Reflecting on My DrupalCamp Florida 2025 Talk: My Neurodivergent Brain

I recently had the opportunity to present at DrupalCamp Florida 2025, where I shared insights on neurodiversity—a topic that is both deeply personal and professionally significant to me. My talk, “My Neurodivergent Brain,” explored the realities of neurodivergence, the challenges neurodivergent individuals face, and how we can create more inclusive environments, particularly within tech communities like Drupal.

Neurodiversity in the Tech World

Watch the full presentation here: My Neurodivergent Brain – DrupalCamp Florida 2025

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the idea that brains work in different ways—there is no single “right” way to think, learn, or interact with the world. Roughly 15-20% of the population is considered neurodivergent, encompassing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations. However, despite this prevalence, the professional world often fails to accommodate neurodivergent individuals, leading to staggeringly high unemployment rates (up to 85% for autistic adults).

My Journey with Neurodivergence

I shared my own experiences growing up undiagnosed in the 1970s, where differences in perception, attention, and emotional regulation were often misunderstood or dismissed. From struggling with anger modulation and sensory sensitivities to time blindness and masking, my journey reflects what many neurodivergent individuals go through—navigating a world that wasn’t designed with us in mind.

One key point I emphasized is how neurodivergence affects emotional experiences. Research shows that individuals with autism and ADHD often feel emotions more intensely, yet may struggle to identify or communicate them effectively. This can lead to misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings.

Common Challenges and Strategies

During my presentation, I outlined some key challenges that neurodivergent individuals face and provided practical strategies for addressing them:

• Time Blindness – Many neurodivergent people struggle with understanding time, leading to difficulties in planning and meeting deadlines. Solutions include using multiple clocks, setting alarms, and building buffer time into schedules.

• Social Overload & Name Recognition – Large gatherings can be overwhelming. Strategies include keeping social events small, writing down names, and having a trusted friend provide support.

• Masking & Imposter Syndrome – Many neurodivergent individuals feel pressure to “mask” their traits, leading to exhaustion and self-doubt. I encouraged attendees to embrace their unique strengths and advocate for their needs.

Why This Matters in Drupal and Tech

Drupal has always been about community. As an open-source ecosystem built on collaboration, it’s critical that we ensure neurodivergent individuals feel welcome and valued. Neurodivergence often brings strengths like pattern recognition, deep focus, and creative problem-solving, which are incredibly valuable in tech. However, without the right support, many neurodivergent individuals burn out or leave the industry.

I urged the Drupal community to think beyond surface-level inclusion and take concrete steps toward accessibility, such as:

• Providing flexible work arrangements

• Embracing multiple communication styles

• Creating quiet, low-stimulation spaces at events

• Offering mentorship and peer support

Keep the Conversation Going

My hope is that talks like mine spark ongoing conversations about neurodiversity in tech. Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to understanding and supporting each other in meaningful ways. If we want Drupal (and the broader tech industry) to be a truly inclusive space, we must recognize and accommodate neurodivergent perspectives.

Watch the full presentation here: My Neurodivergent Brain – DrupalCamp Florida 2025

Join the conversation.

What are your thoughts on neurodiversity in tech? Have you experienced challenges or found effective strategies for inclusion? Let’s keep the discussion going in the comments below or connect with me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

If you’re interested in more content like this, check out my YouTube series My Neurodivergent Brain for further discussions on neurodiversity and inclusion.

Let’s continue to build a tech community where neurodivergent minds can thrive.