Neurodiversity is like biodiversity — there is a natural variation between the ways the human brain functions and there is no one right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, explains Lizzie Somerfield, LLM, MSC, New Deal for Neurodiversity, in this podcast episode with Seth Turner, founder, senior advisor, AbsenceSoft.

Listen in to hear our guests talk about small adjustments that can be made to workplaces to ensure they are neuroinclusive, and how that can benefit all employees. Hear insights and practical guidance from Somerfield and Turner, who encourage employers to ask questions and engage openly in discussions to create psychological safety for neurodiverse individuals, who may represent one in four of your team members.

Resources:

• DMEC
• New Deal for Neurodiversity
• AbsenceSoft
• FMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and Managers
• Learn more about neurodiversity during the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference on June 4 lunch-and-learn discussion titled, "From Compliance to Culture: What Every HR Leader Should Know About Neurodiversity" with leaders from ThynkStack.
• Join us for several educational sessions focused on neurodiversity during the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 4-7 in Washington, D.C.

We encourage DMEC members to listen in and share their takeaways and insights from this episode on the DMECommunities Mental Health group. This members-only, online discussion platform enables members to post questions and share solutions!

Mentioned in this episode:

Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions?

Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/

DMEC

Why is "in loco parentis" a renewed topic of interest for leave management professionals? Has the atmosphere surrounding AI shifted? And what is it about psychedelic treatments that has employers seeking context? Listen in for "lightbulb moments" during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference from DMEC subject matter experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Education Programs, and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, Senior Education Manager.

Join us June 4 for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference, which features several of the sessions discussed in this episode!

A note to listeners: This version of the podcast, which is only available to DMEC members, includes extra questions and answers from our guests. Click the link below to learn more about joining the DMEC community!

Resources:

• Join DMEC to get the support you need to ensure employer compliance!
• How Can Employers Prepare for Psychedelics?
• What Role Should Health Equity Have in Benefit Discussions?
• Register for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference on June 4!
• Plan ahead and register for the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 4-7 in Washington, D.C.
• Increase Your Professional Value: Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist

Mentioned in this episode:

Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions?

Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/

DMEC

Why is "in loco parentis" a renewed topic of interest for leave management professionals? Has the atmosphere surrounding AI shifted? And what is it about psychedelic treatments that has employers seeking context? Listen in for "lightbulb moments" during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference from DMEC subject matter experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Education Programs, and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, Senior Education Manager.

Join us June 4 for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference, which features several of the sessions discussed in this episode!

Note to listeners: There is a member-exclusive version of this podcast, which includes extra questions and answers from our guests. If you are a DMEC member, click here for access. If you're not yet a member, click the link below to learn more about joining the DMEC community!

Resources:

• Join DMEC to get the support you need to ensure employer compliance!
• How Can Employers Prepare for Psychedelics?
• What Role Should Health Equity Have in Benefit Discussions?
• Register for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference on June 4!
• Plan ahead and register for the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 4-7 in Washington, D.C.
• Increase Your Professional Value: Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist

Mentioned in this episode:

Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions?

Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/

DMEC