Neurodiversity in The Workplace

Neurodiversity in The Workplace

April 22nd, 2025

Virtual Training

10:00am - 11:30am

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 36 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.  This presentation will include suggestions for simple changes that can make your recruitment, onboarding and neurodiverse staffing  more successful! 

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 Autism Society of Maryland 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 for the last decade 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.  Everyone’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 Autism Society of Maryland’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.  Linda had led the Autism Hiring Program in their growth throughout the DMV with the most recent location being in partnership with Towson University.