Hi, I’m Elle—Office Administrator here at Novo IT, and the person usually behind the blogs, newsletters, and a lot of the day-to-day magic that keeps things running smoothly. Normally, our posts focus on helpful IT tips and business advice, but today I’m stepping out from behind the screen to share something a bit more personal…

My Journey to an Autism Diagnosis

Back in February 2023, I hit a major breaking point. I had a severe breakdown, and when I finally saw a therapist, they told me something I wasn’t expecting: I wasn’t just dealing with anxiety and depression—I was actually experiencing autistic burnout. That moment kicked off a nearly two-year journey of self-reflection and discovery that completely changed my perspective.

For years I struggled with depression, anxiety, and feeling broken. What I didn’t realise was that these were symptoms of living as an undiagnosed autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) woman. The world wasn’t built for my neurotype, and the constant effort to fit into neurotypical expectations had drained me completely.

Fast forward to today, I’ve finally got my official diagnosis, and my mental health is the best it’s been in years. I no longer carry shame, guilt, confusion, or anger—instead, I’ve learned to embrace who I really am. Sure, I’m still working on fully unmasking, but I now see how my strong admin and problem-solving skills aren’t just random talents—they’re a product of my neurodivergent brain. Honestly? My autism and ADHD make me better at my job in IT.

Why Neurodiversity Matters in IT and SMBs

A lot of businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, already have neurodivergent employees—they just might not realise it. And without proper awareness, some of these employees might be struggling in silence, just like I was. The numbers don’t lie—only around 30% of working-age autistic people are in employment, despite having incredible skill sets (British Safety Council).

By creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace, SMBs aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re making a smart business move. Workplaces that embrace different working styles tend to see higher productivity, better innovation, and happier employees.

The Strengths Neurodivergent IT Pros Bring to the Table

IT is one of those fields where neurodivergent people can really thrive. The industry relies on skills that many autistic and ADHD individuals excel at. And yet, autistic graduates are twice as likely to be unemployed after 15 months compared to non-disabled grads (UK Government). The irony? When neurodivergent folks do land in the right roles, they often excel because of their strengths, like:

• Killer problem-solving skills – Many autistic people are great at spotting patterns, troubleshooting, and thinking logically.
• Unmatched attention to detail – Precision is a big deal in IT, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
• Deep focus & special interests – When we love a subject, we really love it, and that leads to in-depth expertise.
• Straight-up, honest communication – Some might call it blunt, but in IT, being clear and direct is a huge asset.
• Out-of-the-box thinking – Many of us approach problems differently, leading to creative, effective solutions.

How SMBs Can Support Neurodivergent Employees

Making your business more neurodivergent-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated—small changes can make a huge difference. Here are some easy ways to start:

1. Offer flexible working options – Remote work or adjusted hours can help reduce sensory overload and boost productivity.
2. Keep communication clear & structured – Avoid vague instructions. Be direct, clear, and write things down.
3. Think about sensory needs – Quiet spaces, noise-cancelling headphones, or custom work setups can work wonders.
4. Focus on skills, not small talk – Not everyone thrives in traditional team dynamics. Recognise people for their actual work, not just how chatty they are.
5. Encourage openness – Create a workplace where people feel safe to be themselves without fear of judgement or discrimination.

IT & Accessibility: The Bigger Picture

Technology plays a huge role in making workplaces more inclusive. IT can support neurodivergent employees by:

• Using assistive tech like screen readers, voice-to-text software, and productivity tools.
• Offering cloud-based and remote solutions to accommodate different working styles.
• Providing structured, secure IT systems that help employees organise their workflows effectively.

As a managed IT services provider, Novo IT Ltd is all about helping businesses use tech to be more inclusive. Whether it’s setting up secure remote access, creating structured IT solutions, or just helping SMBs streamline their operations, we believe IT should work for everyone—regardless of neurotype.

Final Thoughts

As someone who’s been on this journey of self-discovery and late diagnosis, I know first-hand how much of a difference a supportive workplace can make. Neurodivergent professionals have so much to offer, but they need an environment that lets them thrive.

At Novo IT Ltd, we’re not just here to fix IT issues—we’re here to help businesses create inclusive, accessible workplaces through smart IT solutions. If your business wants to level up its IT while fostering a more inclusive work environment, let’s chat!

Want to learn more about how IT can enhance workplace inclusivity? Get in touch with us today!