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Heidi Waterhouse (Fixed video) Come listen to me talk about my own invisible neurodiversity, and what it has taught me about being a good employee and becoming more effective because of who I am, not in spite of it. Heidi is a developer advocate with LaunchDarkly. She delights in working at the intersection of usability, risk reduction, and cutting-edge technology. One of her favorite hobbies is talking to developers about things they already knew but had never thought of that way before. She sews all her conference dresses so that she’s sure there is a pocket for the mic. #ruby #rubyconf #rubyconfau #programming
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Heidi Waterhouse, a developer advocate, discusses her experiences with ADD and its implications in the workplace during her talk at RubyConf AU 2019. She shares insights on neurodivergence, particularly focusing on how it influences individuals and teams, emphasizing that neurodivergence should not be viewed as a deficiency but as an alternative way of functioning. Her talk is structured around her personal narrative and reflections on growing up with ADD, acknowledging the unique challenges and societal expectations that come with it. Key Points Discussed: - **Personal Journey**: Heidi recalls her early experiences with ADD, recounting her realization that her thought processes were different from others during childhood. - **Understanding Neurodivergence**: She explains that neurodivergence, including ADD, encompasses myriad ways of thinking that aren't inherently wrong but rather different. - **Diagnosis and Perception**: Discussing her adult diagnosis, she recognizes that many may have been unfairly labeled as underperformers, leading to feelings of inadequacy. - **Impact on Employment**: Heidi shares that her struggles with tasks often result from societal expectations and that she has faced job losses due to these mismatches. - **Imposter Syndrome**: She highlights the common experience of comparing oneself to others and the heightened anxiety it can cause in those with ADD. - **Mindsets**: Heidi contrasts fixed and growth mindsets, suggesting that a growth mindset fosters recognition of effort and improvement. - **Team Dynamics**: She advocates for diversity in team compositions, noting that varied perspectives contribute to better problem-solving and foster an inclusive environment. - **Supportive Work Environment**: She emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive by recognizing their unique needs and providing support without requiring detailed personal histories. - **Practical Solutions**: Heidi concludes with strategies for managing neurodivergent traits in a work setting, such as minimizing distractions and setting clear expectations. In conclusion, Heidi encourages embracing neurodivergence as an opportunity to foster diverse talents and perspectives in the workplace. She reminds the audience that it is valid to seek assistance and that individual differences can contribute positively to team dynamics. This talk culminates in Heidi's belief that recognizing and celebrating neurodiverse individuals within teams leads to more inclusive and effective workplaces. Heidi invites attendees to discuss these important topics further after her presentation, emphasizing the value of community and shared experiences in addressing neurodiversity.
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