{"id":5799,"date":"2026-03-17T11:33:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T00:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/?p=5799"},"modified":"2026-03-18T09:24:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T22:24:10","slug":"neurodiversity-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/leadership\/neurodiversity-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Neurodiversity at work"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 data-section-id=\"rldamc\" data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"408\">Insights and resources for building more inclusive workplaces<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"410\" data-end=\"640\">As part of <strong data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"456\">Neurodiversity Celebration Week<\/strong>, Hudson partnered with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/joeyballantyne\/\"><strong data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"499\">Joey Ballantyne<\/strong><\/a>, founder and CEO of <a href=\"https:\/\/gritngracecollective.com\/\">Grit n Grace Collective<\/a>, to explore how organisations can better understand and support neurodiversity in the workplace. This page brings together insights and trusted resources to help leaders, teams and individuals learn more about neurodiversity at work and take practical steps toward more inclusive workplaces.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1e3tfdn\" data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"867\">About Joey Ballantyne<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"869\" data-end=\"1042\">Joey Ballantyne is the founder and CEO of <strong data-start=\"911\" data-end=\"938\">Grit n Grace Collective<\/strong>, a professional development coaching organisation dedicated to supporting neurodivergent professionals. Following her own late autism and ADHD diagnoses, Joey shifted her focus to helping others navigate burnout, challenge unhelpful workplace norms and build sustainable, fulfilling careers. She has a particular passion for working with women and professionals who have spent years adapting to traditional workplace expectations, helping them reframe difference as a strength and build careers that allow them to thrive. Alongside her lived experience, Joey brings a strong commercial and organisational lens. Her background spans a global career in management consulting and commercial diplomacy across government, professional services, corporate organisations, start-ups and not-for-profit sectors in Australia, the UK, North America and Asia.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"n11dq2\" data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"794\">Resources from Grit n Grace Collective<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"984\">Joey Ballantyne and <strong data-start=\"816\" data-end=\"843\">Grit n Grace Collective<\/strong> have developed a range of practical resources for neurodivergent professionals and organisations seeking to build more inclusive workplaces. Explore their guides, tools and insights here: <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/gritngracecollective.com\/resources\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1034\" data-end=\"1076\">https:\/\/gritngracecollective.com\/resources<\/a><\/p>\n<h1 data-section-id=\"1i75rpg\" data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1832\">Why Neurodiversity at Work Matters<\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"1834\" data-end=\"2015\">Neurodivergent people, including individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and related cognitive differences represent a significant and often underutilised talent pool. When workplaces are designed with different thinking styles in mind, organisations often see improvements in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2171\">Innovation and creative problem solving<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2192\">Team performance<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2230\">Employee engagement and retention<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2269\">Psychological safety and wellbeing<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2272\" data-end=\"2311\">Diverse perspectives in decision making<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2313\" data-end=\"2437\">In 2026, neurodiversity is increasingly recognised as both an inclusion priority and a workforce capability opportunity.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"5xns35\" data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2474\">What Good Looks Like in 2026<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2476\" data-end=\"2559\">Leading organisations are moving beyond awareness and focusing on practical change. They are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2877\">Designing roles, recruitment processes and work systems for different ways of thinking<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2877\">Creating environments where disclosure is safe but never required<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2877\">Equipping managers with practical knowledge to make simple workplace adjustments<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2877\">Measuring progress through policy, behaviour and outcomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1jg10ql\" data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2919\">Practical First Steps for Leaders<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2921\" data-end=\"3031\">Organisations beginning or strengthening their neurodiversity strategy often start with a few practical steps.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3127\"><strong data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3054\">1. Equip managers<\/strong><br data-start=\"3054\" data-end=\"3057\" \/>Managers play a critical role in creating inclusive team environments.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3129\" data-end=\"3253\"><strong data-start=\"3129\" data-end=\"3164\">2. Review recruitment processes<\/strong><br data-start=\"3164\" data-end=\"3167\" \/>Traditional hiring methods can unintentionally disadvantage neurodivergent candidates.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3255\" data-end=\"3359\"><strong data-start=\"3255\" data-end=\"3283\">3. Normalise flexibility<\/strong><br data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3286\" \/>Communication styles, sensory needs and cognitive processing vary widely.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3361\" data-end=\"3475\"><strong data-start=\"3361\" data-end=\"3392\">4. Partner with specialists<\/strong><br data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3395\" \/>External expertise can help translate awareness into practical workplace change.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3564\"><strong data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3500\">5. Measure progress<\/strong><br data-start=\"3500\" data-end=\"3503\" \/>Track engagement, retention, safety and performance outcomes.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"12l3qga\" data-start=\"3571\" data-end=\"3594\">Recommended Resources<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3705\">Below are a number of trusted Australian organisations and resources supporting neurodiversity in employment.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"rhoduk\" data-start=\"3712\" data-end=\"3744\">For leaders and organisations<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3869\"><strong data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3804\">Australian Disability Network \u2013 Neurodiversity Toolkit<\/strong><br data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3807\" \/>Comprehensive guidance on building neuro-inclusive workplaces.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3937\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au\/neurodiversity-toolkit\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"3937\">https:\/\/australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au\/neurodiversity-toolkit\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"4073\"><strong data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"3981\">JobAccess (Australian Government)<\/strong><br data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"3984\" \/>Practical guidance on inclusive recruitment, workplace adjustments and employment rights.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4075\" data-end=\"4104\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobaccess.gov.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4075\" data-end=\"4104\">https:\/\/www.jobaccess.gov.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4111\" data-end=\"4205\"><strong data-start=\"4111\" data-end=\"4137\">Believe:NeuroDiversity<\/strong><br data-start=\"4137\" data-end=\"4140\" \/>Developers of Australia\u2019s Workplace Neurodiversity Index (iNDex).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4207\" data-end=\"4234\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.believe-nd.org\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4207\" data-end=\"4234\">https:\/\/www.believe-nd.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4241\" data-end=\"4360\"><strong data-start=\"4241\" data-end=\"4283\">Neuro Inclusive Recruiting \u2013 Autism SA<\/strong><br data-start=\"4283\" data-end=\"4286\" \/>Evidence-based tools for redesigning recruitment and onboarding processes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4362\" data-end=\"4402\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/neuroinclusiverecruiting.org.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4362\" data-end=\"4402\">https:\/\/neuroinclusiverecruiting.org.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4409\" data-end=\"4531\"><strong data-start=\"4409\" data-end=\"4446\">Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative<\/strong><br data-start=\"4446\" data-end=\"4449\" \/>Guidance for organisations operating in safety-critical or regulated environments.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4533\" data-end=\"4569\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/neurodiversesafework.com.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4533\" data-end=\"4569\">https:\/\/neurodiversesafework.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"yiqsgj\" data-start=\"4576\" data-end=\"4609\">For neurodivergent individuals<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4611\" data-end=\"4706\"><strong data-start=\"4611\" data-end=\"4624\">JobAccess<\/strong><br data-start=\"4624\" data-end=\"4627\" \/>Confidential advice on workplace adjustments, disclosure and employment rights.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4708\" data-end=\"4737\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jobaccess.gov.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4708\" data-end=\"4737\">https:\/\/www.jobaccess.gov.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4744\" data-end=\"4834\"><strong data-start=\"4744\" data-end=\"4794\">CoAct Connect \u2013 Inclusive Employment Australia<\/strong><br data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4797\" \/>Government-funded employment support.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4836\" data-end=\"4900\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/coact.org.au\/job-seekers\/inclusive-employment-australia\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4836\" data-end=\"4900\">https:\/\/coact.org.au\/job-seekers\/inclusive-employment-australia\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4907\" data-end=\"4988\"><strong data-start=\"4907\" data-end=\"4927\">atWork Australia<\/strong><br data-start=\"4927\" data-end=\"4930\" \/>Employment services supporting neurodivergent job seekers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5025\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atworkaustralia.com.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4990\" data-end=\"5025\">https:\/\/www.atworkaustralia.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5032\" data-end=\"5117\"><strong data-start=\"5032\" data-end=\"5054\">Employ for Ability<\/strong><br data-start=\"5054\" data-end=\"5057\" \/>Strengths-based employment coaching and workplace education.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5119\" data-end=\"5151\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/employforability.com.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5119\" data-end=\"5151\">https:\/\/employforability.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5158\" data-end=\"5233\"><strong data-start=\"5158\" data-end=\"5175\">Team Cohesion<\/strong><br data-start=\"5175\" data-end=\"5178\" \/>In-work coaching and team-based neurodiversity support.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5235\" data-end=\"5267\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamcohesion.com.au\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5235\" data-end=\"5267\">https:\/\/www.teamcohesion.com.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"iipyc8\" data-start=\"5274\" data-end=\"5292\">Further Learning<\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"klbb97\" data-start=\"5294\" data-end=\"5304\">Podcast<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5437\">Hosted by Callie Elward-Barrett and Jayne Gurton, exploring ADHD, autism and neurodivergence in adult life and work.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5439\" data-end=\"5520\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ie\/podcast\/f-them-fish-audhd-for-grownups\/id1637235213\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5439\" data-end=\"5520\">https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ie\/podcast\/f-them-fish-audhd-for-grownups\/id1637235213<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"klbb97\" data-start=\"5294\" data-end=\"5304\">Brain.fm<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5437\">Music designed using neuroscience to support focus, relaxation and cognitive performance, which some neurodivergent individuals find helpful for concentration and productivity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5439\" data-end=\"5520\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brain.fm\/\">https:\/\/brain.fm\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5439\" data-end=\"5520\">Deepwrk<\/h3>\n<p>A focus and productivity platform designed to support deep work, concentration and reduced distraction through structured work sessions and ambient sound.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deepwrk.io\/\">https:\/\/deepwrk.io\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1e43ger\" data-start=\"5781\" data-end=\"5808\">Continue the conversation<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5810\" data-end=\"5957\">Organisations that understand and support different thinking styles often see stronger teams, better problem solving and more resilient workplaces. If you would like to explore how inclusive hiring and workforce strategies can support your organisation, <a href=\"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/contact\/\">Hudson would be happy to connect.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Insights and resources for building more inclusive workplaces As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Hudson partnered with Joey Ballantyne, founder and CEO of Grit n Grace Collective, to explore how organisations can better understand and support neurodiversity in the workplace. This page brings together insights and trusted resources to help leaders, teams and individuals learn&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":5803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","footnotes":""},"categories":[33,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-progression","category-leadership"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5799","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5799"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5799\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5816,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5799\/revisions\/5816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/5803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5799"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5799"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/au.hudson.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5799"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}