Neurodiversity: autistic people solving new problems and challenging old stereotypes with Alexandra Helens

Neurodiversity in the workplace is becoming a big conversation around boardroom tables - tapping into extraordinary minds to solve the complex issues of our time.  BHP Neurodiversity Lead Alexandra Helens shares her top tips for creating a neuro friendly workplace and the huge benefits to be found through the minds of autistic employees.  

“They will revolutionise your workflow, they will help you develop faster, better performing and easily designed products ...” – Alexandra Helens

“The stuff that makes you a kind of a pain in the butt is what makes you interesting and valuable.” – Alexandra Helens 

*CORRECTION from the interview:  Mensa actually started in England, at Lincoln College in Oxford University.

 You’ll hear:

• What is neurodiversity? (2:00)
• Why should workplaces embrace neurodiversity (6:00)
• Stereotypes (7:50)
• Centrelink and false starts as a young person (9:00)
• Joining the corporate world (10:10)
• Disability (11:00)
• Leading Neurodiversity at BHP (13:00)
• Autistic or person with autism? (16:30)
• Being more neuro-friendly (18:30)
• Mensa – the high IQ society (22:00)  (see above for where Mensa started)
• What we should know (27:00)

Duration: 29 minutes.

Links:

BHP - Neurodiversity

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Curtin Autism Research Group (CARG)

Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA)

Mensa

Book: Alice in Quantumland by Robert Gilmore

 

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My Warm Table, translated into Italian is Tavola Calda. These were the words my Papa used to describe a table of good friends, good food and good conversation. I always aim to create a tavola calda in my life and I hope this podcast encourages you to do so too!