Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A Personal Journey.

Last year, I had the honour of speaking at Sony Entertainment as a neurodiverse speaker during Black History Month. As a creative, entrepreneur, neurodiverse individual, and a proud member of the Black community, this was a significant moment for me.

One of the key topics I addressed was ownership—specifically, owning our unique shine. Since publicly sharing my autism diagnosis, I’ve connected with many women contemplating a similar journey. A common fear they express is the potential stigma at work: missed opportunities, being overlooked, or worse, losing their job.

I always say, disclosing your autism is a personal choice. It’s part of your private medical history. However, there’s power in openness, especially with employers. While many companies aim to support neurodiverse individuals, they often struggle with how to do so effectively.

The key is to focus on the neurodiverse person. Getting diagnosed with autism can be an enlightening yet challenging journey. It involves understanding your unique challenges, but also processing emotions like grief and frustration. It’s about looking back at your life through a new lens, recognizing how autism has shaped your experiences and interactions.