This podcast needs to be next up on your playlist! Listen in to Robyn Lowe in conversation with Kirstie Pickles, as she shares both evidence-based and personal insight on the topic of neurodiversity within the veterinary profession.

In open and candid conversation, Kirstie Pickles BVMS MSc PgCert(CounsSkills) PhD CertEM(IntMed) DipECEIM MRCVS describes her own later-in-life diagnosis of autism and her mental health journey before and after this.

As many as 1 in 6 of us are thought to be neurodivergent, making it imperative for us as a profession to be educated and aware, to be best placed to support those experiencing neurodiversity and allow them to thrive in practice.

Through her research, Kirstie found the lack of awareness of neurodiversity amongst colleagues was one of the most commonly reported stressors. To address this finding, Kirstie and a large team at Vetlife has developed a free veterinary-specific neurodiversity guidance detailing information about different neurodivergent conditions and explaining how neurodivergent individuals both may excel and face challenges within veterinary practice and how we can implement reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Yo can view it by following this link:

https://www.vetlife.org.uk/neurodiversity/

This podcast discusses the new Vetlife Neurodiversity guidance and more. We touch on the communication mismatch between neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals, the importance of being open and non-judgmental of behaviours in the workplace.

We talk about how the stigma that surrounds neurodiversity at management level is the biggest reason for individuals not to seek help, having a negative impact on their mental health. It is jam-packed with useful, practical advice.

For further help and information, Kirstie is founder of unedited minds, which provides neurodiversity awareness training for organisations and coaching for neurodivergent individuals:

https://uneditedminds.co.uk

Some more links for support include:

The National Autism Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/

The Brain Charity: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnqK1BhBvEiwAi7o0Xw7-bl52jxdQAZszrGTLX7vez0Dy65DkeV-NNKvTVD-rnwzOo7pCqhoCjsYQAvD_BwE

The British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk/