Neurodiversity & Belonging

We all want to belong

When we don’t it affects our whole ability to function well, including our mental health, our capacity to work effectively, and our ability to relate to others.

The way we think, process information and communicate are all central to our belonging with others; in our families, our work and our social groups.

We’re all wired differently

Diversity is a fact, inclusion involves invitations and support from majorities, but belonging is about everyone learning and being different together as equals.

We’re all wired differently, yet in our families, schools, workplaces, and communities we are still largely expected to conform to relatively narrow norms. This compromises individuals through discrimination and lack of belonging, reduces business success by losing out on talent and innovation, and contributes to problems across whole communities and societies in relation to health, employment and social care.

Why me?

In addition to over 20 years of professional training and practice, I am myself autistic and therefore bring a wealth of lived experience to my work in this field.

A Hidden Force: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity at Work

Last year I contributed to and edited the Amazon #1 Bestseller A Hidden Force: Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity at Work.

A Hidden Force
The Canary Code A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work By Ludmila N. Praslova, PhD

The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work

This year I contributed to a new book by Ludmila N. Praslova, which is now featured on the 2024 Top 10 Best New Management Books list by Thinkers50, the global authority on management thinking.

“This bold, compassionate, and ambitious book aims to do nothing less than to redesign workplaces so that every employee has the support they need to achieve success. Full of practical insights, it’s a comprehensive blueprint for a future in which all kinds of minds can work together for collective benefit.”

Steve Silberman, author, NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

See my Media & Speaking page for more publications

Who I Work With

For my work with large organisations, see Uptimize, the leading Global expert in Neuroinclusion.

If you are a start-up, a SME or an individual, read on…

Consultancy & Training

Consultancy and training for organisations, to bring about tangible behavioural inclusion rather than stopping short at the usual awareness and education. Services include:

  • Whole-organisation training in neurodiversity, inclusion & belonging.
  • Training for managers.
  • Bespoke training for HR teams.
  • Evaluation based on validated behaviour change metrics to ensure measurable change.
Consultancy & Training for Organisations

Consultancy & Training

Consultancy and training for organisations, to bring about tangible behavioural inclusion rather than stopping short at the usual awareness and education. Services include:

  • Whole-organisation training in neurodiversity, inclusion & belonging.
  • Training for managers.
  • Bespoke training for HR teams.
  • Evaluation based on validated behaviour change metrics to ensure measurable change.
Mentoring & Coaching for Individuals

Mentoring & Coaching

Mentoring for individuals who want to understand and explore their own unique challenges and strengths, and find belonging.

  • A safe, confidential space to explore challenges and create change.
  • Flexible packages to suit your budget.
  • Focused on self-advocacy and self-care.

 

“Jacqui is a world-leading expert in the topic of neurodiversity at work, with a distinguished background both academic and professional in closely related fields. At Uptimize, Jacqui has been a valued contributor as we build a company that is looking to change how businesses think about neurodiversity, not only with her subject matter knowledge but with her keen insights, nuanced thinking, and creativity. She has been and continues to be a huge asset to us as an advisor and trainer.”

Ed Thompson

Founder and CEO, Uptimize