ADHD Psychologist warns: “It’s not safe to diagnose people online”
Nov 20, 2024
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Dr. Nancy Doyle, a leading ADHD organizational psychologist and founder of Genius Within, shares her insights on the neurodivergent unemployment crisis. She warns against the dangers of online diagnoses and discusses the complexities of workplace communication for neurodivergent individuals. Nancy also opens up about historical school trauma and the impact it has on self-worth. The conversation highlights the need for supportive environments and practical adjustments in the workplace to help neurodivergent individuals thrive.
Dr. Nancy Doyle highlights the significant unemployment crisis for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the need for better workplace support and understanding.
The podcast discusses the detrimental effects of traditional educational systems on neurodivergent students, advocating for a cultural shift towards acceptance and personalization.
Doyle's Genius Finder tool offers a framework for neurodivergent employees to seek accommodations confidently, promoting dialogue without the need for disclosure.
Deep dives
The Birth of Seedlip
Creating Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, highlighted an innovative approach to social drinking. The founder's unique perspective as an autistic individual led to a product that satisfies the adult need for sophisticated beverages without the alcohol. Within just three and a half years, Seedlip expanded to 35 countries, gaining recognition in prestigious bars and restaurants. This achievement demonstrates the demand for more inclusive options in social settings, allowing everyone to enjoy communal experiences without the negative aspects of alcohol.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is increasingly recognized across generations, revealing a prevalence that aligns with societal challenges such as rising alcoholism and divorce rates. The discussion in the podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse needs in educational and professional systems. The traditional, standardized school system often fails to accommodate the 'hidden 20%' of neurodivergent individuals, leading to trauma rather than support. A cultural shift towards acceptance and understanding is crucial in preventing further psychological distress among neurodivergent youth.
The Role of Organizational Psychology
Organizational psychologist Professor Nancy Doyle shared transformative insights on how companies can better support neurodivergent employees. Her creation, the Genius Finder, is a psychometrically designed tool that helps individuals identify their strengths and challenges in a work environment. This approach allows employees to request accommodations without disclosing their neurodivergent status, helping to create a supportive dialogue around performance enhancement. By focusing on shared strategies rather than labels, organizations can foster inclusivity and empower all employees, making the workplace beneficial for everyone.
Challenges of Workplace Communication
Navigating workplace conversations remains a significant hurdle, particularly for neurodivergent individuals who often lack guidance on how to address their needs. The podcast discusses how lack of clear language around support can lead to misunderstandings and unproductive dialogues. Encouraging open communication without the fear of disclosure is paramount for building effective relationships at work. The emphasis on creating a safe environment for such discussions can help break down barriers, allowing employees to feel more comfortable and supported.
The Quest for Personalization
Personalization in workplaces and educational systems is becoming increasingly crucial to accommodate diverse needs. The move toward personalized environments mirrors trends in personalized medicine, leveraging data to create inclusive settings. By understanding and addressing specific sensory and performance needs, organizations can enhance overall productivity and employee satisfaction. This proactive approach can prevent unnecessary challenges and ensure that all employees, particularly those who are neurodivergent, are positioned to thrive.
In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Nancy Doyle, a renowned ADHD organisational psychologist, founder of Genius Within, and creator of The Genius Finder™. Nancy has been a leading voice in transforming how companies support neurodivergent employees and is the mind behind the BBC series Employable Me.
In this chat with Ben, Nancy opens up about the ND unemployment crisis, the risks of hyper-policing language, the challenges of disclosing neurodivergence at work, and the lasting impact of school trauma. She also shares a deeply personal insight into her past, explaining why her friends once doubted she’d make it this far.
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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.