We believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Embracing Neurodiversity is a crucial part of creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their cognitive style. That’s why we have developed an internal Neuroinclusive Communications Guide as part of our our BBSRC-funded project Understanding, Valuing and Celebrating Neurodiversity (2024) and are asking our staff to feed in with their views and how they make their own working practices Neuroinclusive.

This guide offers practical tips and strategies to help our staff and students communicate in ways that are clear, respectful, and accessible to all. As we take tangible steps to turn our commitment to Neurodiversity into action, we encourage other organisations to consider their own Neuroinclusive practices.

Here are four top tips from our guide that anyone can adopt to promote Neuroinclusive communication:

1. Use Neuroaffirmative language: Language shapes our perceptions. By using identity-first language, such as “Autistic person” instead of “person suffering with autism,” we affirm individual identities and experiences. This simple change can create a more respectful and inclusive environment.
2. Keep it simple: When conveying information, use straightforward language. Avoid jargon and complicated terms. Short, concise sentences can help ensure that your message is understood by everyone, regardless of their cognitive style.
3. Design accessible documents: Pay attention to fonts, colours, and layout in your written communications. Opt for sans serif fonts in sizes 12-14pt, use high-contrast colour combinations. Try to limit black text on white backgrounds as much as possible, in favour of a tinted background or grey text, like that used on our website. Break up large blocks of text with headings and bullet points. These design choices make information easier to read and digest.
4. Create inclusive meeting environments: Whether in person or online, ensure that meetings are accessible to everyone. Share agendas in advance, offer options for virtual participation (like chat functions or keeping cameras off), and create spaces that accommodate sensory needs.

Providing information and resources to our staff and students is just one of the tangible ways we’re putting our commitment to Neurodiversity into action. Other initiatives we’ve implemented so far include:

• Fidget tools in meeting rooms: We’ve added fidget tools to all our meeting rooms to help support focus and sensory regulation.
• Sensory regulation supports: Our wellbeing space now features sensory regulation tools like a weighted blanket and sensory lights, designed to help individuals manage their sensory needs effectively at work.
• Internal events and communications: We’re holding informal events about mental health and Neurodiversity, and Neuroinclusive communications, and are planning others to explore cross-cultural perspectives on Neurodiversity and the science of Neurodiversity.

Sarah Tolland, core administration team leader, said: “It is so important to remind ourselves of the simple things we can all do to make our workplace more inclusive. Neuroinclusive communication benefits everyone.”

Hannah Arnold, head of media and content, said: “We are always looking for ways to communicate more effectively with our colleagues, stakeholders and the public, and part of that is ensuring our content is accessible to everyone, to reach diverse audiences, and encourage meaningful engagement.

“It’s not just our content that should resonate, but the way that we present it, and I will be using our new guidance to improve my own practice.”

Further Resources

For those looking for more detailed communication guidance, we recommend the comprehensive Neuroinclusive Communications Guide by the Neu Project. This resource provides valuable insights and practical strategies for creating inclusive environments, particularly in event planning and communication.

Get in touch!

Does your organisation have a Neuroinclusive communications guide? If you have questions, want to learn more about what we’re doing, or have your own ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re proud to be part of an inclusive science community where Neurodiversity is celebrated and embraced.

Contact our Neurodiversity Project Officer, Leah Milner-Campbell, via email: Leah.Milner-Campbell@jic.ac.uk