In Australia, ADHD affects approximately one in 20 people [1]. ADHD can go undiagnosed in childhood and adult presentations may differ from childhood presentations of ADHD. Adults with ADHD may experience challenges with memory, organisational capacity and abilities, concentration and focus, and emotional regulation and social communication (these presentations can vary in every individual). However, people with ADHD can also possess certain strengths such as creativity, innovation, and intrinsic motivation, which can be further developed with the right support. 

When neurodiverse employees thrive and obtain high performance, it is often due to their differences and behaviours being well understood and accepted within their organisations. It also occurs when supportive leaders work with the individual to identify their strengths, weaving these into the job design of their role. Where organisations have put appropriate support measures in place, neurodiverse individuals prove to be comparable to neurotypical employees in work quality, efficiency and productivity and in some cases exceed their neurotypical counterparts in innovation.

Returning to and recovering at work is an important part of rehabilitation following a psychological injury. It helps with recovery, prevents relapse, and provides individuals with appropriate social connections and support mechanisms. However, when an employee returns to work, following a psychological injury, working environments must be safe and free from psychological harm to prevent further risk to their mental health and wellbeing. 

Psychological injury claims are a major concern for Australian workplaces. By their very nature, they are a complex, costly, and multifaceted process that involves the interaction of the individual, organisation, and system working together to influence a worker’s recovery and the durability of their return to work.