This article is written by Kirstin Kuka, MPA, BHJ, Planning and Reporting Analyst, government of Saskatchewan.

  • The problem: You likely have a neurodivergent colleague or classmate.
  • Why it matters: Assessment/diagnosis and treatment options for ADHD and similar disabilities are more accessible, and public service is an important field of work that should foster a positive, supportive environment for their employees to best serve the public.
  • The solution: Proper resources and support for employees and employers; patience.

In February 2023, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) at the age of 30. I had gone through my whole life (it’s important to mention here that this includes 13 years in the Canadian public school system, four years of undergraduate education, and about three-quarters of a graduate degree at this point) knowing that I was likely neurodivergent; and now my assessor sat across the table, confirming, and validating what I knew. I have suffered from symptoms of anxiety and depression my whole life, and everything suddenly made sense. This was why I felt as though I needed to push myself with extra effort and attention when everyone else around me seemed to be able to keep it all together with ease. My life changed for the better that day. I felt like I had to thank everyone in my life for their patience up to this point, and now I could really get started.

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Working in public service

My experience in the public service began before my diagnosis. My undergraduate education, and employment background, focus on criminal and restorative justice. I have previously worked in several front-line positions, which have included working in a correctional facility as well as administratively within the Canadian legal and court systems. My personal experience with mental illness influenced me to work differently and gave me multiple perspectives to consider.

My message to other public servants who may be diagnosed, or suspect they may be, neurodivergent is to have patience with yourself and those around you.

In 2020, I began my graduate degree in Public Administration and halfway through my programme, I moved into a position within executive government, shifting my work portfolio away from justice and the law, and into public education planning and reporting. This huge, exciting shift is what truly encouraged me to go through with an ADHD assessment. I was suddenly in a fast-paced world, jumping from meeting to meeting; some days quite literally hopping from one Zoom call to the next with 30 seconds in between. I struggled to keep up with everything moving so quickly when I felt like I was still in my head, processing something that was unrelated to the current meeting, that happened two hours prior.

For me, having a diagnosis and getting on the correct medication course meant that I was able to understand myself better. As a public servant, I have been able to understand how I effectively interact with people, how I set boundaries with others, how I approach starting and completing my work, how to best receive and provide feedback and how I keep track of daily tasks. An important part of this includes personal accountability. The diagnosis confirmed why I do the things I do, but I know that it is my responsibility to ensure that I am doing the best I can to stay present and keep track of tasks at work; in my case, many of which have tight deadlines which are set by legislation. I make conscious efforts most days to ensure I am on track to achieve work and personal goals.

Everything I do is shaped by my diagnosis

I have been able to practise and develop different skills and abilities while working in my current capacity, as well as be a part of a larger project that provides an outlet for discussion around mental health and wellness. I am on the Not Myself Today committee, which utilises specific tools from the Canadian Mental Health Association to open the discussion around mental health and wellness in the workplace. Being neurodivergent gives me a different perspective on mental health and wellness, and this has served me well when planning sessions and events on this committee. I am also a member of our building’s social club, in which I participate in planning activities for my colleagues that create a healthy, inclusive and fun social atmosphere. Everything I do, work-related or not, is shaped by my diagnosis and the way that my brain operates.

I am very fortunate to come to work every day and know I am supported by my colleagues and managers. They create space for me and the way I work best and help to keep me on track when required. I know that this is not the case for everyone, and I wish that it was. Negative stigma surrounding mental health and wellness is still very present, but there has never been such a capacity for mental health and wellness programmes and practitioners. Everything is developing in time.

My main takeaways, as a public servant who is neurodivergent, are that resources are required, and patience is required. I am fortunate to have some benefits to access regarding health and wellness, and although they could be more extensive and inclusive, they provide me with the base-level care that I require. I want to be able to advocate for myself, and others, who may or may not have the same level of access. Educating myself on what best practices are, as well as trying new things to see what will work best, has been a way that I have been able to self-advocate for my own wellbeing and that of others. It is incredibly important that mental health and wellness support and resources are there for employees to access; neurodivergent or not.

Patience is a virtue

Patience is a great virtue, and likely no one knows it better than someone who is, or is working with a colleague who is, neurodivergent. Being open, honest and clear about expectations, guidelines and workload whenever possible is so important in terms of self-reflection as an employee of the public service, and as someone who manages employees. Having a colleague who is neurodivergent may sometimes mean reminders, or prompting, but that is where patience comes in. We are all doing our very best, no matter what, and sometimes we all must take a step back and consider what else may be coming into play with any situation.

My message to other public servants who may be diagnosed, or suspect they may be, neurodivergent is to have patience with yourself and those around you. Our world is becoming more adaptive and innovative every day. Employees and employers within the public service are continuously accommodating and embracing priority changes that occur due to shifts in the economy, politics and the public service itself. Advocate for yourself and your wellbeing. Have compassion and patience for others around you who may not yet understand or adjust well to certain changes in the workplace. And, most importantly, have hope. It gets better.

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(Image credit: Unsplash)