Understand and embrace your unique neurodivergent characteristics and experiences so that you can get on with doing your job well, not masking to fit in. 

 IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Are you an employee of the Commonwealth or ACT Government who identifies as being neurodivergent (clinical diagnosis not necessary)? Do you experience imposter syndrome or feel like a square peg in a round hole and are conforming (or camouflaging) a lot at work? Are you exhausted from all the sensory stimulation and trying to keep up at work so you try harder, work longer and you are worried you will burn out or already have? 

This program is part of a three-part series that delivers self-acceptance, self-management and self-advocacy outcomes for neurodivergent professionals. Each part of the program enables you to immerse in the key strategies for creating a sustainably successful career. A career that is not punctured by regular burnouts but enables you to realise your full potential. 

A NOTE FOR PEOPLE MANAGERS 

In the 2023 Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Census, 7.7% of respondents identified themselves as neurodivergent. Additionally, 11.5% indicated they were unsure about their neurodivergent status. 

Supporting neurodivergent employees isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and research from Harvard Business Review shows that neurodivergent employees when supported appropriately, can be 30% more productive than their neurotypical peers. 

HOW DOES THIS SUPPORT YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER? 

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

• Articulate your skills, strengths and personal best-practice ways of working so that you can better work to your potential 

• Spend considerably less time and energy masking or camouflaging around others so that you bring your most creative, insightful and productive self to work 

DELIVERY 

This course is delivered using Microsoft Teams. It is designed in a neurodivergent-friendly manner to leave you finish the program energised not exhausted.  

• Inclusive – Leave the masks at the door so that you can focus (or even hyperfocus) on your professional development and leadership development.
• Sensitivity-supporting – Held virtually in your unique comfort zone, with weighted blankets, fidget toys and cameras all optional. Stimming, standing and walking around during structured sessions is supported.
• Bite-sized and break-filled learning – Engaging, short sharp (and evidence-based) content is balanced with ample processing and reflection time. Each module presentation is less than 30 minutes, split into 10 minute segments delivered with Q&A built in. Also, there is time dedicated for processing, reflection and breaks.
• Practical empowerment – Each module has workbooks that enable you to tailor your reflections, learnings and goals to your unique needs and aspirations.
• Confidential conversations* – Gain insights from intimate discussions with other participants, sharing lived experience, personal journeys, strategies, and success in overcoming work-related obstacles. 

* Chatom House Rules apply 

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? 

Explore and define what it means to be your unique, valuable and neurodivergent self in a professional context, aligned with the purpose and values of the Commonwealth and ACT public sectors. 

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

• Craft a clear and professional profile and personal best-practice document that you can use to communicate to others internally or externally. 

• Develop a SMART self-care plan that brings your baseline level of energy up to avoid or overcome burnout.