In today’s increasingly globally mobile world many people are taking the leap to live and work abroad. While overseas work can be an exciting experience, it’s normal to find yourself struggling at some point, whether it’s from homesickness or culture shock.  But, for neurodivergent individuals – those living with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other variations – working abroad can come with its own set of challenges. From struggling with a new routine to adjusting to an unfamiliar culture, neurodiverse individuals may find that working abroad brings different challenges.

Written for Expat Network by Sam O’Donovan and Dr Martha Phillips of AXA – Global Healthcare

However, as Sam O’Donovan, Chief People Officer at AXA – Global Healthcare explains, workplaces must support their neurodiverse employees to navigate these changes to help them thrive while working abroad. Dr Martha Phillips, a Risk Director at AXA Health, also agrees, sharing her experience of being an expat with neurodiversity living with autism.

The Expat Challenge

“We often encounter something we’ve coined as the ‘six-month slump’ where many people start to struggle with homesickness – a longing for the familiarity of home, wherever in the world that may be,” explains Sam.

“Culture shock is another commonly encountered issue as people struggle to adjust to the expectations of their new workplace and the patterns that differ so much from their job at home.”

But for those who are neurodivergent, the challenges of life abroad can be much more amplified.

Dr Martha had the opportunity to work abroad during a placement at the beginning of her career, reflecting on the challenges she experienced.

“I wasn’t diagnosed with autism until I was in my 40s, so I look back on my early career with an understanding that I didn’t have at the time,” explains Martha. “I know if I’d been aware of my neurodiversity during my placement in my early 20s, I would understand why I was affected by things that didn’t seem to bother others.”

“I had the best time working in New York, but it was challenging too. I loved getting involved in everything, but I didn’t realise I was burning myself out and this led me to feel emotionally drained at times.

“Adjusting to a new routine was another big change. As an expat, you’re joining a whole new working culture which has different expectations than what we’re accustomed to at home. It’s a big change, and without coping mechanisms in place it can make something that’s supposed to be an amazing experience turn into a downward spiral.” 

How to thrive as a neurodiverse expat

1. Know your triggers

“Being aware of your triggers is key to thriving in the workplace as a neurodiverse expat,” Sam explains. “Understand what sets you off and what makes you uncomfortable.”

“When I was in New York, taking time for myself to emotionally detach really helped me cope,” Martha shares. “It’s very normal to experience social hangovers as a neurodiverse individual, so recognise that feeling and allow yourself time to recover.”

2. Be aware of burnout

“I think recognising burnout is important for anyone, but especially when you’re neurodiverse,” Sam says.

“Do you have needs and requirements that help you cope with work? If you have strategies that help you function, then it’s important that these are respected throughout your work placement. Stay in close contact with your home manager to ensure your needs are supported by your new team.”

3. Develop a routine that works for you

Martha builds on this, advising on how to adjust to an unfamiliar working culture.

“Adapting to a new routine is one of the biggest struggles that comes with the expat life. Take steps to help yourself settle into your new environment by integrating some of the support strategies you do at home. This can help you settle into a new workplace culture and way of life.”

Supporting neurodiverse employees

“Neurodiverse individuals have a diverse and unique array of skills and when employers put in adequate measures to support these skills and create a culture of inclusion, it builds an environment where both the workplace and the individual can thrive,” Sam shares.

“We have a unique viewpoint that can open a different way of thinking; we’re natural problem solvers, highly productive, and critical thinkers,” Martha expresses. “There are so many benefits to our unique skill sets, and when a positive working environment is created, the benefits reach both the employer and the employee.”

Sam’s concluding message is clear – it’s essential that businesses support neurodiverse employees and offer a space for their skills to grow.

When this is done in a globally mobile work environment, the personal and strategic benefits for both the individual and the business are endless.