How Can Workplaces Better Understand and Support Neurodivergent Colleagues? with Dr Kirstie Pickles

Description In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Dr Kirstie Pickles for an honest and practical conversation about how workplaces can better understand and support neurodivergent colleagues. Kirstie reflects on her experiences of autism and ADHD, her career journey and what changed after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. We explore communication, masking, workplace misunderstandings and the impact these can have on mental health and working relationships. Kirstie also shares examples of helpful reasonable adjustments, explains how managers can work with individuals to identify what they need, and considers how supportive team cultures can help people thrive. Whether you are neurodivergent, think you may be, manage a team or want to become a more understanding colleague, this episode offers thoughtful insight and practical ideas for creating more inclusive workplaces. Guest bio Dr Kirstie Pickles is a vet and equine medicines specialist with decades of professional experience. Drawing on her lived experience of autism and ADHD, she works as a mental health first aid instructor, coach and advocate. Kirstie delivers the Anna Freud National Autism Trainer Programme and leads Unedited Minds, which focuses on mental health and neurodiversity training, advocacy and research. Podcast sponsorship No sponsor. Resources and references Pharmacist Support To find out more about support services, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/ Disability at work and university, including reasonable adjustments: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/physical-health/disability-at-work-and-university/ Support for organisations and employers: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-for-organisations-and-employers/ Additional mental health and wellbeing support including neurodivergent support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/additional-mental-health-support/  External National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP): https://www.annafreud.org/training/health-and-social-care/national-autism-trainer-programme/ Help us to support more of our pharmacy familyPharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.