How Our Occupational Therapists Support Neurodiverse Employees in the Workplace
- Randa Abbasi
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
At EnableWorks, we celebrate the differences in how people think, learn, and interact. Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) help employers build inclusive workplaces where neurodiverse employees can thrive.
EnableWorks is proud to display the Neurodiversity Symbol as a visible commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive, and accessible workplaces for neurodivergent individuals. We recognise the value of neurodiversity and are dedicated to embracing diverse ways of thinking, learning, and working. This symbol represents our ongoing efforts to create environments where everyone can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and be celebrated for who they are.
What Is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in how people think, learn, and interact with others. It includes individuals who identify as neurodivergent, which may encompass diagnoses or traits of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. These differences are not deficits—they represent a range of strengths and challenges that, when understood and supported, can bring immense value to the workplace.
How Our OTs Can Help You Support Neurodiverse Staff
Our experienced Occupational Therapists work directly with employers and employees to tailor practical, evidence-based strategies that improve wellbeing and job performance.
Key areas we support include:
Managing sensory processing challenges (e.g. noise, lighting, textures)
Recommending suitable assistive equipment or technology tools
Strategies for managing anxiety, emotional regulation, and mood
Supporting negotiation about reasonable accommodation in the workplace.
Supporting negotiation about reasonable accommodation in the workplace.
Navigating social and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace
Developing systems to enhance effectiveness of performance feedback.
Facilitating effective workplace communication
Liaising with other health professionals (e.g. psychologist) to assist with the application of strategies from the clinic to the workplace.
Providing job coaching and task-specific support
Assessing for Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Support Funds
We can work with you and your employee(s) to develop individualised solutions – every person and situation is unique.
What Does the Occupational Therapy Assessment Involve?
Our assessment process is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to each situation:
Referral Review: We begin by understanding the reason for the referral, including the work role and the employee’s strengths, challenges and issues as identified both by the employee and the employer.
Individual Meeting: After gaining some background information regarding the reason for the referral, we often find it most effective to first meet with the employee 1:1 to understand their experience and to build an effective working relationship with them. This can also help to alleviate anxiety around the process… we know that anxiety can often exacerbate cognitive and interpersonal challenges.
Manager Discussion: We then speak with relevant manager(s) to gather their perspective on the role and the employee’s support needs.
Report & Recommendations: We provide a detailed written report outlining our findings and practical, actionable recommendations. In some cases, this may be things that can be immediately actioned by the employer e.g. provision of equipment. These might include:
Immediate changes (e.g. noise-cancelling headphones, task checklists)
Longer-term interventions (e.g. job coaching, workflow redesign)
Ongoing support options
Why Workplace Neurodiversity Support Matters
Employers who actively support neurodiverse staff benefit from increased innovation, employee retention, and workplace culture. By addressing barriers early and compassionately, you’re not only complying with workplace legislation—you’re creating a thriving, inclusive environment.
Ready to Create a Neuro-Inclusive Workplace?
EnableWorks is here to help you build a more inclusive, supportive, and productive work environment. Our OTs bring clinical insight and real-world strategies to help neurodiverse employees shine.
Contact us today to learn how our team can support your business and your people.
📞 Call us 033417234 | 0800622599 📧 Email: info@enableworks.co.nz, 🌍 Visit: www.enableworks.co.nz
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