Many people identify as being neurodivergent, and there are many current conversations about neurodiversity. Definitions around the word neurodivergent include meaning that some people’s brains work differently to what is considered to be ‘typical’ or ‘normal’.  Some neurodivergent people do not consider themselves to be disabled, although from the perspective of the social model of disability, such people may face societal or discriminatory barriers, and in effect be disabled by society and other people’s negative attitudes.

An interesting article on the way that people use language around disability can be found on our blog.

Below we have compiled a short guide with definitions and tips to help your organisation be more inclusive and welcome to neurodivergent people.

In this page you can find:

1. What is neurodiversity?
2. Glossary of terms connected to neurodiversity
3. What barriers might neurodivergent people face? How can we be more inclusive?
4. Neurodiversity specific training with Shape Arts
5. Additional resources

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New to Shape Arts?

Before you get stuck into our latest resource, learn about all the work we do at Shape Arts and wider programme supporting disabled artists and removing barriers in the sector.

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What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term used to acknowledge that everyone has different brains. This can manifest in many ways, perhaps in how people might process information, communicate, behave or function day-to-day.

Neurodiversity can include:

• Autism

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Dyslexia

• Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

• Dyscalculia

• Tourette Syndrome

• Mental health conditions

This list is non-exhaustive!

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What is the difference between neurodiverse, neurodivergent and neurotypical?

Check out our glossary of key terms:

• Neurodivergent - a person or group of people differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered 'typical' or 'normal'
• Neurotypical - a person or group of people with similar mental or neurological function to what is considered typical or 'normal'
• Neurodiverse - a group of people with wide ranging mental or neurological functions, including neurodivergent and neurotypical people.
• Reasonable Adjustments - changes an employer makes to remove barriers related to someone's disability or impairment
• Sensory Processing - how we receive, experience, interpret and react to (or ignore) information coming from our senses
• Executive Functioning - skills that you might use to manage everyday tasks - for example  like, managing a calendar, problem solving and adapting to new situations

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What barriers might neurodivergent people face? How can we be more inclusive?

Many neurodivergent creatives can face barriers in the arts due to complex application forms, rigid communications styles and disruptive working environments. By embedding more accessible and flexible ways of working, you can begin to build a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent creatives.

Barriers often faced by neurodivergent people include:

• Overstimulating environments (e.g., bright lights, loud sounds, crowded areas)

• Complex forms and application processes

• Assumptions around communication styles or social interactions

• Inflexible deadlines or schedules

Check out our top 6 tips on increasing access for neurodivergent creatives:

	Use plain, jargon-free language
	Offer multiple formats for applications or proposals (e.g., video, audio, meeting together)
	Allow flexible deadlines or working times
	Provide quiet zones at events and in shared work spaces
	Where possible don’t require proof or disclosure of disability to offer access adjustments
	Be conscious of any access docs creatives might share with you - they can be incredibly helpful for developing long-lasting inclusive working relationships!

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Want further training with Shape Arts?

As part of our work as a disability-led arts organisation, we offer training and access audits to arts organisations and arts professionals. Through these training offers, we aim provide the knowledge and tools required to help build a more diverse, equal and inclusive cultural sector for disabled people as artists, audiences and workers.

Follow the links below to learn more about our training offers, or contact us directly at [email protected] 

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Further Reading and Resources

• Neurodiversity in the Arts – Arts Council England
• NEUK Collective's Manifesto
• Neurodiversity and the Creative Industries Toolkit – Creative Scotland
• ADHD Foundation
• British Dyslexia Association

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