This page focuses on adjustments commonly requested by neurodivergent students and graduates during recruitment and in the workplace. Adjustments aim to remove barriers and ensure equal access, participation, and opportunity.
As individual needs vary, the examples below are provided to help identify adjustments that may be helpful to you in different contexts.
Concentration, focus, fatigue or sensory overload
Challenge: difficulty sustaining attention, procrastination, mental fatigue, or sensitivity to noise, light, or movement
Examples of adjustments:
- Taking short, regular breaks away from your workstation
- Working on one task at a time rather than multitasking
- Using ‘do not disturb’ functions on email or messaging platforms
- Working in a quieter area, away from busy or high traffic spaces
- Noise cancelling headphones, desk screens, or adjusted lighting
- Flexible hours or hybrid/home working
Hyperactivity or need to move
Challenge: restlessness or discomfort when sitting for long periods
Examples of adjustments:
- Use of sit stand desks or movement friendly seating
- Regular movement breaks
- Discreet movement aids such as stress balls or fidget tools
- Be mindful that your need to move may be distracting for others. If you find it helpful to pace while thinking, consider doing so in a corridor rather than a shared office.
Communication and social interaction
Challenge: differences in communication style, difficulty interpreting social cues, or anxiety in social settings
Examples of adjustments:
- A named mentor, buddy, or workplace contact
- Clear and specific instructions or expectations
- Written follow up after meetings or verbal instructions
- Allowing additional time to process and respond to questions
- Avoiding overly open or abstract interview questions
- Structured inductions and explanations of workplace norms
Reading, writing, or processing information
Challenge: difficulty reading large volumes of text, spelling, or structuring written work
Examples of adjustments:
- Extra time for reading or written tasks
- Information provided in alternative formats (audio, diagrams, flowcharts)
- Speech to text or text to speech software
- Mind mapping or planning tools
- Time for reviewing and proofreading work
Working with numbers or data
Challenge: difficulty with calculations, numerical accuracy, or processing numerical information
Examples of adjustments:
- Use of calculators or assistive software
- Written rather than verbal numerical instructions
- Visual presentation of data (charts or diagrams)
- Extra time for number based tasks
Organisation, planning, and time management
Challenge: difficulty prioritising tasks or managing deadlines
Examples of adjustments:
• Work broken into smaller, manageable steps
• Clear deadlines and regular check ins
• Templates for structured tasks such as reports
• Digital calendars, reminders, and planners
• Scheduled planning time during the working day
Memory and information recall
Challenge: difficulty remembering instructions or task sequences
Examples of adjustments:
- Written summaries of tasks or meetings
- Checklists, diagrams, or flowcharts
- Use of recordings where appropriate
- Visual prompts and reminders
Adjustments are individual and may change over time. Careers Consultants at Imperial can help you identify helpful adjustments, plan how to explain your needs, and consider when to ask for adjustments during recruitment or employment. Please see our section on Booking an appointment to see a careers consultant.