Chapter_NN1 7_CRD 
Work_NN1 
The_AT0 question_NN1 of_PRF work_NN1 —_PUN or_CJC making_VVG a_AT0 living_NN1 —_PUN is_VBZ at_PRP the_AT0 heart_NN1 of_PRF so_AV0 many_DT0 struggles_NN2 for_PRP neurodivergent_AJ0 folks_NN2 ._SENT We_PNP think_VVB differently_AV0 and_CJC process_VVB differently_AV0 ,_PUN so_CJS we_PNP work_VVB differently_AV0 ._SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ a_AT0 challenge_NN1 to_PRP time_NN1 our_DPS abilities_NN2 with_PRP a_AT0 clock_NN1 when_AVQ overwhelm_NN1 or_CJC underwhelm_NN1 ,_PUN boredom_NN1 or_CJC overexcitement_NN1 are_VBB rotating_AJ0 realities_NN2 ._SENT For_PRP myself_PNX ,_PUN I_PNP get_VVB creative_AJ0 whims_NN2 early_AJ0 in_PRP the_AT0 morning_NN1 and_CJC sometimes_AV0 late_AJ0 in_PRP the_AT0 evening_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP also_AV0 need_VVB to_TO0 get_VVI my_DPS family_NN1 ready_AJ0 for_PRP school_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 mornings_NN2 and_CJC arrive_VVB at_PRP meetings_NN2 when_CJS expected_VVN —_PUN all_DT0 of_PRF which_DTQ confuses_VVZ my_DPS sensitive_AJ0 self_NN1 ._SENT But_CJC at_PRP the_AT0 same_DT0 time_NN1 ,_PUN without_PRP that_DT0 sense_NN1 of_PRF being_VBG plugged_VVN in_AVP to_PRP the_AT0 world_NN1 ,_PUN we_PNP are_VBB also_AV0 at_PRP risk_NN1 of_PRF isolating_VVG ourselves_PNX and_CJC becoming_VVG lonely_AJ0 ._SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ a_AT0 challenge_NN1 to_TO0 strike_VVI a_AT0 balance_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC many_DT0 of_PRF us_PNP become_VVB therapists_NN2 ,_PUN writers_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC entrepreneurs_NN2 to_TO0 help_VVI alleviate_VVI some_DT0 of_PRF that_DT0 struggle_NN1 ._SENT 
The_AT0 subject_NN1 of_PRF work_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT0 tender_AJ0 one_PNI for_PRP me_PNP ._SENT In_PRP my_DPS midtwenties_NN2 ,_PUN I_PNP was_VBD fired_VVN from_PRP one_CRD of_PRF my_DPS first_ORD journalism_NN1 jobs_NN2 ._SENT The_AT0 pace_NN1 was_VBD so_AV0 intense_AJ0 and_CJC demanding_AJ0 ,_PUN I_PNP was_VBD n't_XX0 the_AT0 only_AJ0 one_PNI to_TO0 leave_VVI ,_PUN but_CJC it_PNP still_AV0 hurt_VVD ._SENT Then_AV0 I_PNP became_VVD a_AT0 freelance_NN1 journalist_NN1 ,_PUN which_DTQ worked_VVD quite_AV0 well_AV0 for_PRP me_PNP ,_PUN since_CJS I_PNP had_VHD the_AT0 flexibility_NN1 and_CJC freedom_NN1 to_TO0 pursue_VVI different_AJ0 topics_NN2 ._SENT But_CJC when_CJS I_PNP attempted_VVD to_TO0 move_VVI up_AVP the_AT0 ladder_NN1 in_PRP my_DPS early_AJ0 thirties_CRD and_CJC landed_VVD a_AT0 job_NN1 as_PRP a_AT0 senior_AJ0 editor_NN1 —_PUN albeit_CJS at_PRP a_AT0 very_AV0 dysfunctional_AJ0 early_AJ0 startup_NN1 —_PUN things_NN2 came_VVD crashing_VVG down_AVP ._SENT My_DPS sense_NN1 of_PRF overwhelm_NN1 and_CJC brain_NN1 fog_NN1 was_VBD like_PRP nothing_PNI I_PNP had_VHD ever_AV0 experienced_VVN ,_PUN and_CJC I_PNP was_VBD again_AV0 fired_VVN after_PRP just_AV0 six_CRD months_NN2 ._SENT A_AT0 year_NN1 later_AV0 I_PNP took_VVD a_AT0 low-paying_AJ0 job_NN1 in_PRP a_AT0 more_AV0 arts-oriented_AJ0 organization_NN1 —_PUN thinking_VVG that_DT0 was_VBD where_AVQ I_PNP would_VM0 find_VVI "_PUQ my_DPS people_NN0 "_PUQ —_PUN but_CJC instead_AV0 I_PNP was_VBD burdened_VVN with_PRP administrative_AJ0 tasks_NN2 ._SENT Again_AV0 ,_PUN I_PNP was_VBD fired_VVN after_PRP a_AT0 month_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 hardest_AJS part_NN1 throughout_PRP the_AT0 trials_NN2 of_PRF these_DT0 various_AJ0 jobs_NN2 was_VBD the_AT0 overwhelming_AJ0 sense_NN1 of_PRF loss_NN1 ,_PUN confusion_NN1 ,_PUN loneliness_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC uselessness_NN1 I_PNP felt_VVD ._SENT I_PNP had_VHD zero_CRD vocabulary_NN1 about_PRP neurodiversity_NN1 —_PUN and_CJC no_AT0 one_PNI else_AV0 around_AVP me_PNP had_VHD that_DT0 vocabulary_NN1 either_AV0 ._SENT I_PNP felt_VVD judged_VVN ,_PUN criticized_VVD ,_PUN and_CJC undervalued_VVN by_PRP my_DPS coworkers_NN2 and_CJC by_PRP society_NN1 as_PRP a_AT0 whole_NN1 ._SENT 
When_CJS I_PNP reached_VVD a_AT0 state_NN1 of_PRF delirious_AJ0 confusion_NN1 and_CJC loneliness_NN1 about_PRP what_DTQ the_AT0 hell_NN1 was_VBD going_VVG on_AVP with_PRP me_PNP ,_PUN I_PNP finally_AV0 started_VVD opening_VVG up_AVP to_PRP others_NN2 ._SENT Starting_VVG with_PRP my_DPS immediate_AJ0 family_NN1 ,_PUN I_PNP told_VVD them_PNP about_PRP the_AT0 news_NN1 reports_NN2 of_PRF women_NN2 —_PUN who_PNQ sounded_VVD like_PRP me_PNP —_PUN who_PNQ had_VHD sensory_AJ0 processing_NN1 differences_NN2 ._SENT Compelled_VVN by_PRP what_DTQ I_PNP was_VBD reading_VVG ,_PUN I_PNP created_VVD a_AT0 Facebook_NN1 event_NN1 page_NN1 inviting_VVG people_NN0 to_TO0 get_VVI together_AV0 and_CJC talk_VVB about_PRP neurodiversity_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP held_VVD the_AT0 first_ORD Neurodiversity_NN1 Project_NN1 gathering_VVG in_PRP a_AT0 small_AJ0 Berkeley_NP0 studio_NN1 filled_VVN with_PRP people_NN0 craving_VVG honest_AJ0 discussion_NN1 about_PRP how_AVQ our_DPS minds_NN2 seemed_VVD to_TO0 work_VVI differently_AV0 ._SENT Leaders_NN2 from_PRP corporations_NN2 and_CJC academia_NN1 opened_VVD up_AVP alongside_PRP artists_NN2 ,_PUN singers_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC activists_NN2 ._SENT A_AT0 buzz_NN1 grew_VVD within_PRP me_PNP that_CJT I_PNP had_VHD n't_XX0 felt_VVN in_PRP years_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC it_PNP grew_VVD stronger_AJC with_PRP each_DT0 gathering_NN1 —_PUN and_CJC that_DT0 was_VBD it_PNP :_PUN finally_AV0 ,_PUN at_PRP last_ORD ,_PUN my_DPS neurodivergent_AJ0 working_AJ0 style_NN1 as_PRP a_AT0 writer_NN1 and_CJC entrepreneur_NN1 was_VBD flowing_VVG with_PRP something_PNI that_CJT people_NN0 wanted_VVD and_CJC needed_VVD and_CJC where_AVQ I_PNP could_VM0 run_VVI a_AT0 thriving_AJ0 venture_NN1 ._SENT 
Opening_VVG Up_AVP the_AT0 Conversation_NN1 
In_PRP my_DPS 2017_CRD feature_NN1 article_NN1 in_PRP Fast_AJ0 Company_NN1 "_PUQ What_DTQ Neurodiversity_NN1 Is_VBZ and_CJC Why_AVQ Companies_NN2 Should_VM0 Embrace_VVI It_PNP ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP put_VVB forth_AV0 suggestions_NN2 for_PRP how_AVQ to_TO0 make_VVI the_AT0 workplace_NN1 more_AV0 neurodiversity-friendly_AJ0 ._SENT That_DT0 article_NN1 led_VVN to_PRP dozens_CRD of_PRF inquiries_NN2 ,_PUN tweets_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC emails_NN2 ,_PUN especially_AV0 from_PRP women_NN2 ._SENT At_PRP around_AV0 the_AT0 same_DT0 time_NN1 ,_PUN Harvard_NP0 Business_NN1 Review_NN1 ,_PUN Forbes_NP0 ,_PUN and_CJC other_AJ0 publications_NN2 were_VBD starting_VVG to_TO0 catch_VVI on_AVP to_PRP the_AT0 dire_AJ0 need_NN1 of_PRF addressing_VVG these_DT0 topics_NN2 ._SENT At_PRP the_AT0 center_NN1 of_PRF my_DPS article_NN1 was_VBD a_AT0 woman_NN1 named_VVN Margaux_NP0 Joffe_NP0 ,_PUN head_NN1 of_PRF production_NN1 for_PRP Yahoo_NP0 's_POS Global_AJ0 Marketing_NN1 Department_NN1 at_PRP the_AT0 time_NN1 ,_PUN who_PNQ also_AV0 launched_VVD the_AT0 company_NN1 's_POS first_ORD neurodiversity_NN1 Employee_NN1 Resource_NN1 Group_NN1 ._SENT Joffe_NP0 has_VHZ ADHD_VVN and_CJC previously_AV0 founded_VVN the_AT0 Kaleidoscope_NN1 Society_NN1 ,_PUN a_AT0 platform_NN1 for_PRP women_NN2 with_PRP ADHD_NN1 to_TO0 share_VVI and_CJC celebrate_VVI their_DPS successes_NN2 in_PRP life_NN1 —_PUN think_VVB artists_NN2 ,_PUN scientists_NN2 ,_PUN human_AJ0 resources_NN2 folks_NN2 ,_PUN designers_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC a_AT0 whole_AJ0 range_NN1 of_PRF career_NN1 positions_NN2 ._SENT 
"_PUQ My_DPS advice_NN1 to_PRP neurodivergent_AJ0 employees_NN2 is_VBZ to_TO0 learn_VVI as_CJS much_AV0 as_CJS you_PNP can_VM0 about_PRP how_AVQ your_DPS mind_NN1 works_VVZ in_PRP order_NN1 to_TO0 design_VVI your_DPS daily_AJ0 life_NN1 accordingly_AV0 and_CJC be_VBI able_AJ0 to_TO0 effectively_AV0 communicate_VVI what_DTQ you_PNP need_VVB at_PRP work_NN1 and_CJC at_PRP home_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Joffe_NP0 tells_VVZ me_PNP ._SENT "_PUQ I_PNP lived_VVD with_PRP undiagnosed_AJ0 ADHD_NN1 for_PRP twenty-nine_CRD years_NN2 ,_PUN so_AV0 the_AT0 diagnosis_NN1 alone_AV0 has_VHZ helped_VVN me_PNP tremendously_AV0 in_PRP my_DPS career_NN1 ._SENT Simply_AV0 understanding_VVG how_AVQ my_DPS mind_NN1 works_VVZ differently_AV0 ,_PUN I_PNP 've_VHB been_VBN able_AJ0 to_TO0 let_VVI go_NN1 of_PRF how_AVQ I_PNP thought_VVD I_PNP should_VM0 do_VDI things_NN2 and_CJC accept_VVB myself_PNX for_PRP who_PNQ I_PNP am_VBB ._SENT "_PUQ 
Joffe_NP0 explains_VVZ that_CJT what_DTQ often_AV0 stands_VVZ in_PRP companies_NN2 '_POS way_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT0 lack_NN1 of_PRF knowledge_NN1 for_PRP how_AVQ to_TO0 approach_VVI subjects_NN2 such_DT0 as_PRP neurodivergence_NN1 ._SENT The_AT0 growing_AJ0 "_PUQ neurodiversity_NN1 movement_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ focusing_VVG on_PRP diversity_NN1 of_PRF mind_NN1 ,_PUN just_AV0 as_CJS activists_NN2 in_PRP the_AT0 1960s_CRD and_CJC 1970s_CRD fought_VVN for_PRP racial_AJ0 equality_NN1 and_CJC gay_AJ0 rights_NN2 ,_PUN is_VBZ spurring_VVG an_AT0 increasing_AJ0 awareness_NN1 that_DT0 is_VBZ likely_AJ0 to_TO0 put_VVI much_DT0 more_DT0 pressure_NN1 on_PRP workplaces_NN2 to_TO0 understand_VVI neurodiversity_NN1 ,_PUN adhere_VVB to_PRP policies_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC respect_VVB neurodivergent_AJ0 folks_NN2 —_PUN especially_AV0 women_NN2 and_CJC people_NN0 of_PRF color_NN1 ,_PUN Joffe_NP0 points_VVZ out_AVP ,_PUN "_PUQ who_PNQ already_AV0 feel_VVB like_CJS they_PNP have_VHB to_TO0 work_VVI harder_AJC to_TO0 overcome_VVI unconscious_AJ0 bias_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ 
It_PNP took_VVD Joffe_NP0 a_AT0 year_NN1 to_TO0 "_PUQ come_VVI out_AVP "_PUQ to_PRP her_DPS boss_NN1 about_PRP having_VHG ADHD_NN1 ,_PUN because_CJS ,_PUN she_PNP says_VVZ ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP wanted_VVD to_TO0 be_VBI able_AJ0 to_TO0 prove_VVI myself_PNX free_AJ0 of_PRF any_DT0 additional_AJ0 bias_NN1 ._SENT "_PUQ But_CJC once_CJS she_PNP did_VDD ,_PUN and_CJC told_VVD him_PNP she_PNP wanted_VVD to_TO0 launch_VVI an_AT0 Employee_NN1 Resource_NN1 Group_NN1 for_PRP neurodiversity_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ he_PNP supported_VVD it_PNP 100_CRD percent_NN0 ._SENT "_PUQ She_PNP continues_VVZ ,_PUN "_PUQ Many_DT0 times_NN2 ,_PUN the_AT0 only_AJ0 thing_NN1 holding_VVG us_PNP back_AVP is_VBZ thinking_VVG we_PNP need_VVB to_TO0 work_VVI like_PRP others_NN2 ._SENT Build_VVB on_PRP your_DPS strengths_NN2 and_CJC be_VBI fearless_AJ0 ._SENT This_DT0 goes_VVZ for_PRP everyone_PNI ._SENT "_PUQ 
For_PRP myself_PNX ,_PUN as_CJS a_AT0 sensitive_AJ0 neurodivergent_AJ0 woman_NN1 ,_PUN my_DPS primary_AJ0 concerns_NN2 relate_VVB to_PRP social_AJ0 norms_NN2 around_PRP extreme_AJ0 extroversion_NN1 ,_PUN expectations_NN2 of_PRF high-speed_AJ0 productivity_NN1 ,_PUN overstimulation_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC overemphasis_NN1 on_PRP factory-style_AJ0 executive_NN1 functioning_NN1 ._SENT My_DPS ideal_AJ0 setting_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT0 quiet_AJ0 ,_PUN natural_AJ0 light_NN1 –_PUN filled_AJ0 place_NN1 surrounded_VVN by_PRP greenery_NN1 ,_PUN with_PRP easy_AJ0 access_NN1 to_PRP colleagues_NN2 when_CJS needed_VVN ._SENT I_PNP value_VVB mentorship_NN1 and_CJC learn_VVB well_AV0 one-on-one_CRD ._SENT Being_VBG myself_PNX often_AV0 looks_VVZ like_PRP lightning_NN1 bolts_NN2 of_PRF inspiration_NN1 ,_PUN needing_VVG to_TO0 pause_VVI a_AT0 conversation_NN1 to_TO0 write_VVI down_AVP an_AT0 idea_NN1 ,_PUN emailing_VVG or_CJC calling_VVG someone_PNI spontaneously_AV0 ,_PUN or_CJC needing_VVG to_TO0 take_VVI a_AT0 quick_AJ0 rest_NN1 when_CJS I_PNP 'm_VBB overstimulated_AJ0 or_CJC work_NN1 from_PRP home_NN1 when_CJS I_PNP have_VHB a_AT0 headache_NN1 ._SENT Susan_NP0 Cain_NP0 has_VHZ made_VVN some_DT0 of_PRF this_DT0 language_NN1 much_AV0 more_AV0 accessible_AJ0 and_CJC acceptable_AJ0 through_PRP her_DPS Quiet_AJ0 Revolution_NN1 website_NN1 and_CJC Quiet_AJ0 Workplaces_NN2 and_CJC Quiet_AJ0 Schools_NN2 programs_NN2 ._SENT Walmart_NP0 's_POS most_AV0 productive_AJ0 distribution_NN1 center_NN1 is_VBZ staffed_VVN almost_AV0 entirely_AV0 by_PRP neurodivergent_AJ0 employees_NN2 ._SENT SAP_NN1 has_VHZ an_AT0 entire_AJ0 Autism_NN1 at_PRP Work_NN1 program_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC Microsoft_NP0 now_AV0 holds_VVZ annual_AJ0 Autism_NN1 at_PRP Work_NN1 events_NN2 ._SENT Things_NN2 are_VBB starting_VVG to_TO0 shift_VVI ,_PUN but_CJC more_DT0 is_VBZ needed_VVN ._SENT 
Work_NN1 and_CJC Temperament_NN1 Rights_NN2 
Our_DPS internal_AJ0 makeups_NN2 matter_NN1 ._SENT A_AT0 lot_NN1 ._SENT How_AVQ I_PNP spend_VVB my_DPS days_NN2 thinking_VVG ,_PUN reflecting_VVG ,_PUN and_CJC responding_VVG to_PRP the_AT0 world_NN1 correlates_VVZ to_PRP my_DPS mental_AJ0 health_NN1 ,_PUN the_AT0 mental_AJ0 health_NN1 of_PRF my_DPS family_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC the_AT0 overall_AJ0 health_NN1 of_PRF my_DPS workplace_NN1 ._SENT Each_DT0 of_PRF us_PNP creates_VVZ our_DPS own_DT0 reality_NN1 ,_PUN largely_AV0 dictated_VVN by_PRP our_DPS internal_AJ0 perceptions_NN2 and_CJC how_AVQ those_DT0 perceptions_NN2 are_VBB shaped_VVN by_PRP people_NN0 in_PRP power_NN1 ._SENT As_CJS Elaine_NP0 Aron_NP0 frequently_AV0 likes_VVZ to_TO0 bring_VVI up_AVP ,_PUN if_CJS we_PNP as_CJS sensitive_AJ0 people_NN0 are_VBB raised_VVN in_PRP supportive_AJ0 environments_NN2 ,_PUN our_DPS unique_AJ0 gifts_NN2 are_VBB often_AV0 fostered_VVN and_CJC allowed_VVN to_TO0 thrive_VVI ;_PUN but_CJC if_CJS we_PNP grow_VVB up_AVP in_PRP negative_AJ0 environments_NN2 ,_PUN we_PNP often_AV0 develop_VVB depression_NN1 and_CJC anxiety_NN1 ._SENT And_CJC so_AV0 the_AT0 interplay_NN1 between_PRP inner_AJ0 and_CJC outer_AJ0 is_VBZ significant_AJ0 and_CJC largely_AV0 holds_VVZ the_AT0 key_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 overall_AJ0 health_NN1 and_CJC well-being_NN1 of_PRF us_PNP as_PRP individuals_NN2 and_CJC of_PRF our_DPS wider_AJC communities_NN2 ._SENT 
The_AT0 idea_NN1 of_PRF "_PUQ temperament_NN1 rights_NN2 "_PUQ brings_VVZ into_PRP the_AT0 equation_NN1 a_AT0 consideration_NN1 of_PRF our_DPS inner_AJ0 constitutions_NN2 in_PRP every_AT0 sphere_NN1 of_PRF life_NN1 —_PUN work_NN1 ,_PUN family_NN1 ,_PUN school_NN1 ,_PUN education_NN1 ,_PUN sports_NN2 ,_PUN religion_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC more_AV0 ._SENT The_AT0 unique_AJ0 individual_AJ0 makeup_NN1 of_PRF each_DT0 person_NN1 deserves_VVZ its_DPS own_DT0 articulation_NN1 ,_PUN respect_NN1 ,_PUN and_CJC corresponding_AJ0 accommodation_NN1 ._SENT Note_VVB that_CJT this_DT0 is_VBZ not_XX0 the_AT0 same_DT0 as_CJS every_AT0 person_NN1 getting_VVG exactly_AV0 what_DTQ they_PNP want_VVB all_DT0 the_AT0 time_NN1 ._SENT But_CJC it_PNP does_VDZ mean_VVI ,_PUN for_PRP example_NN1 ,_PUN that_CJT when_CJS a_AT0 person_NN1 starts_VVZ a_AT0 new_AJ0 job_NN1 ,_PUN it_PNP is_VBZ carefully_AV0 noted_VVN in_PRP their_DPS personnel_NN2 file_VVB whether_CJS they_PNP identify_VVB as_CJS neurodivergent_AJ0 ,_PUN and_CJC if_CJS so_AV0 ,_PUN which_DTQ neurodivergence_NN1 ,_PUN as_CJS well_AV0 as_CJS their_DPS workplace_NN1 preferences_NN2 and_CJC needs_NN2 ._SENT That_DT0 person_NN1 's_POS particular_AJ0 sensitivities_NN2 need_VVB to_TO0 be_VBI acknowledged_VVN ._SENT They_PNP will_VM0 then_AV0 know_VVI that_CJT their_DPS internal_AJ0 reality_NN1 is_VBZ acknowledged_VVN at_PRP work_NN1 and_CJC they_PNP can_VM0 thus_AV0 resort_VVI to_PRP the_AT0 language_NN1 of_PRF temperament_NN1 rights_NN2 and_CJC neurodiversity_NN1 to_TO0 sort_VVI out_AVP any_DT0 issues_NN2 as_CJS they_PNP arise_VVB ,_PUN as_CJS well_AV0 as_CJS advocate_VVI for_PRP themselves_PNX ._SENT 
When_CJS I_PNP got_VVD back_AVP in_PRP touch_NN1 with_PRP Joffe_NP0 a_AT0 few_DT0 months_NN2 after_PRP our_DPS initial_AJ0 interview_NN1 ,_PUN Yahoo_NP0 was_VBD in_PRP the_AT0 midst_NN1 of_PRF its_DPS merger_NN1 with_PRP AOL_NN1 after_PRP both_DT0 companies_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN acquired_VVN by_PRP Verizon_NP0 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD a_AT0 tough_AJ0 time_NN1 —_PUN and_CJC in_PRP many_DT0 ways_NN2 traumatic_AJ0 ._SENT People_NN0 were_VBD being_VBG laid_VVN off_AVP ,_PUN and_CJC change_NN1 was_VBD everywhere_AV0 —_PUN from_PRP management_NN1 structure_NN1 to_PRP the_AT0 redesign_NN1 of_PRF office_NN1 space_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD a_AT0 significant_AJ0 time_NN1 to_TO0 talk_VVI about_PRP neurodiversity_NN1 at_PRP the_AT0 company_NN1 ,_PUN as_CJS unexpected_AJ0 shifts_NN2 often_AV0 allow_VVB for_PRP new_AJ0 ways_NN2 of_PRF leading_VVG and_CJC operating_VVG ,_PUN and_CJC Joffe_NP0 's_POS team_NN1 advocates_VVZ for_PRP neurodivergent_AJ0 employees_NN2 in_PRP a_AT0 number_NN1 of_PRF ways_NN2 ._SENT "_PUQ We_PNP 've_VHB been_VBN bubbling_VVG up_AVP some_DT0 questions_NN2 and_CJC concerns_NN2 to_PRP leadership_NN1 —_PUN everything_PNI from_PRP office_NN1 moves_NN2 and_CJC layouts_NN2 to_PRP accommodations_NN2 ,_PUN "_PUQ she_PNP told_VVD me_PNP ._SENT Her_DPS team_NN1 was_VBD making_VVG recommendations_NN2 to_PRP the_AT0 team_NN1 in_PRP charge_NN1 of_PRF real_AJ0 estate_NN1 and_CJC workplace_NN1 ,_PUN such_DT0 as_PRP designating_VVG quiet_AJ0 spaces_NN2 ,_PUN working_VVG with_PRP individuals_NN2 who_PNQ need_VVB accommodations_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC making_VVG noise-canceling_AJ0 headphones_NN2 available_AJ0 ._SENT 
"_PUQ I_PNP feel_VVB like_CJS we_PNP 're_VBB just_AV0 beginning_VVG to_TO0 see_VVI the_AT0 start_NN1 of_PRF a_AT0 new_AJ0 wave_NN1 of_PRF how_AVQ mental_AJ0 health_NN1 and_CJC neurodiversity_NN1 are_VBB going_VVG to_TO0 be_VBI looked_VVN at_PRP in_PRP the_AT0 workplace_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ Joffe_NP0 says_VVZ ,_PUN "_PUQ because_CJS traditionally_AV0 the_AT0 workplace_NN1 has_VHZ n't_XX0 always_AV0 been_VBN best-suited_AJS for_PRP anyone_PNI who_PNQ does_VDZ n't_XX0 fit_VVI the_AT0 mold_NN1 ,_PUN so_AV0 to_TO0 speak_VVI ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP do_VDB think_VVI things_NN2 are_VBB beginning_VVG to_TO0 change_VVI ._SENT Once_CJS we_PNP launched_VVD the_AT0 ERG_NN1 [_PUL Employee_NN1 Resource_NN1 Group_NN1 ]_PUR it_PNP opened_VVD up_AVP a_AT0 Pandora_NP0 's_POS box_NN1 and_CJC people_NN0 came_VVD out_AVP of_PRF the_AT0 woodwork_NN1 ,_PUN sharing_VVG their_DPS stories_NN2 ._SENT It_PNP was_VBD definitely_AV0 the_AT0 case_NN1 that_CJT people_NN0 were_VBD dealing_VVG with_PRP things_NN2 on_PRP their_DPS own_DT0 and_CJC keeping_VVG to_PRP themselves_PNX ._SENT "_PUQ Launching_VVG the_AT0 neurodiversity_NN1 ERG_NN1 was_VBD a_AT0 big_AJ0 ,_PUN brave_AJ0 ,_PUN and_CJC vulnerable_AJ0 move_NN1 for_PRP Joffe_NP0 ._SENT It_PNP took_VVD courage_NN1 to_TO0 put_VVI herself_PNX out_AVP there_AV0 ,_PUN and_CJC ultimately_AV0 that_DT0 courage_NN1 led_VVD to_PRP her_DPS being_VBG on_PRP stage_NN1 in_PRP front_NN1 of_PRF eighty-five_CRD hundred_CRD people_NN0 to_TO0 share_VVI her_DPS story_NN1 ._SENT 
Indeed_AV0 ,_PUN sharing_VVG stories_NN2 is_VBZ often_AV0 the_AT0 first_ORD step_NN1 for_PRP helping_VVG changes_NN2 take_VVB hold_NN1 in_PRP a_AT0 workplace_NN1 ._SENT After_CJS Joffe_NP0 formed_VVD her_DPS ERG_NN1 and_CJC started_VVD speaking_VVG openly_AV0 about_PRP the_AT0 gifts_NN2 and_CJC challenges_NN2 of_PRF her_DPS neurodivergence_NN1 ,_PUN dozens_CRD of_PRF others_NN2 started_VVD speaking_VVG up_AVP as_CJS well_AV0 ._SENT "_PUQ In_PRP our_DPS department_NN1 alone_AV0 ,_PUN through_PRP launching_VVG this_DT0 group_NN1 ,_PUN "_PUQ she_PNP says_VVZ ,_PUN "_PUQ I_PNP found_VVD out_AVP a_AT0 few_DT0 of_PRF my_DPS colleagues_NN2 are_VBB also_AV0 neurodivergent_AJ0 —_PUN and_CJC I_PNP would_VM0 have_VHI never_AV0 guessed_VVN !_SENT I_PNP would_VM0 've_VHI never_AV0 known_VVN what_DTQ they_PNP were_VBD going_VVG through_AVP ._SENT It_PNP 's_VHZ been_VBN so_AV0 powerful_AJ0 because_CJS people_NN0 from_PRP senior_AJ0 leadership_NN1 are_VBB also_AV0 coming_VVG forward_AV0 as_CJS having_VHG ADHD_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP do_VDB n't_XX0 know_VVI if_CJS there_EX0 are_VBB any_DT0 other_AJ0 companies_NN2 out_AVP there_AV0 specifically_AV0 with_PRP neurodiversity_NN1 ERGs_NN2 ._SENT I_PNP know_VVB there_EX0 are_VBB autism_NN1 working_AJ0 groups_NN2 ,_PUN but_CJC I_PNP 'm_VBB not_XX0 sure_AJ0 about_PRP neurodiversity_NN1 more_AV0 broadly_AV0 ._SENT I_PNP 've_VHB seen_VVN disability_NN1 and_CJC health_NN1 and_CJC wellness_NN1 ,_PUN but_CJC not_XX0 neurodiversity_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP 's_VBZ an_AT0 open_AJ0 frontier_NN1 —_PUN a_AT0 lot_NN1 to_TO0 learn_VVI and_CJC a_AT0 lot_NN1 to_TO0 do_VDI ._SENT "_PUQ 
Embracing_VVG neurodiversity_NN1 at_PRP work_NN1 also_AV0 allows_VVZ for_PRP a_AT0 narrative_AJ0 shift_NN1 to_TO0 happen_VVI ,_PUN because_CJS colleagues_NN2 find_VVB themselves_PNX surprised_AJ0 by_PRP the_AT0 mismatch_NN1 between_PRP what_DTQ they_PNP think_VVB a_AT0 neurodivergence_NN1 might_VM0 look_VVI like_PRP and_CJC how_AVQ it_PNP actually_AV0 shows_VVZ up_AVP in_PRP a_AT0 person_NN1 ._SENT It_PNP is_VBZ essential_AJ0 that_CJT all_DT0 workplaces_NN2 —_PUN companies_NN2 ,_PUN organizations_NN2 ,_PUN nonprofits_NN2 ,_PUN government_NN1 offices_NN2 —_PUN open_VVB up_AVP this_DT0 "_PUQ Pandora_NP0 's_POS box_NN1 "_PUQ so_AV0 that_CJT the_AT0 buried_AJ0 treasures_NN2 and_CJC gifts_NN2 that_CJT neurodivergent_AJ0 folks_NN2 possess_VVB can_VM0 emerge_VVI and_CJC help_VVI entire_AJ0 teams_NN2 ._SENT Senior_AJ0 executives_NN2 ,_PUN managers_NN2 ,_PUN bosses_NN2 ,_PUN board_NN1 members_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC others_NN2 have_VHB a_AT0 significant_AJ0 role_NN1 to_TO0 play_VVI in_PRP creating_VVG work_NN1 cultures_NN2 and_CJC spaces_NN2 that_CJT allow_VVB for_PRP the_AT0 language_NN1 of_PRF neurodiversity_NN1 ._SENT This_DT0 can_VM0 have_VHI a_AT0 profound_AJ0 ripple_NN1 effect_NN1 throughout_PRP companies_NN2 and_CJC society_NN1 at_PRP large_AJ0 ._SENT The_AT0 opportunity_NN1 to_TO0 transform_VVI social_AJ0 norms_NN2 is_VBZ real_AJ0 —_PUN and_CJC tangible_AJ0 ._SENT 
Adobe_NN1 :_PUN A_AT0 Lesson_NN1 in_PRP Sensory_AJ0 Design_NN1 
Silka_NP0 Miesnieks_NP0 is_VBZ another_DT0 bright_AJ0 star_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 neurodivergent_AJ0 underworld_NN1 of_PRF tech_NN1 and_CJC design_NN1 in_PRP Silicon_NN1 Valley_NN1 ._SENT I_PNP saw_VVD her_PNP speak_VVI at_PRP a_AT0 design_NN1 conference_NN1 in_PRP the_AT0 Japanese_AJ0 innovation_NN1 space_NN1 Digital_AJ0 Garage_NN1 in_PRP San_NP0 Francisco_NP0 ._SENT The_AT0 conference_NN1 was_VBD about_AV0 artificial_AJ0 intelligence_NN1 and_CJC the_AT0 intersection_NN1 with_PRP design_NN1 ,_PUN empathy_NN1 ,_PUN emotions_NN2 ,_PUN and_CJC human_AJ0 impact_NN1 —_PUN and_CJC to_PRP my_DPS delighted_AJ0 shock_NN1 ,_PUN some_DT0 of_PRF the_AT0 first_ORD words_NN2 she_PNP delivered_VVD were_VBD about_PRP her_DPS being_VBG dyslexic_AJ0 and_CJC about_PRP the_AT0 senses_NN2 of_PRF proprioception_NN1 and_CJC interoception_NN1 as_CJS they_PNP relate_VVB to_TO0 design_VVI ._SENT 
