The number of neurodivergent adults worldwide is difficult to estimate, as there is no single definition of neurodivergence. However, some estimates suggest that as many as 20% of the world's population may be neurodivergent. This would mean that there are approximately 1.5 billion neurodivergent adults worldwide.
Neurodivergent people often have different ways of thinking, learning, and processing information than neurotypical people. While neurodivergence can sometimes lead to challenges, it can also be a source of strength and creativity. Neurodivergent people have made significant contributions to society in many fields, including science, technology and more.
Neurodivergent job seekers bring unique strengths and perspectives to the workplace, but they may face challenges when discussing their accommodations and support needs during the interview process. In this blog post, we will discuss specific conversation examples to help neurodivergent job seekers confidently and effectively discuss their allocations or accommodations during the interview process.
During an initial screening call, you can mention that you're neurodivergent and ask the recruiter if the company provides accommodations for job seekers with disabilities. If the recruiter doesn't know, you can ask to speak with the hiring manager or human resources representative who can give you more information about the company's accommodations policies.
Proactively discussing your accommodations during the interview process can help ensure that the employer is aware of your needs and can plan accordingly. For example, in your cover letter or resume, you can mention that you're a neurodivergent individual and list some of the accommodations that have worked for you in the past.
During the interview, you can say, "I want to let you know that I'm a neurodivergent individual and I need certain accommodations to perform my best. Can we discuss what accommodations are available and how they can be implemented?"
It's essential to be clear and specific about your accommodations and support needs. For example, you can say, "I need extra time for tests or interviews," "I need a quiet workspace," or "I need noise-cancelling headphones." You can also provide examples of accommodations that have worked for you in the past, such as "In my previous job, I used a standing desk to help me stay focused," or "I used a visual timer to manage my time and reduce my anxiety."
Highlighting your strengths, skills, experiences, and accomplishments can help the employer see you as an asset to the team, rather than just someone who needs accommodations. For example, you can say, "I have strong attention to detail and can identify patterns that others might miss," or "I have excellent problem-solving skills and can think creatively to find solutions." You can also provide examples of how your neurodivergent traits have helped you excel in your previous jobs or projects.
Self-advocacy is an important skill for neurodivergent individuals, and practicing your accommodation requests can help you feel more confident during the interview process. For example, you can say, "I need a quiet workspace because I get easily distracted by noise, but I'm a quick learner and can adapt to new environments," or "I need extra time for tests or interviews because I process information differently, but I'm confident that I can demonstrate my skills and abilities."
Be open to answering any questions the employer may have about your accommodations, as it can help them understand your needs better and develop a plan that works for everyone. For example, you can say, "I'm open to discussing any questions you may have about my accommodations. I understand that accommodations may be new to some employers, and I'm willing to provide more information to help make the process smoother."
In addition to the above tips, it can be helpful to talk to people in your network who have had similar experiences. Utilising online communities like OLLMOO Connect can provide an opportunity to build a network of peers who may have a similar experience and can offer valuable insights and advice.
Talking to peers in your network can help you learn from their experiences and gain more confidence in discussing accommodations with potential employers. You can ask them about the accommodations that have worked for them in the past, the challenges they've faced during the interview process, and how they've navigated those challenges.
Online communities like OLLMOO Connect provide a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent individuals to connect with each other and share their experiences. These communities can also provide access to resources and information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, discussing accommodations and support needs during the interview process can be challenging for neurodivergent job seekers, but with specific conversation examples, you can confidently and effectively discuss your accommodations with potential employers. Remember that accommodations can help you showcase your strengths and contribute to a successful and inclusive workplace.
