FACTS — Support Needs Are Individual
“Support needs are individual.”
Two employees with the same neurodevelopmental condition may have very different experiences, strengths, difficulties and workplace needs.
A diagnosis can provide useful information, but it doesn't tell you everything about the person. For example, two autistic employees may experience sensory processing, communication, change, social interaction or executive functioning very differently.
Likewise, two people with ADHD may need completely different types of support.
Support might involve:
- Flexible start or finish times
- Working from home or hybrid working
- A quieter workspace
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Reduced sensory distractions
- Written rather than verbal instructions
- Clear priorities and deadlines
- Regular check-ins with a manager
- Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps
- Additional processing time
- Assistive technology or specialist equipment
- Advance warning of changes
- Flexible communication methods
- Support with planning, organisation or time management
- Protected periods of uninterrupted work
Don't assume — ask
Rather than deciding what someone needs based on their diagnosis, a helpful starting point is:
“What parts of your working environment make your job harder?”
“What helps you work at your best?”
“Are there adjustments that would make your role more accessible?”
Needs can also change over time. Stress, workload, burnout, life circumstances, health, sensory demands or changes within the workplace can all affect how manageable work feels.
An adjustment that works well for one person may be completely unnecessary or even unhelpful for another.
Good workplace support is person-centred — it responds to the individual, not simply the diagnostic label.
Space to Breathe Therapy
