If work has ever felt more draining than it “should,” you’re not alone. Maybe small distractions turn into hour-long side-quests. Or perhaps you find yourself getting lost in thought while a coworker is speaking directly to you. You may feel like your brain just operates on a completely different wavelength than everyone else’s. For many people, these experiences aren’t personal failings - they’re signs of neurodivergence.
Let’s start at the very beginning: what does it mean to be neurodivergent?
Neurodivergence isn’t a flaw, a deficit, or a sign that something is “wrong” with your brain. It’s a natural variation in the way your brain processes information, experiences the world, and interacts with others. In other words, your brain just works a little - or sometimes a lot - differently. Neurodivergence encompasses a variety of neurological differences, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s Syndrome, among others. Each comes with its own constellation of symptoms, and part of the challenge - and the fun - is figuring out how your particular brain ticks.
For instance, if you’re on the autism spectrum, you might notice that social interactions feel exhausting, sensory inputs like bright lights or loud noises can be overwhelming, or that you hyper-focus on your passions in a way that seems “too intense” to others. ADHD might show up as difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity, or the infamous struggle with multitasking - but it often comes with bursts of creativity, spontaneity, and energy. Dyslexia or dyscalculia can make reading or math feel like decoding secret codes, but they often come with strong problem-solving skills, visual thinking, and innovation. And Tourette’s - that might include involuntary movements or vocalizations, but it does not hinder your intelligence or capability. Do any of these symptoms resonate with you? Chances are, if you’re still reading this, at least one does.
Understanding your brain is step one. And this is where a neuropsychiatric evaluation comes into play. What is that, exactly? A neuropsych eval is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a clinical psychologist to measure cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Think of it as a full-body scan, but for your brain. It helps identify patterns in memory, attention, executive function, language, and processing speed. The purpose isn’t to label you as “broken” or “slow” - it’s about understanding your unique wiring so you can work with it, not against it. This evaluation can lead to a formal diagnosis that resonates with your life-long experience, giving you the language and framework to advocate for yourself. Working with a healthcare professional to explore medication options can also be a valuable next step in managing symptoms and building strategies that work for you.
Once you understand your brain, it’s time to identify your strengths and challenges within your specific neurodivergent diagnosis. Neurodivergent brains often bring incredible talents to the table. You might be detail-oriented, analytical, creative, a pattern-recognition wizard, or capable of hyperfocus that allows you to complete deep work for hours at a time. On the flip side, challenges can include multitasking, staying on task, or navigating unpredictable work environments. The key is knowing where you shine and where you might need a little support.
This leads directly to step three: seeking support and accommodations in the workplace. Yes - this is your right, not a privilege. Accommodations can include flexible working hours, remote work options, task breakdowns or structured guidance, assistive technology, or even simply having a manager who understands your needs. These adjustments aren’t “special treatment” - they’re tools that let you thrive in the same way other employees do.
Next up: creating a workspace that supports you. This is where you get to experiment a little. Maybe you do your best work under natural light or with dim lighting to reduce sensory overload. Noise-canceling headphones, white noise, or soft background music can help you concentrate. Timers for work and break intervals keep your focus sustainable, while planners, calendars, sticky notes, and digital reminders help prevent anything from slipping through the cracks. Some people even find aromatherapy helpful (lavender for calm, peppermint for focus) but that’s very personal. The goal is to design a space that makes your brain feel comfortable, capable, and productive.
Thriving as a neurodivergent person in the workplace isn’t just about accommodations and workspace tweaks. It’s also about self-awareness and advocacy. Understand your brain, embrace your strengths, acknowledge your challenges, and don’t be afraid to communicate your needs. Neurodivergence is not a deficit; it’s a difference that, when respected and supported, can become your superpower.
So, yes, work might sometimes be challenging, draining, exhausting. But with the right tools, you can turn your neurodivergent brain into a secret weapon that helps you not just survive, but truly thrive. And honestly? That’s pretty amazing.