Neurodiversity in tech

Myles Lewando

Disabilities Officer

United Tech & Allied Workers (UTAW)

Who am I?

Developer & ethical technologist
Disabilities Officer at UTAW
Mental Health Inequalities Advisory Group member at Welsh Parliament
Multiple neurological & mental health conditions

@codemacabre

What is neurodiversity?

neurotypical vs neurodivergent
normal vs abnormal
diagnosed vs undiagnosed
us vs them

like biodiversity
every brain is different
diversity of thought
rich pool of experiences

It's hardly possible to overstate the value [...] of placing human beings in contact with other persons dissimilar to themselves, and with modes of thought and action unlike those with which they are familiar. Such communication has always been [...] one of the primary sources of progress.

John Stuart Mill, Principles of Political Economy (1846)

Strengths and challenges

My memory is exceptional, when it comes to remembering every word in a conversation or being able to remember information quickly. I’m very direct and honest, and not prone to becoming emotional where problems and conflict arise at work. I’m also loyal and consistent, and a long-term advocate for the organisation where the environment fits.

Reece Coker, Workplace Neurodiversity: The Power Of Difference: Case Study, ILM (2020)

Workplace adjustments

Image source: Advancing Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Municipalities, City for All Women Initiative (2015)

Activity

Think about what workplace adjustments would help you. Use the 'Cards for Humanity' tool to discuss what accommodations could be made for others with different needs.

https://cardsforhumanity.idean.com/

Inclusive recruitment

finding an all-round person
filtering out weaknesses
opaque processes
traditional, archaic, obsolete
ensuring 'culture fit'

building an all-round team
recognising strengths
transparency
relevant tasks
diversifying reach

Working in tech

Tech solutionism

Person-centred approach

Adapt & experiment

Communicate, collaborate, educate

To create just, equitable, and self-determined tech futures that work for everyone, we need to center and support voices from the communities most impacted by tech’s biases and harms.

Greta Byrum & Ruha Benjamin, Disrupting the Gospel of Tech Solutionism to Build Tech Justice (2022)

Summary

Neurodiversity is not a term to divide 'us' from 'them'

We are all different, and that's a Good Thing™

We should recognise and empower our strengths

Adjustments should not try to 'fix' workers

Employers should recognise challenges created by historical, systemic bias, and remove these barriers

A diverse workforce makes a happier and more productive workforce

What can you do?

Check your assumptions

Call out stereotyping and ableist language

Normalise talking about neurodiversity and mental health

Challenge outdated, obsolete workflows

Ask your workplace what adjustments they can offer you

Join a union!