Blog - Xceptional Academy

BusinessJuly 30, 2024by Aron Mercer

The Evolution of Xceptional – From Hiring Neurodivergent Talent to Fostering Inclusive Teams

In 2017, Xceptional started a mission to create meaningful careers for neurodivergent talent. Our initial focus was providing technology services, namely software testing. Our aim was to bridge the gap between neurodivergent individuals and employers. The employers we approached had other ideas, they were interested in hiring skilled neurodivergent individuals for themselves. From there we...

BusinessJuly 9, 2024by Aron Mercer

Creating Safe Spaces: Addressing Psychological Safety in the Workplace

Psychological injuries take time, attention and resources to manage. They are damaging for individuals who experience psychological injuries, managers, HR business partners and teams. In this article, I will cover the new requirements for employers to actively manage psychological injury, the unique risks neurodivergent staff face and how to mitigate them. As well as the...

CoachingFebruary 16, 2024by Nicole Done

Part Three: Neurodivergent onboarding series – the Blueprint for HR Leaders

In our three-part series, we’ve guided HR leaders and businesses through actionable steps to foster neurodivergent talent, culminating in this final segment where Nicole Done sheds light on the crucial stage of preparing individuals for success within Xceptional’s neuro-inclusive framework.The Xceptional approachXceptional goes beyond recruitment, adopting a total-life-cycle approach. This commitment ensures tailored support for...

CoachingDecember 15, 2023by Nicole Done

Embracing Neurodiversity: Personalising Onboarding

Nicole Done, with over 25 years of expertise in the neurodiversity space, continues to lead Xceptional’s neuro-inclusive initiatives. In this three-part series, we delve into the intricacies of nurturing neurodivergent talent beyond recruitment. Following Part One of Xceptional’s Nurturing Neurodivergent Talent series, we will now focus on embracing neurodiversity by personalising the onboarding experience.Part two...

ArticlesNovember 27, 2023by Nicole Done

Nurturing Neurodivergent Talent: Onboarding for Success

Nicole Done has over 25 years of workingin the neurodiversity space and currently leads Xceptional’s neuro-inclusive initiatives to achieve the overall vision of unlocking neurodivergent potential for exceptional workplaces. In this three part series, Nicole shares best practices for nurturing Neurodivergent talent in the workplace, the crucial point following the recruitment process – beginning with Onboarding for Success. Part One...

ArticlesOctober 30, 2023by Aron Mercer

What is behind the rise in ADHD diagnoses?

What is ADHD? ADHD Australia provides a useful definition, ADHD refers to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a complex neuro-developmental disorder which affects a person’s ability to exert age-appropriate self-control. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattentive, impulsive, and sometimes hyperactive behaviour, and is frequently accompanied by emotional regulation challenges. In recent years, the...

BusinessSeptember 29, 2023by Aron Mercer

Inclusive Leadership Lessons from Coach Ted Lasso

In today’s workplace, leadership styles have evolved to embrace more inclusive, empathetic, and holistic approaches. One unexpected yet prime example of this modern leadership archetype can be found not in boardrooms but on a fictional soccer field. “Ted Lasso,” Apple TV+’s surprise hit, showcases an American coach’s journey as he leads an English football team,...

Articles BusinessAugust 25, 2023by Aron Mercer

Are you rushing back to the office?

I happened upon a day working in a city office recently. While I did appreciate the change of scenery I was struck by how few people occupied the floor I was on and how much extra money I spent. A coffee here, take away lunch, parking and tolls. It adds up! I had also forgotten...

April 24, 2023by Aron Mercer

Career Opportunities: What are good jobs for autistic people? (Tip: It’s your skills not your CV!)

ArticlesApril 14, 2023by Nicole Done

Flexibility to work from home. An adjustment backed up by research.

Is this flexible working considered an adjustment now, I hear you say? I mean post-covid hasn’t working from home become the new norm? The reality is not for everyone. McKinsey Global Institute found in 2021 that about only 20 to 25 percent of the workforces in advanced economies could work from home between three and...

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