Doesn’t there just seem to be a week for everything now!?
This one’s important to us though as it really links to our core value of ensuring Motional is a tool that supports young people wherever they are: geographically; emotionally; culturally or in terms of neurodiversity. In fact, it’s more than that; we want to celebrate the fact Motional would not exist without our diverse and neurodiverse team!
Not just this week but every week, it’s essential to recognise the importance of promoting understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. At Motional, our mission is to provide tools that support emotional health and wellbeing in schools and communities, and as the founder and technical director, I am proud to say that neurodiversity is at the heart of everything we do.
As someone diagnosed with ADHD and with autism being flagged up at the same time, I have first-hand experience of the challenges and unique perspectives that come with being neurodiverse. This personal experience has not only informed our company’s approach to developing tools that cater to the diverse needs of learners but also drives our commitment to fostering a neurodiverse workforce.
Embracing neurodiversity is not just a matter of social responsibility; it is also a business imperative. By valuing the unique strengths and abilities of autistic individuals and other neurodiverse employees, we tap into a wealth of talent that enables us to better serve the needs of our clients and the communities we support.
In the spirit of Autism Acceptance Week, we would like to share some tips for fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment for neurodiverse employees that we are proud to use within Motional and believe are essential for our innovation, growth, and success:
- Provide Flexibility: Offer flexible working arrangements that cater to individual needs, such as remote work options, adjustable hours, or quiet spaces to work. This can help employees manage sensory sensitivities and maintain focus.
- Encourage Open Communication: Establish open lines of communication to better understand your employees’ needs and preferences. This can help you identify any accommodations that might be necessary and create a more supportive environment.
- Provide Clear Instructions: When assigning tasks, be specific and clear in your instructions. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and provide written guidelines to help ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Offer Training: Educate your team on neurodiversity, including autism, ADHD, and other conditions, to foster empathy and understanding. Training helps create a more inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognise the unique strengths and accomplishments of your neurodiverse employees. Celebrating successes, both big and small, can boost morale and encourage continued growth.
We are working hard in terms of development at the moment, with exciting new features just around the corner and were delighted to share a day with Portfield School and Heronsbridge Special School yesterday. We left inspired by their work and their contribution to improving our inclusivity and shaping future updates to Motional for Participants with Additional Learning Needs – watch this space!
This Autism Acceptance Week, let’s come together to create a more inclusive world for all.
Neil Gilmour
Founding Director
