Curiosity can lead to discovery: Embracing neurodiversity

Published on
Journey for Teams: Medical professionals

Diversity is everywhere—and we can’t always see it.

A new learning module from Journey for Teams thoughtfully delves into the diversity of brain functions, highlighting the distinct benefits and strengths these variations contribute to our collective experiences.

Neurodiversity: Foster an Extraordinary Workplace encourages us to “lead with curiosity” when we meet people who are different from us, rather than view differences as disabilities. It also breaks down some common misconceptions about specific types of neurodivergence. Among the discoveries it offers:

  • Individuals with dyslexia typically have very high visual/spatial skills, which can be a great strength, especially in contexts like surgery.
  • Strengths of people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) include creativity and innovative problem solving.

The module also offers practical tips to make veterinary practices more welcoming to people who are neurodivergent—from reviewing intake forms and job descriptions, to adjusting lighting, sound, and equipment settings to creating a more sensory-friendly environment. 

Everyone’s brain is unique. The way we see and interpret the world differs from person to person. The new Journey for Teams module shows how those differences are not deficits, and helps learners discover ways to discover and bring out everyone’s strengths.

Start learning now.

Explore more 

Neurodiversity: Foster an Extraordinary Workplace is the 16th learning module from Journey for Teams. Each one explores a unique topic to deepen our understanding of and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Learn more and explore other topics at JourneyForTeams.org.

Journey for Teams, developed by the AVMA in collaboration with the Veterinary Medical Association Executives, is generously supported by many industry partners.

Collaborating partners: National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America; Veterinary Hospital Managers Association

Educational partners—Trailblazers: Boehringer Ingelheim; Mars Veterinary Health; Nationwide; NAVC; National Veterinary Associates; Petco/Petco Love; Viticus Group; Zoetis

Educational partners—Adventurers:  CareCredit; Hill's Pet Nutrition; Merck Animal Health; Suveto

Comments

Add New Comment

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
CAPTCHA
Please verify that you are not a robot.