The best way to support neurodiverse people? Just ask. That's the advice from Anastasia, an Executive Assistant with the ABF, who is autistic and has ADHD. "I think we still have a lot to learn about neurodiversity and if I wanted people to learn one concept from Neurodiversity Celebration Week, it’s that being neurodiverse is in itself diverse, you can’t put us all in one box and treat us all the same; Autism especially can be so varied and often in my case contradictory from person to person that the best thing to do is just ask, or allow us the space and safety to speak up." Anastasia is also a member of the Spicy Brain Club, a staff-led network within the Australian Department of Home Affairs and ABF for neurodiverse staff and allies, and while some community members including Anastasia might not prefer the term "spicy brain", the positive impact of the group is certain. "I love that there is somewhere I can feel heard and accepted without having to explain," she said. Inclusion can benefit everyone, not just neurodiverse people, and the celebration of neurodiverse people is important to building a workplace that others want to work at, says Anastasia. "Creating inclusive, respectful workplaces has so many benefits which impact not only the workplace and our colleagues but also the external parties we interact with." This #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek, remember that the neurodiverse community is made up of a diverse range of individuals; each with unique challenges, needs, goals and skills. It's important to listen and learn from each person to best support and celebrate them.
