Why Embracing Neurodiversity Strengthens HE for all
By Jane Cullen, Training Manager at The Brain Charity
1 October 2025
Creating inclusive spaces where all minds can thrive
I have been working as a Training Manager at The Brain Charity for four years, where every day is a learning curve and full of surprises. Following a career within the corporate worlds of British Airways and John Lewis, the third sector is possibly the most challenging, but certainly the most rewarding.
I had personal experience of support from The Brain Charity when a close family member was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2000 - to now be able to work and contribute to this amazing Charity keeps me very motivated.
It’s important that we combat stigmas and educate where possible. From the rise in awareness in ADHD among adults - with diagnoses in the UK increasing by nearly 20% year-on-year since 2020 - through to the myth that dyslexic people are less intelligent or incapable of academic success. Albert Einstein wrote the space- and time-defining Theory of Relativity, despite being dyslexic! At least 1 in 5 people in the UK have some form of neuro difference so it is highly likely that someone you work with will be neurodivergent.
A 2023 survey by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) found that more than two-thirds of neurodiverse workers haven’t told their current employer about their condition. Meanwhile less than a third said they would declare it on a job application. A third of Neurodivergent employees are dissatisfied. Additionally, 37% of managers admit to having received no training on neurodiversity, leaving many unprepared to support neurodivergent employees.
At The Brain Charity, we believe in a society that values all forms of human difference -including how we think, process, and engage with the world. This is the essence of neurodiversity: recognising that cognitive variation is natural and beneficial. Embracing neurodiversity isn't just a matter of fairness - it's a powerful way to foster innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
Yet despite increased awareness, many neurodivergent people still face structural barriers to access, performance, and wellbeing in both work and study. By challenging myths and redesigning systems, higher education institutions (HEIs), as employers and providers alike, can unlock untapped potential and build environments where everyone can succeed.
So, what is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and cognitive functioning. Just as biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, neurodiversity strengthens human communities by bringing a wider range of skills, experiences, and perspectives.
People are:
- Neurotypical: Their thinking style aligns with dominant cultural norms and expectations.
- Neurodivergent: Their cognitive profile differs significantly from these norms, commonly including people who are autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or other forms of neurocognitive difference.
When people with shared neurocognitive traits come together, they can be described as a neurominority - for example, the autistic community or people with ADHD.
Neurodiversity means people experience the world in different ways and all ways are valid.
Facts, figures and models
When thinking about inclusion, it's helpful to distinguish between two key frameworks: the Medical Model and the Social Model of disability.
The Medical Model views disability as a deficit located within the individual, with the primary aim being to treat, cure, or manage the condition.
The Social Model recognises that disability arises when society creates physical, systemic, or attitudinal barriers that prevent individuals from participating fully. This is the model we work from. It frames neurodivergence not as something that needs fixing, but as something that requires environments to flex in order to accommodate a broader range of needs.
Neurodiversity makes organisations stronger
Understanding neurodiversity can profoundly impact outcomes, whether you're leading a team, managing services, or designing inclusive curricula.
Here's what embracing neurodivergent talent brings to the table:
Innovation and creative thinking
Neurodivergent individuals often bring fresh perspectives and unconventional approaches, leading to new ideas, improved systems, and breakthrough research.
Specialised strengths
Many neurodivergent people have deep focus, strong pattern recognition, or unique memory strategies. These skills are often underappreciated in traditional assessments - for example, standardised timed exams may disadvantage students who process information differently or excel in problem-solving over extended periods - but they are highly valuable in specialist roles and research settings.
Greater accuracy and reliability
Some neurodivergent individuals demonstrate a strong sense of precision and persistence - ideal for attention to detail, long-term projects, or methodical work.
Broader talent pool
When organisations adapt their recruitment or admissions processes, they gain access to individuals whom conventional systems may overlook. This leads to greater diversity in teams, ideas, and experiences.
A culture of inclusion
HEIs that actively support neurodivergent individuals sends a clear message: difference is not just tolerated - it's valued. This improves morale, reduces staff turnover, and builds a more resilient community.
Neuro-inclusion in HE
The HE sector plays a key role in shaping future workforces and social change. Many neurodivergent individuals thrive in this environment when barriers are removed.
For students, this might mean flexible assessment methods and deadlines, clear and direct communication, access to assistive technologies, and alternative ways to demonstrate learning.
For staff, support may include quiet or sensory-considerate workspaces, flexible working arrangements, inclusive meeting practices, and good understanding from line managers and leadership.
Practical steps toward inclusion
There are plenty of easy-to-implement ways to support neurodivergent staff and students.
Do rethink recruitment process to become more inclusive. For instance, use plain, direct language in adverts and course materials, and offer flexible interviews and alternative formats for selection.
Create sensory-aware environments in the workplace by providing quiet spaces and noise reduction tools, such as noise cancelling headphones, and adjust the lighting where possible. Design a range of physical work/study spaces.
Offer flexible working and learning options. Allow flexible start times, or staggered deadlines. With feedback, tasks, etc., provide structured information and clear expectations to avoid confusion.
Clear and inclusive communication is vital. We need to avoid idioms or indirect feedback, welcome multiple formats of communications (spoken, written, and visual) and build in regular check-ins and clarity around instructions.
A smarter, fairer future
Above all, understanding neurodiversity shouldn't be limited to support teams. All academic and professional services staff benefit from training that builds empathy, reduces stigma, and promotes inclusive practices.
Inclusion is not just a compliance issue - it's a strategic opportunity. When we shift our thinking from deficit to difference, and from accommodation to empowerment, we build environments that are fairer, more innovative, and more human. Embracing neurodiversity is one of the most impactful things any organisation can do. Our small, but passionate team of 45 staff and 58 active volunteers are all committed to making a real difference in people’s lives.
We are proud that more than half of our staff and at least 60% of our volunteers have lived experience of neurological conditions. This personal insight shapes everything we do, helping us provide more understanding, compassionate and meaningful support to those we serve.
The Brain Charity website includes detailed information on workplace neurodiversity training including contact details to find out more about how they support institutions in building systems that work for everyone.
The Brain Charity is one of a number of excellent organisations including Genius Within and the National Autistic Society specialising in a wide range of neurodiversity support.
