Your workplace is always communicating something — through your words, systems, environments, and silence.
But for neurodivergent employees, what’s communicated and what’s understood can be worlds apart. Whether it's an email that triggers anxiety, a policy that’s too vague, or a meeting that assumes everyone thinks the same — these moments can build up to exclusion.
If 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent, inclusive communication isn’t just a “nice-to-have” - it’s critical infrastructure.
This resource is here to help you audit and upgrade how you communicate across your business — from training sessions to team catch-ups, physical spaces to internal comms.
What You'll Learn
✅ Common communication pitfalls for neurodivergent team members
✅ What inclusive communication really means (hint: it’s not just tone)
✅ How to spot where your culture is talking over or talking past your people
✅ Practical ways to adapt your:
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Training sessions and events
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Workplace policies and handbooks
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Digital communication (emails, Slack, Teams)
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Physical and virtual environments
Quick Wins: Where to Start
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Plain English first – clarity isn’t dumbing down. It’s levelling up access.
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Avoid neurotypical assumptions – “let’s just chat quickly” isn’t simple for everyone.
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Design for different processing speeds – recap in writing, allow extra time, don’t default to verbal speed = value.
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Be explicit with expectations – "Use your judgement" is a foggy instruction. Be clear.
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Make environments signal safety – Think: signage, lighting, session formats, breakout options.
🔍 Real Talk: What You Might Be Communicating (Without Realising)
Sometimes, what you intend to say and what people actually hear aren’t the same — especially for neurodivergent employees. Here are a few examples:
You say: “Bring your full self to work.”
It can signal: ...unless that self makes people uncomfortable.
You run: unstructured, fast-paced team meetings.
It can signal: Only fast-thinkers get airtime here.
You offer: open-plan, bright, noisy office spaces.
It can signal: Sensory overwhelm is part of the job.
You joke: “No stupid questions!”
It can signal: But we’ll silently judge you anyway.