Tips for Neurodivergent Friendly Communication

Effective communication is the linchpin of an inclusive environment in the modern workplace. A key component of this is neurodivergent-friendly communication. While the term might sound like jargon, the practices are straightforward and can be easily woven into your daily interactions. This guide will walk you through some simple yet impactful strategies to make your communication more accessible for everyone, including those with neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

Why Neurodivergent-Friendly Communication Matters

Neurodivergent-friendly communication isn't just about accommodating specific individuals; it's about adopting practices that benefit everyone. You don't need to know if someone is neurodivergent to implement these strategies. They are universally good practices that can enhance clarity and understanding in any team setting.

Key Practices for Neurodivergent-Friendly Communication

 1. Utilize Bullet Points

Bullet points are a powerful tool for enhancing clarity. They help in several ways:

• Focus: For individuals with ADHD, bullet points can help maintain attention.
• Clarity: They encourage concise writing, making it easier to convey your message.
• Visual Aid: For sighted readers, bullet points draw the eye and make information more digestible.

Action Step: 

Use bullet points in your emails, reports, and presentations to break down complex information into manageable chunks.

 2. Use Shorter Words and Sentences

Simplifying your language can make a big difference. Long, complicated words and lengthy sentences can be barriers, especially for dyslexic individuals or those with anxiety. Aim for sentences with 25 words or fewer and swap out complex words for simpler alternatives. Here are some examples:

• Swap "consequently" for "so".
• Replace "nevertheless" with "but".
• Use "and" instead of "furthermore".

Research shows that everyday terms are quicker and easier to read, remember, and understand. This practice can also benefit individuals with generalised anxiety or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), as clear and direct language helps them focus and comprehend the message without expending unnecessary energy.

Action Step: 

Review your written communication and replace long words with shorter ones. Break down long sentences into shorter, more digestible ones.

3. Eliminate Unnecessary Words

Words like "just", "rarely", "sometimes", "often", "always", and "never" often pad our communication but aren't always necessary. Stripping out these words can make your messages more direct and clear.

Action Step:
Edit your messages to remove unnecessary words. Focus on what your reader needs to know immediately and eliminate any fluff.

Becoming a neurodivergent-friendly communicator is about adopting simple, effective practices that benefit everyone. By using bullet points, shorter words and sentences and eliminating unnecessary words, you can make your communication clearer and more accessible. Treat these practices as the norm, and you'll create a more inclusive environment.

Embrace these strategies in your professional and personal life, and you'll be well on your way to fostering better understanding and inclusivity in all your interactions. Start today and see the positive impact on your workplace and personal relationships.

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