Reasonable adjustments can really support someone neurodivergent to thrive, both within the recruitment process and within work. This guide teaches you all about reasonable adjustments, including what they are, how they can benefit you, and examples to help you understand what is best to ask for.
What are reasonable adjustments?
But before we get into examples, it’s really important to understand what reasonable adjustments are and how they can benefit neurodivergent individuals. Reasonable adjustments refer to any changes or modifications made to support neurodivergent individuals to enable them to thrive both in the recruitment process and within the workplace.
They aim to help reduce any barriers that may prevent someone neurodivergent from accessing the workplace. The law is also on your side as reasonable adjustments are under the Equality Act of 2010.
What does the Equality Act say about reasonable adjustments?
The Equality Act of 2010 is a UK law that provides legal protection to neurodivergent individuals. The Act says that employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments, and that employers must use these to ensure that neurodivergent people are not disadvantaged when accessing employment opportunities.
Specifically, the Act states that employers must take reasonable steps to avoid putting neurodivergent individuals as a substantial disadvantage compared to neurotypical individuals (those without a neurodivergent condition).
I’m neurodivergent, can I get reasonable adjustments?
Yes, as a neurodivergent individual, you are entitled to reasonable adjustments, provided your neurodivergent condition meets the legal definition of a disability. The Act defines a disability as a ‘physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities’.
You do not necessarily need a formal diagnosis to request reasonable adjustments. However, it can be helpful to have a formal diagnosis of a condition, as it can be used to provide evidence to support your request for reasonable adjustments.
I’m neurodivergent and applying for jobs, how do I ask for reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process?
- Research the company’s policy on reasonable adjustments through their website, or within the job description. If you can’t find anything, you’re welcome to contact the recruiter and ask them for more information.
- Prepare to disclose your condition. You legally do not have to disclose your specific question, but you may need to explain how your condition may impact you during the recruitment process. It can be helpful to prepare a script of what you want to say.
- Think about what adjustments could help you using our downloadable guide below.
- Contact the employer by email or in writing. It would be good to chat with them first before requesting, to see if there’s a specific process you have to go through.
- Send over your request. You can use our reasonable adjustments request template to help you structure this.
- Follow up. If the employer agrees to make adjustments, ensure they follow through on their commitments. If you have any concerns, speak to your employer contact.
Reasonable Adjustment Examples
Download our ‘Reasonable Adjustment Examples’ below to view all of the challenges and suggested reasonable adjustments which could help you.
Challenge: working memory
Working memory can be a huge challenge, especially for job-seekers with dyslexia and ADD. Working memory refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information mentally over short periods of time. It’s what is needed when we must do something with the information, such as remembering questions, carrying out steps or instructions or engaging in mental arithmetic.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Getting given written instructions in addition to verbal instructions. This enables neurodivergent job-seekers to refer back to the instructions as needed and can reduce the demand on your working memory.
- Getting extra time to complete tasks or assessments. This can give you extra time you need to process and respond to information.
- Asking for breaks. Breaks give your brain time to rest and recharge.
- Using memory aids. Using memory aids such as a notebook, checklist or other tools can help you to remember important information.
- Visual aids to help you understand complex information. Such as diagrams or flowcharts.
Challenge: social interaction
If you’re neurodivergent, it can really impact social interaction, especially when so much of our social interaction is based on very neurotypical preferences, such as keeping eye contact and shaking hands. Many neurodivergent job-seekers may experience challenges understanding social cues, non verbal communication and initiating professional social interactions.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Requesting a virtual interview. You could request a virtual interview instead of an in-person interview. This can be less intimidating and provide a more comfortable environment for social interaction.
- Request to communicate through written communication, such as via email or text message instead of phone or in-person communication. This can provide a less stressful way to communicate and give you more time to process and respond.
- Ask for interview questions in advance. This can give you time to prepare and practice your responses.
- Ask for clear instructions. Asking for clarity about the recruitment process can help reduce anxiety and confusion, making it easier for you to navigate the process and know what to expect. This could include things such as the structure of the recruitment process, who you’re going to meet, timings and key locations.
- Request to have a support person, such as a job coach or trusted friend or family member, accompany you to the interview. This can provide a sense of comfort and support during the interview process.
Challenge: Sensory sensitivities
Many neurodivergent people can be hyper, or hypo sensitive to changes in the environment, which can make the recruitment process difficult. This could be changes in the visual environment, such as lights, noise, such as doors slamming, movement or smells.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Request a quiet room. If you need to complete any assessments or tasks that require concentration or focus, a quiet room can help reduce distractions and sensory overload.
- Request the use of noise cancelling headphones. If you’re completing any assessments, to reduce auditory distractions.
- Request virtual assessments or interviews.
- Request a scent free environment. This could be to ensure the interviewers don’t wear perfumes, or conduct any interviews away from canteens or kitchens.
- Request to wear sunglasses. To reduce the effect of LED lights or glares from other lights.
Challenge: Reading and writing
Especially dyslexic and dyspraxic job-seekers, reading and writing can be very difficult, especially when any assessments are based on these.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Getting information in alternative formats. Requesting materials and information in alternative formats such as audio or large print.
- Requesting the use of assistive technology. Such as screen readers, dictation software to help reduce the challenges in tasks that require reading and writing.
- Asking for additional time. Requesting additional time can help you complete written tasks or assessments, giving you more time to process your answers and respond.
- Request for written questions in advance. This can give you more time to prepare and process your responses.
Challenge: Concentration and focus, easily distracted
Concentration can be a challenge for many neurodivergent job-seekers, especially those with inattentive ADHD. This is where you may struggle to focus on tasks for long periods, or those that you don’t find especially interesting.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Requesting shorter, more regular breaks during assessments or interviews. This can help you refresh your focus and regain concentration.
- Conducting shorter assessments or interviews. 30 to 40 minute periods can be helpful.
- Ask to be interviewed or assessed in a quieter environment. This helps alleviate distractions and increase focus.
Challenge: Spoken communication
Many neurodivergent job-seekers may experience challenges with spoken communication, especially when under pressure or in situations that cause anxiety. This can cause you to lose focus or not be able to develop your responses fully.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Request written communication, such as through emails. This can help you communicate your thoughts and responses more effectively.
- Ask for extra time. If you struggle with verbal communication, you may struggle when you’re in a high pressure scenario. Asking for extra time to process questions or provide your responses.
Challenge: Hyperactivity
If you’ve got ADHD, it is very likely you will exhibit some hyperactive symptoms. This doesn’t mean that you’re running around, it might just mean you have lots of mental energy and need to move around.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Allow extra time for interviews and assessments. If you have difficulties sitting still for extended periods of time or struggle with attention, it could help requesting extra time to complete any assessments or tasks.
- Provide movement breaks. Frequent breaks may be helpful as it means you can move around, get some fresh air and release excess energy.
- Ask for a different interview format. If you struggle to sit still for a long period of time, it might be helpful to have shorter interviews or assessments over many days.
Challenge: Arithmetic
Those with dyslexia and dyscalculia may experience arithmetic challenges. This can be anything to do with understanding numbers and mathematics.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Providing extra time for numerical tests. This can give you more time to process any numbers and any arithmetic you have to do.
- Requesting a calculator. Can help alleviate any difficulties with arithmetic.
- Ask for data to be shown in a visual way. E.g by using charts or infographics during assessments.
Challenge: Sense of direction
Job-seekers with dyspraxia may experience challenges relating to their sense of direction. Finding your way to an interview or assessment is essential, so asking for these adjustments can really help.
Reasonable adjustments that could help:
- Requesting clear directions to assessments or interviews.
- Requesting a map or visual aids. Asking the recruiter to give you a map or visual aids such as diagrams or pictures can help you better navigate your way to any interview or assessment locations.
- Requesting a guide. The guide can either meet you off public transport to help you find your way to the office or assessment locations.
- Requesting alternative interview methods. Conducting any interviews or assessments virtually can help minimise this challenge.
- Requesting extra time. To allow you to orient yourself on arrival.
Can I get extra support?
If you’re looking for support, Enna can help. Our team can advise on a variety of things, such as how to complete the document, how to have the conversation with your team, when is best to have the conversation or anything else you need help with.
You can email hello@enna.org for more support.