Practical strategies to manage sensory sensitivities, protect your energy and confidently advocate for how you work best.

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for neurodivergent public sector professionals who want to understand their energy, nervous system and sensory needs, reduce the risk of burnout, and create more sustainable ways of working that support both wellbeing and performance.

Are you an employee of the Commonwealth or ACT Government who identifies as neurodivergent (clinical diagnosis not necessary)?

Do you:

• Notice your nervous system becoming dysregulated by noise, light, social interaction or other sensory input, reducing your capacity to do your job?
• Feel exhausted by sensory overload and the effort it takes to “keep up”, worried you might burn out or have already reached that point?
• Feel chronically tired, wired or on the edge of burnout despite your best efforts?
• Lack the clarity and confidence to advocate for your needs

A note for people managers

In the 2024 Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Census, 8.8% of respondents identified as neurodivergent, while an additional 9.3% were unsure of their neurodivergent status.

Supporting neurodivergent employees is not only a legal requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 but also a strategic opportunity. Research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that, when appropriately supported, neurodivergent employees can be approximately 30% more productive than their neurotypical counterparts.

By encouraging and enabling your staff to attend this course, you will help to:

• Build psychologically safe and inclusive teams.
• Retain high-potential employees who may otherwise experience burnout or disengagement.
• Enhance your agency’s ability to leverage diverse thinking and foster innovation.

Delivery

This course is delivered online via Microsoft Teams and is intentionally designed to be neurodivergent-friendly, so you can finish the program feeling energised, not exhausted.

• Inclusive: Leave the masks at the door. You are invited to show up as your authentic self so you can focus (or hyperfocus) on your professional and leadership development.
• Sensitivity-supporting: Join from your own comfort zone – weighted blankets, fidget toys, cameras off, stimming, standing, pacing or sitting quietly are all welcome.
• Bite-sized and break-filled: Content is delivered in short, evidence-based segments (around 10 minutes each), with built-in Q&A, processing time, reflection and regular breaks.
• Practical empowerment: Workbooks and reflective activities help you tailor your learnings, insights and goals to your unique profile, context and aspirations.
• Confidential conversations*: Connect through intimate, small-group discussions where lived experience, strategies and successes are shared in a safe environment.

* Chatham House Rule applies.

This course is Part 2 of a three-part series for neurodivergent public sector professionals, alongside:

• Part 1 – Embracing your authentic neurodivergent self 
• Part 3 – Working smarter, not harder as a neurodivergent professional

Together, the series supports self-acceptance, self-management and self-advocacy so you can build a sustainable, successful career. Each course can be completed on its own or as part of the full series, and you can take them in any order that suits your needs.

How does this support your public sector career?

This program is aligned with IPAA’s commitment to strengthening the capability of public sector professionals. By the end of this course, participants will be better equipped to:

• Feel more efficient and effective in how they work, saving time and delivering higher-quality outcomes.
• Increase satisfaction with what they set out to achieve each day, building momentum and confidence.
• Strengthen their professional reputation and career prospects by working in ways that showcase their strengths.

What will you learn?

You will develop practical skills and strategies to work smarter, not harder, so you can contribute fully and authentically while building a strong, sustainable professional brand.

Through evidence-based insights, interactive discussions and individual activities, you will:

• Understand how the physical environment affects your productivity and wellbeing.
• Identify your sensory sensitivities and develop practical and achievable plans to better manage them.
• Develop an achievable self-care plan that gives you the energy to thrive in a typical workplace with less chance of burnout