Ben marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week with new resources

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Automotive industry charity Ben has launched a range of new support options and resources to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

With a growing demand for support, the charity is aiming to raise awareness about neurodiversity in the automotive market.

Neurodivergence is when a person’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is ‘typical’ and neurotypical describes how the average person’s brain works.

From Ben’s latest insights, released as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, those in the automotive industry who have reported having neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia are more likely to experience mental, physical, financial, and social issues.

In 2024, 73% of neurodivergent individuals in the industry said they experienced feelings of anxiety, compared to 44% of neurotypical individuals. Neurodivergent individuals were also more likely to be stressed at home (57%), compared to 32% of neurotypical individuals.

Currently, almost 9% of people receiving support from Ben are affected by neurodiversity, either personally, or they are the partner, carer, or parent of someone who is neurodivergent.

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week and beyond

In light of these findings, Ben has added two new support programmes to its digital therapeutic platform, Silvercloud, which is free for automotive workers and their family dependents who can sign up using the code: ben. The new programmes are:

Marking Neurodiversity Celebration week, Ben has also launched new neurodiversity-related online tips and advice to help those seeking support and diagnosis. The online content (available at www.ben.org.uk/neurodiversity) offers guidance on the following areas:

In addition, as part of its efforts to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Ben has released two new personal stories from people who have been diagnosed as neurodivergent and are now sharing their experiences:

  • Dean Lomas, known in the industry as the neurodivergent mechanic, tells his story.
  • Ellen Plumer, Head of Outreach & Marketing at Ben, shares her story about ADHD.

The charity has also released a new article for employers, sharing thoughts from Julie Hayes, Ben’s Head of Specialist Services, about embracing neurodiversity in the workplace to help leaders and managers support their employees.

Important support and understanding

“This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are pleased to launch a range of new support programmes, resources, and content on this hugely important topic,” commented Rachel Clift, Ben’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our insights reveal that neurodivergent individuals in the automotive industry are facing greater challenges with their health and wellbeing, making it all the more important for us to provide easy access to relevant support for them and show them that we are always here if and when they need us.

“As always, we remain dedicated to supporting everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. We believe that, by fully embracing neurodiversity across our sector, we can create a more inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive, both personally and professionally.

“Through this campaign, we aim to raise awareness and reduce stigma around neurodivergence, as well as encourage open conversations, greater understanding, and support.”

Ben will also share some resources from Neurodiversity Celebration Week on its available channels.

To get the latest tips, advice, and news, sign up to hear from Ben at www.ben.org.uk/signup and follow Ben on social media:

Ben is there for automotive industry people so get in touch now if you are struggling via their free and confidential helpline. Do not suffer in silence, contact the helpline: 08081 311 333 or visit www.ben.org.uk/gethelp for more ways to get in touch.

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