Speaker: Mr James Henderson, Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Neurodivergent Surgeons: Neurodiversity, Surgery and Reasonable Adjustments explores the experiences, strengths and challenges of neurodivergent surgeons within the surgical profession. Drawing on personal experience and current evidence, the presentation explains how traits such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, sustained focus, reliability and direct communication can be valuable in surgery, while workplace environments can create unnecessary sensory, social and organisational barriers.
It outlines the legal responsibilities surrounding reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 and highlights practical, largely low-cost adjustments involving communication, rotas, theatre practice, meetings, training and working environments. The presentation ultimately argues for greater understanding, universal design and supportive workplace practices so that neurodivergent surgeons can work safely, effectively and sustainably.