Neurodiversity, Innovation and Change
The fact that you are reading this blog on an electronic, internet-connected device is the direct result of innovation, which has led to fundamental change in the way we do things in our daily lives.
But what of the mind that provided the initial spark that eventually brought us here?
Turing, Einstein, Jobs and More
Alan Turing invented the first ever electronic computer, ‘Goliath’, to help with decoding German transmissions during the Second World War. Turing was autistic and it was the different perspective on the world this gave him that enabled him to create the machine that was the precursor to your phone, laptop and all the other devices you rely on that have computing power.
Albert Einstein is one of the most famous scientists in history. His theories are still being studied today. One of his many contributions to the modern world was the initial theoretical physics that led to lasers, without which we would not have fibre optic communication, for example. Experts strongly believe that he had both dyslexia and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). There are telltale markers in his writing of dyslexia, and his behavioural patterns strongly indicate ADHD: his wide range of interests, the fact that he left many things unfinished, and his ability to hyperfocus on theoretical physics questions.
Another famous figure from history that it is believed had ADHD is Leonardo da Vinci. He was interested in multiple subjects, would often obsess over one subject at a time and often left work unfinished, moving onto a new subject or area of interest. All are common ADHD-related behaviours.
In more modern times we can cite Richard Branson, who has dyslexia and is the founder of the Virgin business empire. Steve Jobs was neurodiverse, which helped his vision for Apple and fostered the innovation that led to products such as the iPhone.
What is Neurodiversity?
So, what is neurodiversity?
It is defined by the NHS as: “The different ways a person’s brain processes information.” The NHS also state that “It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have some kind of neuro difference. Being neurodiverse does not correlate with low intelligence; many people with neuro differences are highly intelligent. People who are neurodiverse often think about and see the world differently, making them a huge asset to any team that wants to improve how they do things.” (www.cuh.nhs.uk)
Neurodiverse people, then, inherently think differently. This is often why they struggle in education in particular, and often at work. The World Economic Forum tell us that: “In a typical Western education system, results indicated that ‘since 1990, even as IQ scores have risen, creative thinking scores have significantly decreased’. Traditional education does not sufficiently value innovative and entrepreneurial thinking – our system even dumbs down the creative genius that we were born with, according to a test developed by NASA. Yet creative skills and mindsets are indispensable in a workforce that must be responsive to change and capable of finding new solutions to complex problems.” (www.weforum.org)
Neurodiversity, Creativity and Innvoation
Innovation and the change it engenders are key to moving not only our businesses forward, but also our society. We would still be tied to the ground if the Wright brothers had not been so determined to fly. Some claim that Orville Wright in particular was on the autistic spectrum, based on evidence from written sources such as letters and school reports. Likewise, we would be still using candles if Thomas Edison, amongst others, hadn’t invented lightbulbs. And our electrical systems would not work as well or as safely if Nikolai Tesla hadn’t created the ACDC current. Tesla is believed to have been neurodiverse as well, by the way.
There are numerous inventions, changes and discoveries that can be directly associated with the will and the ability to think differently. Thinking differently alone is not enough, though. All those that made change happen, did just that, they took action to make change happen. They did not stop at just talking about a good change or discussing an innovative idea. They tried to make it a reality. They failed often, but they continued to try.
Space X celebrate failure as a learning opportunity, not as a negative event, even though they are blowing up very expensive space vehicles. Elon Musk is another person from the neurodiverse community, and I wonder how much of his thinking has influenced Space X’s organisational culture.
So, the big question is: can you be innovative and create change if you are not neurodiverse?
Yes, absolutely, you can. But you need to allow yourself and those around you to think differently, to challenge in a positive way, to not accept the norm as immovable, and to take action to change things.
There is logic in the idea that if you think differently, act differently and lead differently consistently enough, then innovation and change will happen, whether or not you are neurodiverse.
Author: Nev Holmes, Programme & Operations Lead
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