How Assistive Technology Can Help Employees With ADHD

When many neurotypical people think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they may think of it as a condition that only affects children and teenagers. After all, many come into contact with the term during an educational setting.

The truth, however, is that while ADHD does change with age, around 65% of people with ADHD retain at least some impairments into adulthood. Around 3-4% of the UK workforce is estimated to be affected by ADHD. Given that a significant number of adults with ADHD do not have an official diagnosis, this may well include some of your employees.

Let's take a look at how employers can help their team members with ADHD and the role of assistive technology in the workplace​.

What Is ADHD, And How Does It Affect Employees?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain's cognitive functions. In the workplace, it can manifest in a number of ways. It can have an impact on focus and engagement (both positively and negatively), memory and retention, time management and the motivation to initiate tasks.

At work, this might result in difficulty prioritising workloads, leading to missed deadlines. This, in turn, can leave employees feeling stressed, frustrated, and disengaged.

It's important to acknowledge that this is not due to a lack of capability or skill on the employee's part. Rather, it is a mismatch between the environment and their cognitive needs.

How Assistive Technology Benefits Employees

ADHD assistive technology in the workplace can help erode the barriers between employees and their goals.

They encompass a wide range of hardware and software tools that support individuals with the specific challenges they face.

Common examples include:

• Visual Organisation And Planning Software: This allows for planning and organisation in a more visually-led way that's more accessible to a neurodivergent employee.
• Text-To-Speech Tools: Screen readers and text-to-speech software can support those whose ADHD impairs writing, spelling, and grammar.
• Distraction Blockers: Software can be installed to lock distracting apps and websites or limit notifications and screen time to improve concentration and time on task.
• Smart Note-Taking Apps: These make it easier for employees to collect and organise notes in meetings.

All of these are designed to prevent work from becoming overwhelming and improve clarity.

When neurodiverse employees are empowered with the right tools, they make fewer errors and are better able to work autonomously.

This helps team members to feel more confident, engaged, and integrated at work.

How Assistive Technology Benefits Your Business

Providing assistive technology doesn't just benefit your employees; it benefits your business as a whole. Aside from the obvious gains in productivity and engagement, it demonstrates your commitment to a workplace culture that treats all employees with the same respect and sense of value. It shows that you are cognisant of your obligation to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 and aligns with Access to Work support guidelines.

It sends a clear message that neurodiversity is supported and valued within your organisation, reducing turnover and making your business more appealing to neurodiverse talent.

Looking to support neurodiverse talent in your team? Get in touch with the experts at Wyvern Business Systems today to discover our tailored assistive technology solutions!

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