences

Episode highlights

• [00:03:25] Neurodiversity and neurodivergence
• [00:06:59] Twice-exceptional people
• [00:10:55] Neurodivergence and empathy
• [00:12:32] Superpowers vs mutant powers
• [00:15:51] Hyperempathy
• [00:18:42] Masking
• [00:21:13] Themes that show up for neurodivergent people
• [00:27:20] Neurodivergence, health, and lifestyle
• [00:30:07] Addiction and compulsion
• [00:33:00] Helpful coping mechanisms
• [00:35:10] When your zone of genius is outside of your role
• [00:38:00] How neurotypical people can help the neurodivergent
• [00:41:23] Get curious about your needs
• [00:42:32] Neurodivergence and leadership
• [00:43:22] Advocating for yourself
• [00:44:27] Seeking diagnosis and support

About the guest

Matthew Bellringer helps people with neurodivergent traits to develop their strengths and deal more effectively with the costs. In his work, he frequently encounters frustration and anxiety as common experiences for neurodivergent people in high-stress jobs.

Links

• Connect with Matthew via LinkedIn
• Curious Being - Matthew’s community for unconventional people who want to make the world a better place
• Work with Matthew
• Delightful Dissent – Matthew’s podcast exploring assumptions
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