University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
The Neurodiversity Edge
Book

The Neurodiversity Edge

The Essential Guide to Embracing Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Differences for Any Organization

Maureen Dunne
Wiley, 2024
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

The innate strengths of neurodivergent workers are an often untapped resource that could help organizations drive innovation and navigate complex challenges. But according to cognitive scientist Maureen Dunne, organizations routinely exclude and overlook the potential of the roughly 20% of the population who are neurodivergent. Dunne explains how neurodiversity contributed to human survival in prehistoric times and how it can give companies a competitive edge today. Learn how to authentically include neurodiverse people in your workplace and gain insights into the strengths of divergent ways of thinking.

Summary

Organizations often display a bias toward the “neurotypical” status quo.

Roughly one in five people in the world today are “neurodivergent.” The term is a loose catch-all for cognitive differences attributed to the presence of neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, synesthesia, hyperlexia and dyscalculia. These differences do not, in themselves, speak to an individual’s intelligence or mental capacity. Neurodivergent people can be intellectually gifted or have intellectual disabilities, just like neurotypical people. 

Despite comprising 20% of the population, neurodivergent individuals often struggle to navigate workplace systems that were not designed for them but, rather, for “neurotypical” people: those with cognitive profiles that more closely align with the statistical average. Neurodivergent individuals should feel valued for the vital cognitive diversity they can bring to the table, but many organizations fail to leverage their gifts and talents.

While many workplaces claim to be inclusive, their expectations as related to job performance...

About the Author

Dr. Maureen Dunne is a cognitive scientist and a neurodiversity expert.

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