Neuroinclusive management provides flexibility and support for people that allows divergent, "out-of-the-box" thinkers to contribute to the work in meaningful ways. Providing the workplace with more creative, innovative, and authentically motivated ways of engaging with the work.
Neuroinclusive Management - Getting Started is a brief introduction for managers who want to take the first steps toward making their teams and workplaces more inclusive and supportive of people who think differently.
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A manager’s role involves keeping track of many phases and stages of the work: planning and starting projects, performing tasks, interacting with clients & colleagues, assessing progress, and reviewing outcomes. Each member of the team relies on the manager to guide how the work gets done. You as a manger influence how other people engage with the work through the choices you make involving the structure of the work, your interactions with the group, and your interactions one-on-one with individuals.
A neurotypical approach assumes that everyone can be expected to approach the work in the same way. A neuroinclusive approach recognizes that when divergent ways of approaching the work are recognized and supported, it can make the team more effective.
General approaches to consider
Documentation of workplace norms and processes.
Providing leadership around priorities and project management.
Allowing flexibility around work processes when alternative paths can lead to the same outcome.
Being mindful of the difference between essential and marginal work tasks.
Providing feedback, coaching, and mentoring that is oriented toward growth.
Arranging professional development
Dolmage, J. T. (2017). Academic Ableism. University of Michigan Press. https://www.press.umich.edu/9708722/academic_ableism (with open access & audio versions)
Moriña, A., Sandoval, M., & Carnerero, F. (2020). Higher education inclusivity: When the disability enriches the university. Higher Education Research & Development, 39(6), 1202–1216. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1712676
US EEOC. (2002). Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the ADA. US EEOC. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-reasonable-accommodation-and-undue-hardship-under-ada
Yellin, S. (2023). ADHD Accommodations at Work: Your Rights to Disability Protections. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-law-americans-with-disabilities-act/
JAN (n.d.) Accommodation Solutions for Individuals with Executive Functioning Deficits. Job Accommodation Network (JAN). https://askjan.org/articles/Executive-Functioning-Deficits.cfm
If you have any additional questions, perspectives, or resources to add, send them to digitallearning@umass.edu.