What if neurodiversity isn’t something to accommodate…but something to design for? In this episode of The Joy of Neurodiversity, Joy Buckner sits down with workplace learning designer and neuro-inclusive advocate Sascha Evans to explore what happens when organizations intentionally plan for neurodivergent minds. Spoiler: everyone benefits. Together, they unpack how inclusive learning design improves employee satisfaction, retention, creativity, and innovation, and why most companies underestimate just how many neurodivergent individuals are already in their workforce. This conversation bridges workforce development, sensory processing, storytelling, training design, and personal growth. It’s practical, grounded, and full of small shifts that create big impact. In This Episode We Explore: Why neurodiversity is something to celebrate, not fix The hidden number of neurodivergent individuals already in today’s workforce How designing for neurodivergent minds improves learning and performance for everyone The connection between biodiversity and neurodiversity and what ecosystems teach us about thriving systems Why employee satisfaction and retention increase in inclusive environments The power of storytelling in shifting culture and increasing engagement Sensory processing differences and their impact on learning and productivity Cognitive load, signposting, and the underestimated power of pause Practical, low-cost design shifts organizations can implement immediately Redefining intelligence and success beyond traditional education models Why This Conversation Matters Too often, workplace training is designed for one type of processor. But every mind processes information differently. When organizations consider sensory processing, clarity, structure, pacing, and choice engagement increases. Burnout decreases. Innovation expands. Designing for neurodivergent minds is not about adding complexity. It’s about building better ecosystems. And as Joy often says: When we design for the margins, we improve the experience for everyone. Practical Takeaways for Leaders & Learning Designers Sascha shares actionable shifts including: Clear signposting to reduce cognitive overload Offering choice in engagement and participation Structuring space for processing time Designing with sensory experience in mind Using storytelling to anchor learning Reducing ambiguity in training delivery These small adjustments can significantly improve retention, confidence, and workplace belonging. Connect with Sascha Evans Learn more about Sascha’s work in neuro-inclusive training and learning design: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saschaevans/Website: https://www.wethecreators.co.uk/ Episode Chapters 00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workforce05:27 The Importance of Inclusive Design08:32 Biodiversity and Neurodiversity11:30 Training for Everyone14:29 Employee Satisfaction & Retention15:51 Practical Neuro-Inclusive Training16:18 Storytelling in Learning19:16 Building a Supportive Ecosystem31:16 Learning Design & Neurodiversity34:29 Non-Traditional Paths to Success46:15 Sensory Processing in Learning58:14 Leading Neuro-Inclusive Organizations01:10:53 Redefining Intelligence & Success About The Joy of Neurodiversity Hosted by global educator and speaker Joy Buckner, this podcast explores how we design systems, schools, workplaces and communities that allow every mind to matter. Legal Disclaimer: I’m here as your host, your guide, and a fellow neurodivergent mind navigating this journey with you not as your clinician, doctor, therapist, attorney, or licensed specialist. The conversations shared on this podcast reflect personal experiences and perspectives and are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek guidance from a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.
