b'30 Member News March 2023SupportStart #EngineeringYourWay with Footholds Engineering Neurodiverse Futures support programmeResearch shows aSay hello to our Engineering greater incidenceNeurodiverse Futures programmeBeing a dyslexic engineer has not always beenof neurodiversity easy. Attitudes towardsamongst engineers One day a friend asked me if Id considered neurodiversity areI might be autistic. As I researched autism improving, but theres stillDid you know that 1 in 7 people are too many people whoneurodiverse, and that there arefurther, it was like a lightbulb switched on 820,000 neurodiverse engineersin my head. I remember thinking: this could arent diagnosed andlike Brian in the UK alone? explain some things!wont receive support. Like everyone in the engineering community, youll want to ensure you have everything youStuart, lifelong engineerBrian, lifelong engineer need to be successful, both personally and professionally. Designed for neurodivergent engineers, students and Despite his skills in visualisingapprentices, and those who support them, this ground-information, throughout muchBut if youve been diagnosedbreaking programme is opening up new opportunitiesof his career Brian struggledor believe you may befor the entire engineering community.with certain tasks which hisneurodivergent, you might feelIt includes our Differently Wired Hub, a free onlinepeers found simple, such asyoure being held back fromresource that offers expert advice, information and content communication and writing. reaching your full potential. on a range of neurodiverse conditionsincluding ADHD, However, it wasnt until hisOr if you know or work withDyslexia, Dyspraxia and Tourettes Syndromeas well as employer funded all staffsomeone who is neurodivergent,guidance on how to support neurodiverse people to achieve through a degree course thatperhaps you feel theres more youtheir full potential.Brian seriously thought hecan do to enhance your relationship,And if youre an engineering student or apprentice, you may could end up losing his job. so you can get along better? be eligible for further direct supportincluding access Eventually, he was diagnosedWhether youre neurodivergentto a formal diagnosis, financial support, counselling, and with severe dyslexiasomethingor neurotypical, at Foothold wecareers guidance.which fundamentally changed thewant to build a world where every way he saw himself. But it wasmember of our community has the still too little, too late to make upopportunity to make the most of for the challenges hed faced. their unique talents and capabilities. I felt so relieved when my diagnosis came I still feel very angry sometimesthrough. My stress and anxiety is easing,that I wasnt diagnosed sooner.Thats why weve launched ourand Im now back on track with my studies!Having access to supportEngineering Neurodiverse Futures earlier would have made aprogrammeto empower you big difference in my life. and those around you to thrive,Mikaela, student engineerno matter your circumstances.You can find out more about the Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme, and build your knowledge of neurodiversity in engineering, by joining the Differently Wired Hub for free. Start #EngineeringYourWay today.'