Summary
The age old question: Should I tell my boss that I'm neurodivergent? The answer has a surprising amount of nuance beyond a simple "yes" or "no" response. Let's unpack why it's a complicated question with an even more nuanced answer.

In this episode of the Autistic Techie podcast, Shea Belsky explores the complexities of neurodiversity in tech careers, emphasizing the importance of individuality and self-advocacy. He discusses the challenges of bias in the workplace, the necessity of communicating personal needs to management, and the responsibility of neurodivergent individuals to advocate for themselves. Shea also addresses the burden of representation and the balance between personal identity and professionalism, ultimately encouraging listeners to create supportive environments for themselves and others.

Takeaways
Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of individual experiences.
Labels can lead to stereotypes that overlook individual needs.
Each neurodivergent person has unique strengths and challenges.
Bias in the workplace is a persistent issue that needs addressing.
Self-advocacy is crucial for neurodivergent individuals.
Communicating needs to management can enhance workplace support.
Setting clear expectations with teams fosters understanding.
Being a spokesperson for neurodiversity is not a requirement for everyone.
Personal identity should not be solely defined by neurodiversity.
Creating a supportive environment involves open communication about needs.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace
04:58 Understanding Individual Needs and Biases
09:07 Communicating Needs Effectively
13:36 Setting Boundaries and Expectations
17:53 Embracing Individuality Beyond Neurodiversity
20:54 Engagement and Community Building