Why Neurodiversity at Work Is Being Misunderstood With Sandra Crespo — People First! with Morag Barrett

We talk about performance, productivity, and potential. But what if we’re misunderstanding how some of our best people actually work?

In this episode of People First!, Morag sits down with Sandra Crespo to explore how ADHD and neurodiversity show up in the workplace—and why many systems unintentionally create friction instead of support.

🎯 What You’ll Learn

Why ADHD is often missed—even by high performers
The hidden cost of “fixing” vs understanding
How leaders misinterpret neurodivergent behaviours
Simple workplace changes that unlock performance
Why “reasonable accommodations” might be the wrong model
How to design environments where people can actually thrive

💡 Key Takeaways

Neurodiversity is often misunderstood as a deficit
Success can mask underlying struggle
Small environmental changes can have a big impact
Leaders don’t need all the answers—but they need awareness
Designing for difference benefits everyone

🔗 Connect with Sandra Crespo

Website: theneurospicysw.com
LinkedIn: Sandra N. Crespo

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:43) - Sandra’s origin story
(03:35) - Late ADHD diagnosis and lived experience
(06:01) - The moment everything changed
(10:28) - Why high performers miss the signs
(12:09) - Why this conversation is happening now
(14:48) - What leaders get wrong about ADHD
(16:01) - A real example of unlocking potential
(19:45) - Workplace systems that create friction
(23:12) - Rethinking “reasonable accommodations”
(26:32) - The SPICY leadership framework