Generation Magazine 2018 S/S Issue

Page 53

prosperity

difficulties), Dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder), ADHD (attention and concentration difficulties), Autism Spectrum Disorder (social and communication difficulties), and Developmental Language Disorders.

Leaving school was often not an easy solution but for some it resulted in a means of finding a workspace that better suited their style of working

All these conditions often overlap with each other so that every person will have their unique set of strengths. Often the person will have what is described as a ‘spiky’ profile, having real strengths in one area but alongside this possibly having some difficulties in other areas. For example, someone with Dyslexia may be the best person to sell a product, but find it impossible to complete written reports on time. Another person despite being proficient at spotting errors in computer code, become highly disorganised in regards to managing their home life or making a meal for themselves. This disparity can make it harder for other family members to understand the person.

Some neurodivergent brains can offer a unique way of viewing solutions and developing new ideas. More and more entrepreneurs are coming forward and discussing their school experiences more openly, and the difficulties conforming to a set of behaviours.

Defying Convention Leaving school was often not an easy solution but for some it resulted in a means of finding a workspace that better suited their style of working. The dyslexic entrepreneur may be creative and an ideas person. A person on the autistic spectrum may consider new ways of using technology to solve old problems. In reality each person will come with their own set of talents. Growing interest in recognising the benefits that these traits might give a business a competitive edge has meant that some businesses are positively recognising this. In the U.S. some employers are seeking out neurodiversity in the workplace, including Ernst and Young and Microsoft. In the UK at GCHQ in Cheltenham, they have especially focused on attracting people who have Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, seeing that some of them have good spying skills! In any family business, recognising the similarities between generations whilst

also recognising the diversity, is an important factor when considering ways to communicate effectively. Understanding how adaptations may be made as a consequence to ‘the way it has always been done’ can harness everyone’s skills effectively www.doitprofiler.com


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