Being a neurodivergent-friendly practice

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. two authors of this publication are identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Pickles, K. J. & Craven, E. (2025). Being a neurodivergent-friendly practice. Livestock, 30(4), 144-147. https://doi.org/10.12968/live.2024.0036

Publication date: 2 Jul 2025 Added to AutiHub: 22 Sep 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
2 / 2 (100.0%)

Abstract

This article addresses the significance of neurodiversity in veterinary workplaces, advocating for enhanced inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals—including those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions. By recognising neurodiversity as a natural human variation, workplaces can embrace unique strengths such as attention to detail, lateral thinking and creativity that neurodivergent individuals often bring. However, these individuals may face challenges in environments not designed to accommodate their differences. Through understanding neurodiversity and implementing reasonable adjustments as mandated by the Equality Act 2010, veterinary practices can better support neurodivergent staff and clients. The article explores actionable strategies for creating an inclusive workplace, from recruitment to daily interactions. It highlights communication, environment and task structuring adjustments to meet individual needs, improve workplace comfort and promote psychological safety. Practical examples include designated workspace accommodations, tailored client communication methods and task allocation based on individual strengths. Special considerations for farm veterinary practice are provided, reflecting the unique requirements of rural and ambulatory work. The article concludes that fostering an inclusive, neurodiversity-aware culture in veterinary practices benefits not only neurodivergent individuals but also strengthens team dynamics, client relations and overall workplace productivity.

Bibliography cited by this reference

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Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 23 Oct 2026 01:01.

Cited references
4
With a DOI
0
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
4
0 / 4 (0.0%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
0 / 4 (0.0%)
References with detected author names
4 / 4 (100.0%)
Without detected author names
0
Without a structured title
0
Without a stable identifier
4
References with raw author names still to review
0
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
5
From DOI or external metadata
5
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
0
0 / 5 (0.0%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 5 / 5 (100.0%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
0 / 5 (0.0%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. No detected author names are currently linked to an author already present in AutiHub. Distinct people identified as autistic: 0 / 5 (0.0%).
  1. Department for Work , Pensions. (2024). Access to work . Access to work.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  2. Gov (2010). Equality act . Equality act.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  3. Parliamentary (2015). stakeholders and politicians to focus on dyslexia . stakeholders and politicians to focus on dyslexia.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  4. Vetlife (2025). Welcome to vetlife's neurodiversity awareness campaign: bridging understanding, breaking barriers . Welcome to vetlife's neurodiversity awareness campaign: bridging understanding, breaking barriers.
    Type: Other
    Crossref