7/12 - Neurodiversity in the Workplace

 Neurodiversity in the Workplace 

July 12, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

Location: Virtual

Registration Fees: 

Members: $10      Non-Members: $25

Neurodiversity is a different way of thinking and reinforces the strengths and abilities that individuals with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, etc. possess.  An estimated 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent and approximately 1 in 44 individuals are Autistic.  Learn how neurodiversity views differences as strengths rather than deficits and how neurodiverse individuals can bring richness and growth to your workplace.

Facilitators: Melissa Rosenberg and Linda Hoyt

Melissa Rosenberg is a nonprofit specialist with over 20 years of experience in grant writing, fund raising, community outreach and management. She joined the staff of the Howard County Autism Society as Executive Director in November 2016. In her role there, she works with the board, volunteers, and community partners to move the organization forward  and create opportunities  for meaningful employment, independent living, quality education, social connections, inclusion and acceptance for Autistic individuals and their families

She previously held positions as Director of Development for Joe's Movement Emporium in Prince George's County and as Director of Development and Executive Director of the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts before forming a consulting business that served arts, community development, youth, and therapeutic nonprofits.

Melissa received an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland University College. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Howard County and serves on the boards of the Local Children's Board (Howard County), Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, and Howard County Association of Community Services. Melissa and her husband, Jim, live in Silver Spring, MD. They have two grown children and a nephew with Autism.

Linda Hoyt has worked as an Occupational Therapist in acute and rehabilitative settings but in recent years her work focus has been with neurodiverse individuals and businesses focusing on their mutual workplace successes. Linda has partnered with Project SEARCH in Howard and Montgomery Counties along with local businesses to match non- traditional talent to fill their workplace needs. It is exciting for her to be a part of the workplace success for many neurodiverse individuals in a variety of work environments.  Each individual’s story is unique, yet through use of assessment, instruction, adaptation, modification and coaching support, the successes have been mutual for individuals and businesses.

Being a part of Howard County Autism Society’s Autism Hiring Program has allowed these successes to reach more individuals and businesses and to provide them with the tools and support to succeed.