All Brains Welcome: Neurodivergence in the Workplace Through Play
Seating Instructions: Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserved seating options are available for accessibility and accommodations. For detailed accessibility information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
This brain-focused inclusion session will help participants understand the basics of neurodiversity, such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, through informative and engaging hands-on activities. Pulling from evolutionary psychology and cognitive behavioral science, this interactive training teaches participants the language, tools, and practices necessary to understand and embrace different types of thinkers. It explores what we can do to empower and embrace neurodivergent people and build the most inclusive and fruitful teams and workplaces.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn language, science, and common symptoms of neurodivergence.
- Practice using tools for successful interactions and productive working relationships with neurodivergent people.
- Have a framework for what's needed to build a neuro-welcoming work environment.
Direct Link to Session Materials: If the speaker provides session materials, you can access them via the app, web format or at https://presentations.shrm.org/.
Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.
Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.
Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
Maddy Gabor
Maddy is a co-founder and CEO of Betterment Works. She is an impact-obsessed, life-long learner with a passion for leadership, data, and play. As a neurodivergent executive, she is well-versed in the struggles of focus, productivity, time management, and leadership; and her facilitation and content are informed by that experience. Driven by a dedication to understanding and an unending belief in human betterment, Maddy envisions more empowering, engaging, and compassionate workplaces for all. Using play and analytics as the tools and her values as the compass, she pursues this vision relentlessly.
An expert in the practical applications of learning through play, Maddy facilitates playful professional development and consults on organizational betterment projects. When done well, playful environments provide low-risk, high-engagement opportunities for addressing complicated/nuanced subjects while building strong, trusting, and productive relationships. If people are able to play, they can more easily dive into co-creation, understanding, and progress. Maddy creates intentional spaces for shared learning and joyful practice that focus on areas of growth like leadership / team development, diversity and inclusion, organizational strategy, and communication.
Lauren Yee
Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.
Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership. Lauren truly enjoys getting to meet and interact with new people and has facilitated interactive workshops as well as been a keynote speaker for groups of all sizes, industries, and career levels. She has previously presented sessions at various organizations / companies (Dome Construction, Old Pal, Legal Aid At Work, Optimae LifeServices), schools (University of Michigan, Flint), and summits/conferences (BambooHR, CalGovHR, American Camp Association of New England's Camp Conference, Pihra's CAHR conference).