Thriving in Practice with a Neurodivergent Team
Synopsis
A recent survey of autistic veterinary surgeons (Smits, 2022) revealed their mental wellbeing profile was considerably poorer than that observed in the national veterinary surgeon population, with 57% of respondents reporting probable depression and a further 17% possible depression. Similarly, job stressor exposure was higher among autistic veterinary surgeons than in previous surveys of the profession. It is likely that veterinary surgeons with other neurodivergent conditions experience similar workplace stressors and wellbeing. This session will provide a discussion of strengths and challenges of common neurodivergent conditions and explore the opportunities that neurodivergent members of staff bring to a veterinary team. It will also provide practical solutions to allow neurodivergent staff to thrive in practice using small group, case-based scenarios to explore a framework for providing reasonable adjustments.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise the consequences of unmet needs of neurodivergent staff
- Understand how to harness neurodivergent strengths and minimise challenges
- Understand how to discuss and provide/receive reasonable adjustments
