Extraordinary: Trustco’s Neurodivergent Employee Stories

Here at Trustco, we’ve got a long and proud history of employing people without discrimination. The world of IT and Tech has historically attracted those who think a little differently. We’re problem solvers, big-picture thinkers, and detail obsessives – the things that matter to us would often be overlooked by people from other industries. In that way, we are proudly extraordinary. 

Accidentally Neurodivergent: Four Trustco Employees Receive Diagnoses  

Within the Trustco crew, four employees and contractors have been recently diagnosed with neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD and Autism. Each of these individuals was already a member of our company before they received their diagnosis. They say opposites attract, but perhaps, in the case of Trustco, like-minded friends find each other. 

But First: What Is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is well explained by the etymology of the word. It describes a neurodevelopmental condition where someone’s thoughts – and often their behaviours – diverge from what is considered a typical way of thinking or behaving. 

The most well known of neurodivergent conditions include:

• ADHD: Categorised into three types of behavioural patterns; inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and combined. 
• Autism: Characterised by differences in social communication, interaction, and behaviour. 
• Dyslexia: A learning difficulty that mainly causes problems with reading, writing and spelling. 

The lesser know conditions are:

• Dyspraxia: A condition that affects movement and co-ordination. 
• Dyscalculia: A condition that affects a person’s ability to acquire mathematical skills. 
• Dysgraphia: A learning condition that primarily affects a person’s ability to write. 
• Tourette’s Syndrome: A condition characterised by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. 

We’re all familiar with hearing people talk about mental health, but it’s important to understand that neurodivergent conditions are not mental health conditions and not learned behaviours – they are permanent differences in the way the brain developed from birth. 

However, living with one of these conditions can cause mental health issues. Often, people try to ‘fit the mould’ of the rest of the world – this is known as masking, which can be a stressful and exhausting experience. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. 

Simon’s ADHD Story.

Simon is part of Trustco’s sales team. He had long felt that life was more difficult for him – people with ADHD often describe it as feeling like “life is on hard mode.” Simon began the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis via the NHS. 

Simon speaks here about his experience working at Trustco with the considerations of being under the ADHD umbrella. 

“Having recently faced a significant change in my life; I was a little apprehensive about sharing my neurodiverse challenges with Trustco. However, I didn’t need to worry – I was immediately met with a supportive attitude and genuine interest in how they could make my working life more manageable. 

Trustco has a range of tools available, from counselling to bi-weekly mental health check-ins. We also have two trained mental health employees who we can speak to confidentially at any time, about any challenges we, or our loved ones, may be facing.” 

Mark’s ADHD Story.

Mark is our Digital and Marketing Manager. He helps put together some of these blog articles, built this website, and promotes Trustco both online and offline. Mark has always described himself as someone who “thinks differently” – a creative problem-solver with a permanently busy mind and a knack for never quite relaxing. 

“I’ve always had a suspicion I was a bit ‘odd’, and I never really felt like I fitted in growing up. Looking back, I can now see I had all the signs of ADHD. 

I was constantly on the go, a daydreamer – always staring out the window instead of paying attention in class. My brain can be as fast as lightning, which has served me well, but it’s exhausting when you can’t switch off. I remember doing an ADHD assessment online and reading the question: ‘Do you feel as though you are driven by a motor?’ – and bingo! That sentence summed up the last three decades of my life. 

I’ve recently started medication for my ADHD, and Trustco have been as chill as I expected. I let them know I might be a bit off while adjusting, and I wasn’t put under any pressure to meet the usual standards during that time.” 

An Autism Story

This is an account of one of our employees who was recently diagnosed as autistic. At this time, they’ve asked to remain anonymous. Coming to terms with a neurodivergent diagnosis can take time – and we fully respect our team members’ autonomy. 

“Navigating the referral, assessment, and eventual diagnosis – especially as an adult with full-time responsibilities – was challenging and, at times, incredibly overwhelming. But throughout it all, the support, encouragement, and acceptance I received from the team at Trustco made a world of difference. 

It was not only reassuring but also motivating. I felt seen, heard, and genuinely supported.” 

Newly Diagnosed: Tayla’s Story 

Tayla is one of our fantastic Accounts Administrators, and, in quite unbelievable timing, Tayla was diagnosed as Autistic while we were writing this article! Here is her story: 

“I always felt that I saw the world differently to others, and it wasn’t until I had my son that I realised we were basically the ‘same person’, and everything started to make sense.  

Once he received his diagnosis in August last year, I reached out to my doctor and received my diagnosis last week for Autism – I’m also awaiting an assessment for ADHD. Trustco has always been supportive, encouraging and really does care.” 

How Trustco Help And Support Our Staff

Receiving a diagnosis later in life can bring both clarity and complexity – but it should never feel like a journey taken alone. We’re committed to making sure it isn’t. Here’s how Trustco supports our staff, whether neurodivergent or not: 

• Flexible working: While we’re an office first company, staff are trusted to work remotely and manage their own time when needed. 
• Tailored support: We listen to our staff and adapt the working environment to help them thrive. 
• Time off for self-care: If a team member is struggling, we support reduced hours or time away with staff-wide access to SPILL’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a corporate healthcare package.  
• An honest and open environment: We foster open, inclusive, and honest communication, without judgement. 
• Fair pay: As a ‘Living Wage Employer’, we recognise the extra costs long-term conditions can bring and ensure staff are paid fairly.  

Does all of that sound expensive? It’s not! A supportive environment boosts productivity, drives exceptional service, and makes Trustco a place where people want to work. Our staff feel valued, not boxed in.  

That is one of the reasons why Trustco have such a fantastic reputation for customer service and support, as our staff genuinely want to work here, and don’t feel pigeonholed or pressured. 

Neurodivergent staff often bring unique and invaluable skills – from deep focus to creative brilliance. Together, our diverse mix of minds makes Trustco proudly extraordinary.  

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If you, or someone within your organisation is neurodivergent, support in the workplace is a legal requirement for UK employers. You can find out more over on the ACAS website.