Episode 3 - Raise a Glass for the Burnouts | Late Diagnosis, Workplace Stress & Getting Accommodations
May 19, 2024
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Dr. Joey, an expert in autistic burnout and attention variability, and Chris Varney, CEO of I-CAN Network, discuss the intersection of neurodivergence and workplace stress. They shed light on the challenges autistic individuals face, including sensory overload and emotional regulation. Personal stories reveal the impact of masking and the dire need for accommodations. The conversation highlights the value of neurodiversity in the workplace, advocating for environments that embrace unique talents and perspectives, ultimately pushing for a more inclusive future.
The collision of work and neurodivergence often results in burnout due to the pressure to mask authentic selves in demanding environments.
Implementing structured support and open communication in workplaces can significantly enhance the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, unlocking their unique talents.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Neurodivergence in Commercial Radio
Working in commercial radio presents significant challenges for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism. The environment often requires individuals to mask their true selves to fit a narrowly defined role, leading to feelings of inauthenticity and discomfort. For instance, the speaker reflected on her experience of having to perform a 'commercial-friendly' version of herself, creating a disconnect between her on-air persona and her true identity. This pressure can result in emotional exhaustion and even meltdowns, making traditional workplaces unsuitable for many neurodivergent people.
Burnout and Emotional Regulation
Neurodivergent individuals often experience burnout due to the constant need to mask their true selves and meet demanding workplace expectations. The speaker shared that her inability to regulate her emotions and the overwhelming stress of live radio led to frequent meltdowns and emotional breakdowns. Furthermore, the intense pressure to perform and the lack of accommodations can exacerbate these feelings, creating an environment where burnout is an almost inevitable outcome. Understanding the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals is essential for fostering better workplace environments.
The Importance of Accommodations and Support
Accommodations in the workplace can substantially improve the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, but asking for help can be daunting. Offering structured support and promoting open communication are crucial for ensuring that these individuals can thrive in a work environment. The episode discusses how workplaces can create more inclusive environments by implementing clear communication strategies and checking in regularly with neurodivergent staff. Such practices can help unlock the unique talents of these employees, making workplaces more diverse and creatively robust.
The Need for Understanding and Evolution in Work Environments
Many traditional workplaces do not accommodate the diverse communication styles of neurodivergent individuals, leading to misunderstandings and frustration. The podcast highlights how neurodivergent employees often excel when they receive the necessary support and can work in environments that recognize their strengths. Examples include companies that actively seek out neurodivergent talent and create spaces that enable diverse thinking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of evolving workplace culture to be more inclusive and supportive of neurodiversity.
In this episode of Anomalous, we’ll be looking at what happens when work & neurodivergence collide.
We learn about autistic burnout and attention variability with Dr Joey, speak with Chris Varney, the CEO of I-CAN Network, Australia's largest provider of Autistic-led group mentoring programs, plus Em reflects on her own experience working over 7 years in commercial radio.