Embracing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent paediatricians RCPCH 2025
Examples of workplace adjustments and accommodations Below is a non-exhaustive list of accommodations to support neurodivergent residents. Many clinicians we spoke to highlighted that these changes are best practice around supporting communication and this would benefit all colleagues. What accommodations and adjustments can be made will be defined by the school or Trust/Board. The GMC also offers additional advice on how to plan a discussion surrounding adjustments and accommodations and which areas of training these would be useful for.
Type of support Support with information processing
Examples -
Support with structure and prioritisation
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Support verbal situations
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Give both verbal and written instructions where possible. Highlight salient points in a document, use bullet points and consider podcasts and other recorded options. When sending over documents have each document named distinctively and clearly referenced Avoid using unnecessary jargon and make sure any acronyms are defined Use coloured paper where appropriate Quiet space for typing up notes and use of noise cancelling headphones where appropriate and in ear devices Allow time for reading information in advance by sending over information prior to meetings. Use of assistive technology such as Dragon so someone can dictate their notes instead of writing them When delivering and sharing feedback be clear and specific what the feedback is in reference to Use templates to facilitate feedback discussions Encourage use of wall planners, diaries, outlook, mobile phones as prompts alarms to remind them of meetings and deadlines. Create daily, dated to do lists and build planning into each day. Contingency planning (allowing time and having a backup plan for unforeseen occurrences). Provide specific support for specific situations e.g. Allow for prep time before phone calls Allow more time for someone to be able to communicate something with you Help find alternative methods to phone calls where appropriate if these are particularly difficult
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