Celebrating Neurodiversity - meet Alison Gray

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported, but providing organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.  

In recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we caught up with Alison Gray from Chemring Australia. Alison was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) when she was 25. Here she shares her story and experiences to help raise awareness of the strengths and some of the challenges that come from thinking differently. 

What led to your diagnosis of ADHD, and when were you diagnosed?  

I have always felt like I didn’t belong in any social groups and couldn’t understand why no one else had the same thought processes as me. I felt like my brain was always in overdrive, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t quieten my thoughts. 

The more I tried to fit in, the worse I felt about myself. I kept asking myself, “what is wrong with me”. People have always said things to me like “why don’t you ever shut up” or “just calm down”. I got very sick of hearing these comments, so I investigated ADHD and decided to get tested. I was diagnosed at age 25, and I am now turning 27. 

What benefits and challenges does ADHD present you with? 

ADHD has more challenges than benefits; every day is a struggle. My challenges are poor impulse control, poor sense of time, sleep issues, depression, hyper fixation, forgetfulness, and sensory processing, just to name a few! 

The benefits of ADHD are definitely my strengths. I am great at problem-solving, I have a wild imagination, I’m honest adventurous, and I have a big personality. 

How does ADHD impact you at work? Are you open with colleagues about your neurodiversity? 

Being on a rotating roster and changing the times I take my medication each week has its struggles, but I get through it. I think having ADHD working on the assembly line is great as I’m always looking for ways to improve processes to be more effective and efficient because I love problem-solving. I am very open with everyone about ADHD. If I wasn’t open, then I would have this stigma over my head, with people thinking that I was loud and obnoxious. Being open doesn’t give me an excuse for how I am but rather an explanation. 

Do you feel supported by your colleagues and Chemring? 

I feel very supported by my team, they are so understanding, and I have a lot of love for them! The company has been supportive too. They have given me plenty of opportunities to let my creative side run wild! For example, I got to use my imagination and paint our corridor wall! 

I am also involved in our Culture Club, where we brainstorm ideas on how to improve the culture here at Chemring Australia. 

Do you think other people understand ADHD? If not, what would you like them to know? 

Sadly no, there is a massive stigma around ADHD. Most people think it’s just naughty kids who don’t get told off or that you can’t stop fidgeting. I want people to look into it and truly understand the difficulties the neurodiverse face every day. 

Every day is hard; there are no easy days. The next time you feel like saying to someone, “gee, you talk a lot” or “do you ever stop”, remind yourself that these words can be damaging, take a moment and put yourself in their shoes.  

It would be great to see more awareness courses on neurodiversity to teach employees about hidden disabilities.