Chris Bonnello

Wondering why neurodivergent employees struggle so much in the workplace? I can assure you, it’s not because they have less potential than neurotypical employees. In this talk, I discuss the background surrounding neurodivergent struggles – in recruitment, retention and performance – and how to meaningfully and effectively address them. (Suitable for companies of all sizes, who have a genuine wish to get the best from their neurodivergent employees.)

Life is made harder for autistic workers whose employers baulk at the mention of ‘accommodations’. After all, how do you actually do it? What will the impact be on your workplace, or even your finances? In this talk, I make incisive points about what “accommodations” actually are, why they’re usually less trouble than you’ve been led to believe, and what the consequences are of getting it right. (Again, suitable for companies of all sizes who have a genuine wish to get the best from their neurodivergent employees.)

After a century of malpractice, often acclaimed by non-autistic ‘experts’ and delivered by workers with honest good intentions, society is now demanding the highest quality provision for autistic service users under their care, including those with complex disabilities. But what does that actually look like? I use my experiences as an autistic special education teacher to talk about how to truly and meaningfully personalise care provision, and offer guidance on how to prioritise a client’s rights and dignity alongside their safety and wellbeing. (Suitable for those who work professionally with autistic people, especially those who feel conscientious about getting it right for those they care for.)