In the inaugural episode of the NeuroAccess@Work podcast, host Annie Crowe, an Australian human rights lawyer and founder of NeuroAccess, engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Mel Houser, founder of All Brains Belong.

They explore a range of topics central to neurodiversity in the workplace, including creating neuroinclusive cultures, the prevalence and impact of burnout in the neurodivergent community, the importance of understanding individual access needs and self-advocacy, and the role of psychological safety.

Dr. Houser shares their personal experiences as a neurodivergent individual, discussing the challenges and nuances of masking and unmasking in various environments.

The episode emphasises the importance of understanding and addressing individual needs in promoting inclusivity and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to foster a more neurodiversity-affirming workplace.

Key Themes:

1. Neuroinclusive Culture in the Workplace: Strategies and importance of creating an inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals at work.
2. Understanding and Addressing Burnout: Discussion on the prevalence of burnout among neurodivergent individuals, its causes, and ways to mitigate it.
3. Neurodivergent Access Needs and Self-Advocacy: The significance of recognizing and accommodating individual access needs and the role of self-advocacy in the workplace.
4. Psychological Safety for Neurodivergent Individuals: Exploring the concept of psychological safety, its impact on neurodivergent employees, and its importance in the context of workplace inclusivity.
5. The Concept of Masking in Neurodivergence: Understanding the phenomenon of masking among neurodivergent individuals, its effects, and the journey towards unmasking.
6. Individual Differences and Needs: Emphasis on the individuality of neurodivergent people and the non-uniformity of their needs and preferences.
7. Challenging Stigmas and Biases: Addressing the stigma associated with neurodivergence and the need to challenge societal and workplace biases.
8. Inclusivity Beyond Neurodivergence: Broadening the discussion to include all forms of inclusivity, not just for neurodivergent individuals but for all minorities.

These themes collectively highlight the importance of understanding, respecting, and advocating for the needs of neurodivergent individuals in professional settings.

Host: Annie Crowe (she/her) - Australian human rights lawyer, founder of NeuroAccess, focused on accessibility for neurodivergent people.

Guest: Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) - Family physician, founder of All Brains Belong.

Date of Live Podcast: 19 December 2023

Duration: 36 minutes

This podcast is proudly sponsored by NeuroAccess: https://www.neuroaccess.com.au/

Join Annie's NeuroAccess Network: https://neuroaccess-network.mn.co/

Follow us @NeuroAccess.Network on Instagram