The Neurodivergency SuperPower - How Diverse Teams Function Better

Session Category Sessions off the "Drupal Island" Audience All Attendees

In today's rapidly evolving work environment, successful teams embrace diversity in all its forms, especially neurodiversity. Neurodivergent individuals—those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—bring unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills that can supercharge team performance.

This engaging talk will explore how neurodivergent team members enhance collaboration and innovation by leveraging their strengths. From heightened attention to detail to out-of-the-box thinking, neurodivergent minds offer invaluable assets that drive productivity and foster a culture of inclusion. Attendees will learn how to create environments that support all employees, encouraging each team member to contribute fully.

Drawing from personal experiences and research, we’ll dive into practical strategies for building neuro-inclusive teams and how embracing cognitive diversity can lead to better outcomes, greater empathy, and long-term success.

What will you learn?

  • The unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to teams—such as creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail—and how these qualities can boost overall team performance.
  • Practical strategies for fostering neuro-inclusive environments, including how to create spaces and workflows that accommodate different cognitive styles to ensure all team members can thrive.
  • The importance of empathy and patience when collaborating with neurodivergent colleagues, and how understanding diverse perspectives leads to stronger communication and more effective teamwork.

About the Speaker

Matthew Saunders

Pfizer

Littleton

Matthew began working on the Web in '95 with an experimental dance company in Ottawa, Canada, sparking a passion for cutting-edge technologies. His extensive experience as a project manager & Web application architect led him to join the Drupal community in 2007. Matthew has spoken at tech conferences, was on the Drupalcon Denver committee, directs Drupalcamp Colorado, and co-founded the Drupal Event Organizing Working Group. He now works at Pfizer as an Analyst and advocates for neurodiversity.