Sara-Louise Ackrill is a specialist with significant public speaking experience and a wide network of clients who have worked with her to inform, educate and upskill their workforces. She talks about her personal experience of being autistic with ADHD; neurodiversity from a personal and professional perspective; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB); and domestic abuse awareness in the workplace. She recently published her new book 'The ND Lovers Club', with co-author Bontle Senne.
We elaborated on her Secondary School experience as an undiagnosed neurodivergent and a professional therapist working with young people who are preparing for the workplace. The conversation underlines the necessity of (co-)creating an environment in which learning is accesible to every individual present, regardless of the way those young human beings are wired, constanly re-starting at the grassroots.
One often reads about neurodiversity. Even though we need a theoretical framework, what really stood out for me is that Sara-Louise was able to dive into the emotional component as well, which is easily overlooked, when discussing this subject. We covered the importance of learning real life skills when growing up, fostering a sense of belonging in school (and in the workplace), having the courage to step out of environments that reflect 'people like you' and so much more.
