Skip to main content
All CollectionsAbout Strengthscope
Supporting Neurodiversity
Supporting Neurodiversity

About neurodiversity, how to create a more inclusive environment and advice for neurodivergent individuals completing Strengthscope

Natasha avatar
Written by Natasha
Updated over 4 months ago

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions. Initially used to describe autism in the late 1990s, the term now encompasses a broader range of conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Autism

  • Developmental speech disorders (e.g., stammering in the UK/stuttering in the US)

  • ADHD (a persistent pattern of inattention, sometimes hyperactivity and impulsivity)

  • Dyslexia

  • Dyspraxia (developmental motor coordination difficulties)

  • Dyscalculia (difficulty learning or comprehending arithmetic)

  • Dysnomia (word retrieval difficulties)

  • Intellectual disability (significantly impaired intellectual functioning)

  • Tourette syndrome (multiple movement and phonic tics)

  • Schizophrenia (includes periods of psychosis)

  • Bipolarity

  • Schizoaffective disorder

  • Antisocial personality disorder

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Different Perspectives on Neurodiversity

Most experts now advocate for support systems that enable and empower neurodiverse individuals rather than trying to ‘fix’ neurodivergence. The goal is to provide support that honours authentic forms of human diversity, self-expression, and being.

Neurodiversity advocate, John Elder Robison, highlights that while neurological differences can sometimes produce disabilities, they can also provide unique strengths. He argues for accommodating neurological differences, recognising that these differences can be both disabling and advantageous:

“99 neurologically identical people fail to solve a problem, it’s often the 1% fellow who’s different who holds the key. Yet that person may be disabled or disadvantaged most or all of the time. To neurodiversity proponents, people are disabled because they are at the edges of the bell curve; not because they are sick or broken."

Creating an Inclusive Environment

A common-sense approach to supporting neurodiversity involves creating an environment where everyone feels included and supported. It’s important to recognise that individuals have varying comfort levels regarding their neurodiverse conditions. Respect each person’s unique journey and provide support tailored to their needs. Whether someone wants to address their condition or needs support to live with it, ensure that changes are made to help everyone feel included on their terms.

Practical Steps to Support Neurodiversity

  1. Recruitment: Simplify the process and be mindful of neurodiversity.

  2. Awareness: Understand different conditions and foster a culture of inclusion where people feel comfortable sharing. Make accommodations where possible, such as quieter workplaces and thoughtful task allocation.

Strengthscope’s Commitment to Neurodiversity

The Strengthscope research and development team is dedicated to ensuring psychometric assessments are developed with neurodiversity in mind. The team is committed to ongoing research to ensure that no one is negatively or unfairly impacted due to a specific neurodivergence.

By fostering an inclusive environment and being mindful of neurodiversity, we can support and empower all individuals to thrive.

Advice for Neurodivergent Individuals Completing Strengthscope

Be Your Authentic Self

When completing the Strengthscope questionnaire, it’s essential to be your authentic self. Answer the questions based on your true feelings and experiences.

Reflect on Your Results

Once you receive your Strengthscope results, take some time to reflect on them in the context of your neurodivergence. Consider how your strengths, as identified by Strengthscope, interact with your neurodivergent traits. This reflection can help you understand how your unique strengths show up in the workplace.

Recognize and Develop Your Strengths

The most important aspect is that you recognise yourself in your Strengthscope profile. Use the insights from the report to find inspiration and motivation to leverage and further develop your strengths. Remember, how this works will be unique to you.

Seek Further Support

If you have any questions or need additional support after receiving your results, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you make the most of your Strengthscope experience and to support your journey in using your strengths effectively.

Did this answer your question?