In October the Monash Health Foundation hosted its third event in their Business Breakfast Series at the Novotel in Glen Waverley.
More than sixty local business and community leaders attended the event, as we explored the ever-evolving topic of neurodiversity and the power of inclusion in the workplace.
The event focused on showcasing the work of the Mental Health & Adult Autism Program (MHAAP) and how this unique service helps adults with a late-in-life neurodivergent diagnosis find ways to live fulfilling, successful and mentally healthy lives.
Guests heard from Dr Stacey Rabba and Associate Professor Wenn Lawson from MHAAP who defined neurodivergence for the room, discussed the prevalence of neurodivergence in our communities and touched on some of the dangers and additional complications neurodivergent people can experience.
Aron Mercer, Founder of Xceptional Academy joined the panel and presented a variety of ways that a business can best manage risk around employees who may live with a neurodivergent diagnosis but might not be comfortable disclosing.
Aron emphasised the importance of inclusion and open discussion to create a workplace that is safe, welcoming and offers alternative ways of working to truly get the best out of people.
Our final speaker, Michelle Ridsdale, Founder and Developer of Kaboose, joined us and shared her lived experience with neurodiversity with guests and demonstrated how it needn’t hinder a persons capabilities or ambition.
Kaboose is a start-up community application for neurodivergent individuals to connect with their peers around shared interests, hobbies, mentorship and employment.
Michelle launched Kaboose in 2021, after witnessing so many young people living with neurodiversity experience a lack of social and other connections. Since then, the app has been recognised in both the tech and mental health sectors by way of several nominations and awards.
Guests were invited to ask questions and the open, honest and at times vulnerable discussion that followed was such a valuable part of the event, ensuring guests left the event with ideas, practical tools and inspiration to apply to their own business models.
Some guests enthusiastically requested that a similar session be held again, as they identified many people in their networks who they believe would benefit greatly from what they heard in the room regarding neurodiversity.
The Monash Health Foundation would like to extend their gratitude to our speakers for making the time to discuss such an important issue with our business community, and Bill Haggerty, long-time friend of the Foundation and prominent business leader for MC’ing the event.
Thank you to all who joined us on the day, we look forward to seeing you all at our next event in early 2025.
