Occupational Health Awareness Week & Neurodiversity Support
An Explanation of the Support Occupational Health Providers Offer to
Neurodivergent Individuals
In light of Occupational Health Awareness Week, (taking place 18th – 24th September 2023), it is the perfect time to raise awareness about what an Occupational Health Provider (OHP) does, and the type of support that can be provided to neurodivergent individuals who may be looking to access support at work.
What does an Occupational Health Provider do?
The World Health Organisation defines Occupational Health as “an area of work in public health to promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations.” An Occupational Health Provider usually offers a range of support services, to help individuals with their health/wellbeing related needs, which can impact individuals and their ability to work.
The benefits of using an Occupational Health Provider:
Occupational Health Awareness Week supports the management of employees’ health at work. This is because Occupational Health aids employees by:
Providing employees with a healthy place to work.
Protecting employees from developing work-related ill health.
Risk assesses an employee’s work environment, and monitors their health (if necessary).
Supports employees with workplace adjustments for their health, disability, and neurodiversity related challenges.
How do organisations use an Occupational Health Provider and what support can I access through them?
The process you may follow to access support services depends on the occupational health provider that your organisation operates with. This process may include:
How a referral is made (this may be done via the employee or the employer).
If an assessment is required to access specific support/adjustments.
How, where, and who conducts the assessments.
What is required from the employer and employee.
Organisations may partner with an Occupational Health Provider or have their own service internally; these usually offer their employees the appropriate support for their needs.
Usually, an employer will seek support from an Occupational Health Provider for:
Supporting an employee with their physical or mental health.
To understand what reasonable/workplace adjustments can be offered to individuals at work (such as individuals with a disability or neurodifference).
If an employee has been off sick for a long period of time, and returning to work.
To support individuals facing pressure at work, bullying, or harassment.
Sometimes, organisations may have a policy regarding what support is available through their Occupational Health Provider or they may have an internal support channel that employees can access. If you are unsure, it is best to speak to your Line Manager and/or HR department.
What support for Neurodiversity can I access through my organisation's Occupational Health Provider?
The neurodiversity support services that individuals can access will depend on what kind of services your Occupational Health Provider offers.
Some providers may have in-house psychologists who are able to conduct a number of different assessments, ranging from diagnosis to identifying suitable adjustments to support individuals at work.
However, most Occupational Health Providers that we partner with at Lexxic work with the employee and employer through a ‘referral process,’ where they gather information to help identify suitable assessments that they will then ask an expert third party, such as Lexxic, to provide. Sometimes, a call may be needed with a Psychologist at Lexxic and the employee to identify the most suitable services, but this decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
At Lexxic, we have a range of services to support neurodivergent individuals, both during and beyond Occupational Health Week, including*:
(Note: please contact your Occupational Health Provider to find out whether Lexxic services are available to you and your organisation).
What is the process of accessing Lexxic's services through an Occupational Health Provider?
With over 16 years of experience in the field of neurodiversity, we partner with multiple Occupational Health Providers across the UK and Ireland. This means we have a wealth of experience working with numerous organisations, across different sectors and industries, covering a variety of support for neurodivergent individuals.
The process of accessing Lexxic’s services through an Occupational Health Provider may vary depending on the provider. It is best to check with your organisation's HR team/provider to find out what the process is for you to follow.
The best route for an individual to find support will depend on the experiences they have had with their own neurodifference. It is best to speak to an expert if you are unsure – Lexxic is always happy to help and provide guidance where possible.
If you want to find out more about Lexxic's services, please get in touch.
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