Episode 10: Designing for Neurodiversity with Jessica Michaels

Written By Jess Almlie
 
 

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There are a lot of different brains in the world and all of them are good. But they may process information in alternate ways that don't look "typical" from the outside. It doesn't mean learning isn't happening. The goal of designing for neurodiversity is to make learning accessible for all those brains. 

Today's guest is neurodiversity expert, Jessica Michaels. After receiving her own diagnosis of autism and ADHD in her late 30's, Jessica started to use her own personal experiences combined with her knowledge of L&D to amp up learning design with options that make sense for all the different types of brains. 

Listen in on my conversation with Jessica to learn more about: 

  • An explanation of neurodiversity

  • A different type of "multi-modal" design

  • Focusing more energy on the outcome than the process

  • The fluctuation of learning preferences

  • The importance of self awareness and humility when designing for and working with neurodiverse brains

Jessica Michaels is an award-winning speaker, former stand-up comic, and manager development specialist. In her 30s, she discovered she was autistic and had ADHD. She now combines her experience and knowledge of L&D to educate, advocate, and advise on neurodiversity in business. With humor and directness, she shows her audiences how every employee benefits from a neuroinclusive environment. As a coach, she works one-on-one with professionals, trying to build the toolbox to work with their brains, not against them.  Through her YouTube channel, she provides free resources with content like The Procrastination Fairy and The Neurodiverse Workplace. Her latest venture is a new networking and coaching group for neurodivergent professionals, and anyone interested in a neuroinclusive work environment. Jessica, her wife Ellie, and their dog Detritus live in Denver. Together, the humans host the Gifted Kid Messy Adult podcast, while the dog supervises.  

Find out more and connect with Jessica Michaels here: 

Find out more and connect with Jess Almlie here: 

Jess Almlie
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Episode 09: Measurement is a Change Effort with Peggy Parskey