Working with People with Brain-Based Conditions and Respecting Neurodiversity with Debbie Stanley

Stand Out

‘Brain-based conditions’ is a catchall phrase that encompasses a broad set of conditions that impact cognition, emotion, socialization, or behavior. Here to shed light on the phenomenon and how organizers can best work with those who might fall within the definition is Debbie Stanley. Debbie has been a self-employed organizational consultant since 1997. She has degrees in journalism, industrial and organizational psychology, and mental health counseling and enjoys translating the eye-glazing rhetoric of her scholarly education into concepts that make sense in everyday life. In this episode, we talk about what brain-based conditions typically are and the importance of reframing people’s struggles. Organizers can get clients to understand how their perceived weaknesses are, in fact, strengths, removing much of the shame and stigma people may be feeling. We talk about what it means to be sensitive and how to create shared spaces where everyone feels their needs are met. There will always be a range of sensitivities and sensory experiences, which is why organizers – who are trained to anticipate needs – can be so helpful. Working with those who have brain-based conditions should not be taken lightly. As organizers, we are not clinical professionals, which is why, as Debbie highlights, it is vital to learn as much as you can to be sensitive and ensure the outcomes