Managing neurodiverse teams is becoming an essential skill in today’s workplace, yet many line managers still feel unprepared. A recent ACAS study (2024) revealed that 59% of line managers lack sufficient knowledge about how to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent employees, while 39% find it difficult to even start conversations about these adjustments.
Even more concerningly, the Institute of Leadership and Management found that half of leaders and managers would be uncomfortable even employing or line managing a neurodivergent person.
These statistics highlight a critical gap, one that affects not just employee wellbeing but also team performance and retention. But why do these challenges persist?
Many line managers receive little to no formal training on neurodiversity and reasonable adjustments, leaving them uncertain about best practices. There’s also a lack of clear guidance on how to have sensitive conversations about neurodivergence, which can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. Combined with day-to-day management pressures, it’s no surprise that managers struggle to confidently support neurodivergent team members.
Neurodivergent people, including those who are autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic, often face unique workplace challenges that traditional management approaches may not address, or in some cases, completely miss the mark! Without proper support, these employees may struggle with performance, absence, and engagement, issues that can be fully prevented with the right awareness and tools.
Our 3-hour Neurodiversity for Line Managers and Supervisors workshop is designed to fill this gap. It offers practical solutions and actionable strategies to:
- Understand neurodivergent differences and their impact at work
- Build confidence in having open, supportive conversations around disclosures and adjustments
- Manage performance and absence through a strengths-based, inclusive approach
- Implement low-cost, effective reasonable adjustments that make a real difference
- Know when to seek outside expertise, like Workplace Needs Assessments, for additional support
This workshop is about empowering managers and supervisors to create workplaces where neurodivergent employees are supported to thrive, not just survive.
This programme is part of our wider Neurodiversity Summer Camp offerings, which also features events like the upcoming Neurodiversity and Reasonable Adjustments webinar on the 31st July. Designed to be practical, affordable, and accessible, these sessions especially support SMEs and public sector teams navigating complex pressures.
Changing how we support neurodivergent staff
Supporting neurodivergent employees goes beyond ticking boxes or meeting legal requirements, it is integral to creating workplaces where every individual can truly succeed. Without the right understanding and tools, organisations risk losing valuable talent to avoidable challenges like burnout and disengagement.
Our Summer Camp webinars aim to equip managers and HR professionals with the knowledge and confidence to make a meaningful difference. Together, we can build inclusive workplaces where neurodiversity is not only accepted but actively embraced and celebrated.