How We Support Each Other as a Neuro-Inclusive Team 💜

At NEST, we know that supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families starts with the way we support each other.

We’re a proudly neurodiverse team, a mix of both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, with a wide mix of strengths, communication styles and sensory needs.

Together, we’ve built ways of working that help everyone feel understood, valued and supported.

These are some of the simple, human strategies we use every day to look after each other’s wellbeing and honour each other’s neurotypes.

Carla – Communicating with Curiosity 💬

Carla reminds us that communication is the foundation of supportive teamwork.

She encourages us to:

• make time to listen

• avoid assumptions

• understand that what helps one person may upset another

• stay open and honest

• be willing to adapt as needs change

  
  

Carla also encourages us to take time together to talk about what we need so we can work in a respectful and collaborative way.

Jenn – Keeping Everyone in the Loop 🔁

Jenn helps reduce anxiety and surprises by sending a quick email whenever something changes in the office or in our processes.

These wee updates mean everyone has time to adjust, which helps the whole team stay regulated and prepared.

Clare – Creating a Comfortable Sensory Environment 🚨

Clare pays close attention to sensory comfort in the workplace.

She is mindful about:

• low lighting

• keeping the office from getting too warm

• noise levels

• clear, concise communication

  
  

She avoids long emails and keeps messages simple and to the point, helping everyone process information more easily.

Alison – Gentle Interoception Prompts 📝

Alison supports the team through thoughtful, caring reminders. If she notices that a colleague hasn’t eaten or taken a break, she’ll leave a wee note on their screen.

This gentle prompt helps support interoception - something that can be harder for many neurodivergent people.

Celine – Helping Reduce Email Overwhelm 📧

Celine reduces overwhelm for a team member by keeping a running list of non‑urgent tasks instead of sending lots of emails throughout the week.

When the list gets long enough, she will schedule a calm, focused time to go through it together. This reduces working memory strain and makes tasks feel more manageable.

Lizzy – Offering Processing Time ⏰

Lizzy supports colleagues by giving space and time to think. She never pressures anyone for an instant answer and often says, “Get back to me when you’ve had time to process it.”

This helps teammates who need time to reflect, organise their thoughts or regulate before responding.

Olu – Offering Gentle, Low‑Pressure Reminders ⏲️

Olu supports the team by offering kind, respectful reminders about upcoming tasks or deadlines.

He checks in softly and without pressure, which is incredibly helpful for teammates who experience time‑blindness or become overwhelmed when juggling multiple tasks.

His approach keeps things on track while still feeling calm and supportive.

David – Making Meetings Accessible 📋

David helps the team feel grounded by bringing structure to meetings.

He often:

• shares an agenda beforehand

• breaks discussions into clear sections

• pauses to summarise

• checks in before moving on

  
  

This supports colleagues who need predictability, processing time or clarity to stay regulated.

Celebrating Every Neurotype 🥳

These small, thoughtful adjustments help us create a workplace that:

• celebrates difference

• supports emotional and sensory needs

• reduces overwhelm

• values open communication

• encourages honesty and self‑advocacy

• sees strengths first

  
  

This is what a neuroinclusive team looks like - and it’s something we’re very proud of.