S1E4 - Angela Prentner-Adaptive Learning, Psychological Safety and Positive Discrimination

NOTE: This episode's video is out of sync despite our better efforts but we chose to feature its content as the discussion is important and the message too valuable to waste.

In this lively conversation, Duena Blomstrom and Angela dive into their personal journeys with neurodiversity, shining a light on the importance of building workplaces that truly embrace neurodivergent individuals. They explore crucial topics like psychological safety, the hurdles of traditional schooling, and how gender intersects with neurodiversity in unique ways. With humor and insight, they unpack how cultural views on neurodiversity vary and the challenges of disclosing neurodivergent traits in different work environments.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—like the struggles of misdiagnosis and the gaps in the mental health system—but it also celebrates the strengths that neurodivergent minds bring to the table. They highlight the potential of technology, like the Neve Learning platform, to create more inclusive, accessible learning experiences for everyone.

Ultimately, it’s a passionate call to action for organizations and individuals alike to prioritize psychological safety, drive innovation through diversity, and tear down the barriers that prevent neurodivergent talent from thriving.

Takeaways

• Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of neurodivergent conditions, and it is important to recognize and respect the unique experiences and identities of individuals within this community.
• Self-awareness and understanding are key to creating a better work environment for neurodiverse individuals. It is important to recognize and appreciate both the strengths and challenges that come with neurodivergent conditions.
• The cultural context and societal attitudes towards neurodiversity can vary, and it is important to consider these factors when discussing and addressing neurodiversity in different workplaces and communities.
• Disclosure of neurodivergent conditions is a personal choice and can be influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, societal expectations, and individual experiences.
• Creating a psychologically safe work environment is crucial for supporting neurodiverse individuals and fostering their success and well-being. Psychological safety is crucial for fostering diversity, improving performance, and driving innovation in the workplace.
• Neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges, including misdiagnosis and a lack of understanding within the mental health community.
• Technology, such as the Neve Learning platform, has the potential to create inclusive and accessible learning environments.
• Creating systemic change and removing barriers to education and inclusion requires collaboration between individuals and organizations.
  
  Sound Bites
  
  
• "Neurodiversity is an umbrella. It's meant to take in everyone."
• "Neurodiversity was my movement. And then I realized that my whole family is just a hot mess of this stuff."
• "The amount of self-awareness it allows you, and the amount of being able to put two and two together, why are you in a maelstrom of emotions? Why are you so dysregulated by the wind or the air in the car?"
• "If you recruit those people and you do not have psychological safety in your organization, you might as well not have the diversity."
• "It's egos that is stopping all of this."
• "Through education and removing barriers to education, we can untap more of our intelligence and solve the world's wicked problems."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background
01:25
Psychological Safety and Psychological Concepts
05:01
Personal Journey and Discovery of Neurodiversity
10:07
The Impact of Diagnosis and Self-Acceptance
13:37
The Importance of Self-Identification and Privilege
17:40
The Growing Neurodivergent Population
21:24
Cultural Context and Varying Perspectives
25:18
The Intersectionality of Neurodiversity and Gender
29:31
Disclosure and Cultural Factors
32:27
Creating a Psychologically Safe Work Environment
32:55
The Importance of Psychological Safety in the Workplace
36:11
Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals
45:16
The Potential of Technology in Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
52:53
Creating Systemic Change and Removing Barriers to Education and Inclusion

What is NeuroSpicy @ Work?

A show to explore what being autistic in the workplace looks like today. We focus on understanding late diagnosed autism and its relationship to leadership, technology and identity in the workplace today. With as many as 1 in every 3 adults potentially being non-neurotypical, we must do away with the stigma and learn how to work with each other without disregulation and emotional suffering.