To celebrate Neurodiversity Week, Evenbreak’s inclusive employer, RS Group, is putting a spotlight on #TalentFirst with a personal story from their Head of Social Media, Robbie Dunion. Read on or watch the video to hear from Robbie.
“For me living with ADHD can be a huge challenge. I’m reliably late for everything, regularly forget simple things and often struggle with focusing on day-to-day tasks.
“Despite that, I have thankfully managed to carve out a career in social media that supports my strengths of creativity and interaction, while providing me with much-needed variety and stimulation. Honestly, you wouldn’t believe how many social media professionals have ADHD.
“I feel extremely lucky to work for an organisation that cares and has helped me every step of the way. After a lifetime of feeling different, years of self-doubt and research, it was actually RS Group’s private health plan that enabled me to get a confirmed diagnosis, having given up on the lengthy NHS waiting list.
“Thanks to RS, in a matter of months, I was assessed by a psychologist, diagnosed, completed a series of CBT sessions and now have access to ongoing online support. “As Peter Shankman, author of Faster Than Normal said: This is the last time that I will use the word diagnosed with regards to my ADHD, because I’m not seeing it as a negative. People with ADHD aren’t broken, defective or damaged. There are successful people thriving in their lives thanks to, not despite, their ADHD. Our brains work differently. We have to adjust to that, but when we do it can be amazing.
“My ADHD is a big part of who I am and finally being able to put a name to the way that I think and feel has been liberating. I am very grateful for the amazing support and understanding of the business and my team.
“I feel comfortable to regularly share how I am thinking and feeling. My manager and colleagues have really adapted to understand and support my needs. This has included allowing me to take more regular breaks, time to exercise in the early afternoon to increase my focus, using transcription tools to record meetings when needed and not being judged in a long meeting if I need to get up and walk around.
“I was even invited to run a session for the comms team to share some of the techniques I have developed or apps that I use for my own time management, wellbeing and workload, which could also help them.
I feel able to truly embrace and celebrate my neurodiversity, thanks to RS.”
Thank you Robbie for sharing your story.
Happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week all! #NCW
Read more articles about RS Group
- Inclusion at RS Group: Diane’s Story
- RS Group commits to a three-year sponsorship of all-disabled Team Brit
- Inclusion first at RS Group
