❌ Myth: “Neurodivergent people can’t do certain jobs.”
✅ Reality: Neurodivergent workers bring unique strengths, from creativity, to focus, to problem-solving skills. Every workplace benefits from a range of perspectives.
❌ Myth: “Adjustments are special favours.”
✅ Reality: Adjustments level the playing field. They’re about fairness, not favours. A small change can help someone work at their best, which is ultimately beneficial to all.
❌ Myth: “It’s too hard to make workplaces inclusive.”
✅ Reality: Inclusion often comes down to simple things: clear communication, flexible working, supportive managers. These changes help everyone.
❌ Myth: “Neurodivergent people should tell us what they need — it’s up to them.”
✅ Reality: It’s not always easy or safe for people to disclose, especially in workplaces where they fear judgment or discrimination. Inclusive practices benefit everyone. We shouldn’t wait for someone to ask for fairness.
❌ Myth: “If we make adjustments for one person, we’ll have to do it for everyone.”
✅ Reality: Adjustments are about meeting individual needs, and they often help more than the person they’re intended for. Clearer instructions, quieter spaces, or flexible working benefit entire teams, not just neurodivergent colleagues.
❌ Myth: “They just need to try harder to fit in.”
✅ Reality: Inclusion isn’t about forcing people to fit outdated systems. It’s about creating workplaces where everyone can contribute in ways that work for them.
❌ Myth: “You can tell if someone is neurodivergent.”
✅ Reality: You can’t always see or know if someone is neurodivergent. That’s why inclusive practices should be standard, not dependent on disclosure.
❌ Myth: “Neurodiversity is a problem that needs fixing.”
✅ Reality: Neurodiversity is natural human difference. The real problem is the barriers created by inflexible systems and assumptions at work.
❌ Myth: “We’ve never had a neurodivergent person here.”
✅ Reality: You almost certainly have. Neurodivergent people are part of every workplace. They may not feel safe to disclose or may not have been recognised or supported.
❌ Myth: “Adjustments cost too much or take too much time.”
✅ Reality: Most adjustments are simple, low-cost, or free, like clearer communication, flexible hours, or different seating arrangements. The cost of not making changes is higher in lost talent, wellbeing, and fairness.
Our Work Without Barriers campaign is here to challenge these myths and promote fairness. Together, as union members, we can help create workplaces where no one faces unnecessary obstacles.
