Neurodiversity Celebration Week runs from 13th to 20th March, and is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. There are some brilliant resources available on their website which are well worth a look.
People Lab followers might know that this is something we really care about. Emma’s son Harry is autistic and her husband Ted is autistic and ADHD. We talked to Harry on our Reset Show which you can listen to here. It’s one of our most popular shows ever!
Brain in hand
We were over the moon to recently have the opportunity to work with Brain In Hand on their values programme (but that’s a story for another day). We know that lots of our clients and followers are looking at how best to support neurodiverse colleagues and ensure they too can have a good experience at work. So we thought we’d share more about Brain in Hand and the brilliant work they do.
Brain in Hand is a digital self-management system that provides a hybrid of practical human support and simple digital tools to help people do more for themselves. It helps users to overcome day-to-day difficulties with small practical steps that create a ripple effect to build confidence, skills, and greater independence. In this way they will need less support over time.
It’s not condition-specific, but is often used by people who are autistic or managing anxiety-related mental health challenges. Their system is approved by government departments and in use throughout health, social care, organisational and higher education settings across the UK.
Brain in Hand users have achieved all kinds of incredible goals: travelling on their own, thriving in work, living more independently, or coping better with day-to-day problems. Here are Ian’s and Sarah’s stories to give you an idea of how Brain in Hand has helped thousands of people accomplish what’s important to them:
Ian’s Story
Ian Mitchell is an experienced operational research manager and really enjoys his job, but changes in management can cause him to become stressed, develop insomnia, and require time off work to recover. At the age of 49 he was diagnosed as autistic which helped him better understand his situation and look for proper support instead of relying on medication as he had until then.
His employer made reasonable adjustments to his workplace, letting him work from home three days a week. Following an assessment, they also appointed a workplace supporter from CareTrade Charitable Trust and purchased Brain in Hand.
Ian uses Brain in Hand to support him with work tasks. For example, he has lists to remind him what to consider when writing a report and how to write letters. Ian also uses the anxiety monitor to track his moods, which he finds very helpful. Ian included coping strategies he knows will work when he is feeling anxious.
His Brain in Hand is linked to Ian’s workplace supporter, Judith. If Ian is feeling anxious and his coping strategies aren’t working, he presses red and Judith gets in touch by text, helping him to resolve a situation.
Ian can also share his progress with his manager which helps to motivate them both when it shows that things are going well.
“Brain in Hand has been such a proactive step for him to self-manage.”
Judith, Ian’s supporter.
Sarah’s Story
Sarah is autistic and lives in Farnborough, Hampshire. She decided to start using Brain in Hand because she was finding it hard to stay in employment for longer than three to four months. After using it for a while, things have changed for her.
Brain in Hand gives Sarah access to her own personal coping strategies which she can call on any time; an anxiety monitor and a red button response feature giving her the ability to request additional help. She can also log onto the Brain in Hand website where she can review her usage to reflect, focus on success, and also spot any new problems.
Sarah says…
“This has helped me as I know that I have something to call upon if I get stressed at work. For me this has been the most useful as I do not have to continually face people that I can sometimes find difficult to get on with or they do not really understand me. I use Brain in Hand both on my phone and my iPad and I know that I can use it at any time and get a response if needed.
I am training to become a dental nurse and am now at a dental practice in Farnborough. I have been with the practice since September 1st 2015, and I have now been offered a contract working with one particular dentist. The practice has been really supportive and it is the first time that I have been able to make friends at work.”
If you would like to find out more about Brain in Hand, check out their website to hear more about the fantastic work they’re doing.
