What Is Neurodiversity?

By Katherine Johnson, MA, LP, Client Care Counselor, TELUS Health

What Is Neurodiversity?

People are different, and at work we all have to make allowances for our co-workers, just as our coworkers do for us. However, for the 15-20 percent of people who are considered neurodivergent, it’s not just about making allowances; it’s about understanding a person’s differences and making sure that they are able and encouraged to use their skills and attributes for the benefit of their team and the larger organization.

Neurological Differences

Someone may be considered neurodivergent if their brain learns, functions, or processes information differently than the majority of people. (Those whose brain functions as society expects are described as neurotypical.) Neurodiversity is a broad term that encompasses a range of cognitive styles including autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, and Tourette’s syndrome.

However, not every person who is neurodivergent will present in the same way. This is because it’s possible that individuals may experience different characteristics or mannerisms, which is sometimes referred to as being along a “spectrum.” For example, autistic people often have different mannerisms, characteristics, and life experiences from each other. It is also possible to be neurodivergent in a range of ways. It’s important to remember this to avoid stereotypes both in and out of the workplace.

Supporting Neurodivergence

There are clear benefits to having members of staff who are neurodivergent that go well beyond any legal obligations for fair treatment in the workplace. Those who are neurodivergent may be particularly strong in:

• creativity and innovation

• lateral thinking; imaginative, creative ways to solve problems

• strategic analysis

• bringing a “different perspective” to projects

• development of highly specialized skills

• high levels of consistency in repetitive tasks

Promoting and supporting neurodiversity within your workplace can also help enhance the performance of existing team members while helping your organization recruit a highly capable, diverse, and innovative workforce.

The CVMA’s Member Assistance Program, LifeWorks, Becomes TELUS Health

The name might be changing, but the quality of mental, physical , social, and financial care continues. TELUS Health (formerly known as LifeWorks), the CVMA-endorsed member assistance program, provides CVMA members with free confidential consultations, information and resources, connection to community agencies and supports, and referrals to counseling.

SUPPORT FOR TOTAL WELLBEING

Mental —Helping individuals in times of crisis and coping with daily stressors

Financial —Providing knowledge, behavioral advice, design, strategies, and insights that support financial security

Physical —Promoting lifestyle choices that support current and long-term health and physical ability

Social —Encouraging strong social relationships that give people a sense of connection and belonging

This CVMA member benefit is complimentary! CVMA members have already been sent an invitation to join LifeWorks. As noted, LifeWorks has been changed to TELUS Health; however, the previously sent link will still take you to the new TELUS Health website for log-in instructions. If you have not received an invitation to join, please contact Jennifer Smith at jsmith@cvma.net.

Bionote to the Rescue!

When you need results faster than a speeding bullet, the Vcheck diagnostic analyzer’s 13 biomarker tests can provide fully quantitative levels in 15 minutes or less:

• Canine NT-proBNP

• Feline NT-proBNP

• Canine TnI

• Feline TnI

• Canine D-Dimer

• Canine CRP

• Feline SAA

• Canine Cortisol bionote.com info@bionote.com 800-727-5169

• Canine Progesterone

• Canine TSH

• T4

• Canine cPL

• Feline fPL

Dr. Erwin Foster, a CVMA Life Member, passed away on April 12, 2023. Dr. Foster graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1964 after studying avian diseases at UC San Francisco. In 1969, Dr. Foster built his own practice, Montecito Animal Clinic. He became one of the first U.S. veterinarians to treat Shar-Pei eye conditions and was sought out for his expertise on the breed. He was among the first investors and board members of Contra Costa County's first emergency after-hours animal clinic, now known as SAGE.

Dr. John Lyon, a CVMA Life Member, passed away on May 20, 2022. Dr. Lyon earned his DVM degree from UC Davis in 1968 and was a CVMA member since graduation. He moved to Ojai, CA in 1968 and practiced at Matilija Veterinary Hospital for almost 40 years. Dr. Lyon was an active member of the Ojai Rotary Club, where he served as the president in the early 1970s.

In memory of deceased members, the CVMA makes a donation to the California Veterinary Medical Foundation, whose mission statement reads: “Nurturing kindness, education, and well-being for all animals, people, and the environment.”