Teaching Your Children Skills They Will Use Later to Thrive in The Workplace with Kirsty Heap

Today, Cliff is joined by Kirsty Heap an HR professional and advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace. As someone who has been diagnosed with both dyslexia and ADHD Kirsty brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore what neurodiversity really means inside organisations, how workplaces can better support neurodivergent employees, and why understanding different ways of thinking, communicating, and processing the world isn't just good for people, it's good for business too. They talk about the realities many neurodivergent individuals face at work, from recruitment and disclosure to adjustments, burnout, masking and building environments where people can genuinely thrive. If you're a parent thinking about your child's future in the workplace, an employer wanting to better support your team, or someone navigating work while neurodivergent yourself, this conversation is for you. EPISODE REVEALS Teach your children to be kind to themselves. Develop a toolbox with them that they can use to silence the internal voice that keeps telling them that they are not good enough. It is something they will need to do throughout their lives. Own your neurodivergence in the workplace. That honesty is the best way to improve understanding and unlock support. Neurotypical people genuinely don´t understand what neurodiversity is like. If you need something to change e.g. a clear written follow up after each meeting, you will need to explain the positive difference this will make to your work. Don´t suffer in silence. Get coaching to learn how to work through issues and become stronger in the workplace. Knowing how to calm yourself is an invaluable skill. BEST MOMENTS "Acceptance has been key, it´s changed my whole outlook on life, the way I interact with people, the way I have relationships with friends and with partners, has been down to my acceptance of my condition." "Let nobody dull your shine. Shine bright and own it." “If we feel valued and supported, we naturally are going to be happier and want to kind of do our best as well.” "Slow down to go faster." ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyheap/ https://www.facebook.com/TheDyslexicCoach/ Instagram - @kirstyheapcoaching TikTok - @mindsetelevatorKirsty https://kirstyheap.com/ RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here - https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!