Not Lazy Just Wired Differently

Naomi

Welcome to Brain Bloom— the podcast where we explore the beauty, challenges, and strategies of living as a neurodivergent human. I’m Naomi, and today we’re talking about one of the most misunderstood spaces for ND folks: the workplace. If you've ever been told you need to “try harder,” “focus more,” or “stop being so sensitive,” this one’s for you. So, let’s start with this: Most workplaces, the way they’re structured today, seem almost... intentionally challenging for neurodivergent individuals. We’re talking about rigid schedules, endless email chains, and those open-plan offices that are, well, kind of like sensory warzones in themselves, right?

Eric Marquette

Exactly. It’s like this unspoken assumption that everyone works best under those conditions. But, honestly, for neurodivergent folks, it can feel like being dropped into a game where no one gave you the rules—or, you know, the right tools to even play.

Eric Marquette

Or the right controller. And then when things like executive dysfunction or, you know, time blindness come into play, those aren’t seen as signals that the workplace might be unsupported—it’s like, somehow, that’s a personal failing.

Naomi

Exactly. Like the narrative becomes: You’re lazy. You’re not trying hard enough. But what’s really happening is that you’re overwhelmed, stuck in a system that punishes difference instead of accommodating it.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, I’ve felt that firsthand. There was this job I had in a newsroom—a high-pressure environment with these deadlines, constant phone calls, just an absolute sensory overload. I realized I wasn’t functioning "wrong"—I was just completely out of sync with how that space operated. It wasn’t built for someone like me.

Naomi

That’s such a good point. Like, there’s this underlying workplace culture where the expectation is that everyone should just adjust, right? No matter how unsustainable or draining it is.

Eric Marquette

Right, like... adapt at all costs.

Naomi

Exactly! And no one stops to ask if maybe it’s the system that needs adjusting instead. I mean, how many neurodivergent folks burn out trying to meet impossible standards in these environments?

Eric Marquette

Right. And we haven’t even touched on how these one-size-fits-all workplaces ignore how unique every brain is. It’s like, sure, let’s use the same rules and deadlines for everyone and just... assume it works?

Naomi

And when it doesn’t, the blame falls on the individual. It’s so backward.

Eric Marquette

Thinking about that "one-size-fits-all" system we were just talking about, it’s wild how much sensory overwhelm gets overlooked as part of the problem, especially for ND workers. Harsh lighting, constant noise, even the texture of your clothes—these things almost sap your energy before you’ve even had your coffee, right?

Naomi

Exactly. And it’s not just a mild annoyance, either. It’s like—how do I describe it—it’s this... constant hum in the background that you can’t shut off. By mid-morning, you’re already running on fumes.

Eric Marquette

And, I imagine, that makes it harder to focus or even get started on tasks.

Naomi

Oh, totally. It’s like every little thing becomes an obstacle. But this is where stuff like building an energy map can completely change the game.

Eric Marquette

So this energy map—break it down for me. How does it work?

Naomi

Well, it’s simple but so effective. Basically, you track your energy levels throughout the day over a week or two. You jot down when you feel sharp, when you start to dip, and even when you’re completely drained. For me, mornings are when my brain clicks—like, I’m on fire from 8 to 11. But after lunch? Forget it. I’m useless unless I take breaks, reset.

Eric Marquette

That’s fascinating. So once you know those patterns, you can sort of... rearrange your workload to match?

Naomi

Exactly. I started scheduling my heavy-lifting tasks—like research or deep work—during that morning window. And anything lighter, like emails or brainstorming, gets pushed to the afternoon. It’s honestly a game changer.

Eric Marquette

And you pair that with practical tools, right? Like noise-canceling headphones or taking breaks?

Naomi

Yeah, those are non-negotiables. Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver in open offices, and I swear by working in short, focused bursts with breaks in between. And, honestly, written reminders—sticky notes, to-do lists—because memory is... not always my strong suit.

Eric Marquette

And the key here is recognizing these aren’t cheats, right?

Naomi

Right! They’re tools. Like, you wouldn’t call glasses a cheat for bad eyesight. It’s just making things work for you.

Eric Marquette

That’s such an important mindset shift. Spotting those triggers and having strategies, like your energy map, really flips the script from... I guess, just surviving the day to actually thriving in it.

Eric Marquette

We’ve just been exploring how strategies like energy mapping and practical tools can help neurodivergent folks not just survive but thrive in their workplaces. But that brings up another crucial question—what about advocacy? How do neurodivergent people find ways to ask for what they need in environments that may not be designed to accommodate them?

Naomi

Yeah, this is such an important piece. I think it starts with remembering that advocating for yourself isn’t selfish or demanding—it’s about showing up as your best self and asking for the support you need to succeed. For example, I’ve seen people ask for flexible hours so they can work during their peak energy times, or even just requesting quiet rooms to escape the chaos of open offices.

Eric Marquette

That’s such a great point. And, honestly, a lot of these accommodations aren’t even huge asks. Like, a pair of noise-canceling headphones isn’t exactly a massive overhaul for a workplace, but it can make an enormous difference for someone’s day-to-day functioning.

Naomi

Exactly. I’ve heard so many success stories where small tweaks, like allowing remote work a few days a week or swapping out in-person meetings for email updates, have completely transformed someone’s experience. But... it can be exhausting to explain these needs over and over again, especially if the workplace culture is resistant to change.

Eric Marquette

And there it is—the resistance. The pressure to “just conform,” or worse, the unspoken expectation to mask neurodivergent traits to blend in.

Naomi

Yeah, masking is such a big one. It’s this constant balancing act of trying to appear “normal” while silently managing all of your own triggers. It takes so much energy, and the cost is... well, burnout, plain and simple.

Eric Marquette

And it all circles back to that harmful narrative, doesn’t it? The idea that the individual has to change, to fit in, rather than the system adapting to support them.

Naomi

Exactly. We need to move away from this mindset of “fixing” neurodivergent people and instead focus on creating inclusive environments where all kinds of brains can thrive. It’s about shifting the narrative entirely.

Eric Marquette

So what does that look like, shifting the narrative?

Naomi

It looks like celebrating neurodivergent strengths instead of solely focusing on challenges. Like, maybe someone struggles with executive dysfunction, but they’re a natural problem solver or incredibly creative. It’s about recognizing those strengths and building systems around them to help that person excel, not just survive.

Eric Marquette

And fostering workplaces where having those conversations isn’t a taboo, right? Because the more open we are, the better we can normalize accommodations for everyone.

Naomi

Absolutely. Advocacy isn’t about demanding special treatment; it’s about leveling the playing field. And, honestly, when workplaces make these changes, everyone benefits—neurodivergent or not. A quiet room, flexible hours... these things just make sense for a lot of people, period.

Eric Marquette

That’s such a powerful takeaway. And I love the idea we've come back to a few times—this isn’t about surviving; it’s about thriving, really unlocking the full potential of neurodivergent employees. Well, Naomi, any last thoughts as we wrap this up?

Naomi

Just that... if you're neurodivergent and listening to this, I hope you know you’re not broken or failing. You’re wired differently, yeah, but there’s brilliance in that. So keep advocating, keep asking for what you need—and remember, your worth isn’t tied to how well you fit into someone else’s mold.

Eric Marquette

Beautifully said. And on that note, that wraps it up for today’s episode. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time on Brain Bloom.