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Neurodiversity support
Research shows a greater incidence of neurodiversity in engineers. If you believe you may be neurodivergent, we can offer support to help you get a diagnosis, understand your condition, and thrive in work and life.
You might not have thought about it like this, but everyone is neurodiverse. The term 'neurodiversity' covers all the unique ways each of us experience, interpret and interact with the world around us – including your own.
Because of this natural variation, there's no ‘normal’ or ‘correct’ way in which our brains function. However, some of us think, learn and process information in broadly similar ways, which can be defined by specific shared characteristics.
In fact, around 1 in 7 of us have a neurodevelopmental condition which is considered to be neurodiverse, such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia or Tourette’s Syndrome. But the real figure is likely to be much higher, as this doesn't take into account those who haven’t been diagnosed.
Whilst many neurodiverse people have no problem excelling academically and intellectually, they can often struggle with everyday 'executive functioning' skills such as concentration, time management, organisation and memory. This can lead to them missing out on opportunities that others take for granted.
They might be passed over for promotion, drop out of their university course, or struggle to get a job because they don’t seem to 'fit' with how organisations tend to do things. These challenges can also have wider-ranging effects on their mental health.
That’s why we offer a range of neurodiversity support, to ensure that every member of the engineering community can reach their full potential and thrive – no matter their circumstances. Find out more below.
Differently Wired Hub
Our free Differently Wired Hub is available to everyone in the engineering community who is interested in learning more about a range of neurodiverse conditions. Developed by experts in neurodiversity, it has free advice, information and resources to help you understand what different conditions mean for you and those around you.
Sign up here.
Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme
Our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme is designed to support engineering students and apprentices who believe they may be neurodiverse, to access fully funded, tailored support so that they can kick-start their career with confidence.
Neurodiverse people can find it really difficult to get a diagnosis, with long waiting lists and the extortionate cost of private assessments. By accessing this programme, you can get a fast-tracked diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition, and if you’re diagnosed, you can access financial support, counselling support, and careers coaching and mentoring to help you make your studies work for you.
Apply for the programme here.
Adult neurodiversity support
We can consider funding for adult members of the engineering community to access a diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition. If you believe you may be neurodiverse but you're struggling to get a diagnosis, get in touch with us today.
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Your stories
“I think differently, my reactions are different, my ‘cause and effect’ is not the same as others’ – and that’s ok. I’m becoming increasingly comfortable with who I am, and the diagnosis is helping me understand my strengths and explain some of the challenges I’ve faced in my life.”View story Read Stuart’s story of living with autism spectrum disorder and getting a diagnosis
There are so many barriers for people like me – the cost of assessments and assistive technology are just one aspect. But getting the right support really can transform someone’s life, whether they’re at the beginning of their career or retired.View story Read Brian’s story of getting diagnosed with severe dyslexia
"Three months in, I noticed that I was really struggling to engage with my work. I felt sleepy and lethargic all the time, I couldn’t concentrate on anything and my attention was all over the place."View story Read Mikaela’s story of getting diagnosed with ADHD
"Back before the diagnosis, I knew I was struggling, but didn’t understand why. I had a conflict raging inside of me and it was tricky. I always felt I was ‘different’ in some way. Now, I feel relief. I have more compassion for myself, and feel I know myself better than I did before."View story Read Donat’s story of taking control of his studies through our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme
“What I did realise going through all of this, was that it wasn’t the academic side of my course I was struggling with. It was the other skills I needed to be able to pass my degree – time management, self-organisation, memory, focus. The ‘life skills’ that aren’t really focused on when you’re studying – but which can make the difference between succeeding or failing.”View story Read How our Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme is supporting students to reach their full potential
Blog
Blog: Wolf’s tips for succeeding in the workplace as a neurodivergent engineer
Wolf’s top tips for overcoming challenges of neurodiversity in the workplace: meeting deadlines, keeping track of tasks and written communications
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Our CEO Jane explains how Foothold has connected with the Winter Warmth Network to enable our community to get the right support this winter
Neurodiversity at work: How leaders and managers can support neurodiverse staff to thrive
Neurodivergent engineer Martin shares his some top tips to help leaders empower neurodiverse colleagues to thrive at work.