b'20 Member News July 2023Equality, diversity and inclusionExploring neurodiversity in engineering and technology We recently embarked on a study to understand more about the extent of neurodiversity in engineering and technology, the lived experiences of neurodivergent engineering and technology professionals, and actions that need to be taken to create a more inclusive environment.BenefitsThe term neurodiversity is usedWe understand that diversity of thought and thinking styles are vital in solvingto describe the concept thatglobal challenges and engineering a better world. all humans vary in terms of our neurocognitive ability.Creating a culture in which all engineers The term neurodivergent isthrive is not only the right thing to do, used to describe people whobut it is also essential for the future of have less typical neurotypes.engineering.These may include ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Hyperlexia,Neurodivergent people demonstrate Synethesia, and Tourettestrengths which are often related toWhilst neurodivergent employees are Syndrome.processing things differently froma source of talent, of course only some their neurotypical colleagues, theseof the skills and abilities they bring can include: are related to neurodiversity. Many Why?access to diverse perspectivesneurodivergent people are simply It is estimated that betweeni nnovation just good at their jobs, and to ascribe 14%20% of the UK population special talents to all neurodivergent are neurodivergent, of whom: l ogical analysis people without understanding the 2-5% have ADHD error detection strengths of each individual is in itself as ustained concentration andform of stereotyping. Of course, not all 1-2% are autistichyper-focusneurodivergent people demonstrate the1 0%-20% are dyslexic same strengths.v isual thinking 5% are dyspraxic attention to detail However, whatever the talents, skills and abilities of neurodivergent people may 1-2% have Tourette Syndrome pattern recognition be, it is often the behaviour of others There is little data available on the c reative thinking that enablesor inhibitsthose talents extent of neurodiversity in employmentflourishing in the workplace. Its clear that and in engineering and technologyretaining knowledge neurodivergent people can face significant specifically. spatial awareness challenges in terms of access, progression and retention. Often neurodivergentA survey we conducted in 2022Many of these talents are ofpeople are left to advocate on their own found that 9% of IET volunteersparticular value to engineering andbehalf for reasonable adjustments to help identified as neurodiverse andtechnologyvital to engineering address challenges. another 10% said they were unsure a better world.Driven by the insights and passion of the if they were neurodiverse. It has been reported thatIET Neurodiversity Member Network, we F oothold estimates there areneurodivergent employees in certainembarked on a new project focusing on 820,000 neurodiverse engineerstech roles are 90% to 140% morethe extent of neurodiversity in engineering working in the UK alone.productive than their neurotypicaland technology and the lived experience colleagues (Ossola, 2021).of neurodivergent engineering and Statistics from Genius Within. technology professionals.Continued overleaf'