#TimeForChange: Does your veterinary workplace support neurodivergent team members to thrive?

New research from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey shows that a quarter of young vets consider themselves neurodivergent and that 23% of neurodivergent vets feel that their workplace is not supportive of neurodivergent staff.

The term neurodiversity describes the diverse spectrum of neurological functioning of the human brain which confers differences in brain function, information processing and learning styles. It includes conditions such as autism spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as some mental health conditions and acquired brain injury.

The survey reveals 13% of all vets consider themselves neurodivergent and that the majority of these vets (62%) feel that while their neurodivergence makes some aspects of their veterinary work more difficult, it also makes other parts of it easier.

As part of its campaign to build a resilient and sustainable veterinary workforce, BVA is encouraging all veterinary workplaces to check that they are creating neuro-inclusive environments, offering appropriate support for neurodivergent staff and the whole team. Practical support for the profession is now available in the comprehensive new Vetlife resource Bridging understand: Breaking barriers.

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “We’re committed to supporting all neurodivergent veterinary staff to feel welcome and to creating neuro-inclusive workplaces that allow every team member to perform at their best. Ensuring neurodivergent staff have access to the reasonable adjustments they need is a vital first step, but true inclusion relies on a collaborative approach, recognising the strengths and challenges of every team member.

“With a quarter of vets aged under 35 considering themselves to be neurodivergent, we urge all veterinary colleagues to attend our session at BVA Congress at London Vet Show, check out the new Vetlife resource and consider what more they could be doing to help neurodivergent staff thrive in their workplace.”

Neurodiversity in veterinary workplaces will also be covered in a BVA Career Development session at London Vet Show this week. The session, Neurodiversity: Unleashing potential within and beyond the workplace, will run 2.30pm-3.20pm on 15 November in association with Vetlife and will be chaired by Vetlife trustee Kirstie Pickles.