I think differently. Why? I have a combination of ADHD and autism incl. high sensitivity - also known as "neurodivergent". I want to share my personal story which strategies and characteristics are helping me finding my career path. I hope to inspire some of my fellow testers, especially those who also sometimes feel different. I'd like to make a stand that some typical qualities make neurodivergent people especially valuable in testing. I want to widen the horizon for colleagues and companys on what they can do to appreciate them and others.

Target Audience: Tester, Test Manager, Developer, Team Leads, HR
Prerequisites: None
Level: Basic

Extended Abstract:
Ever felt different or worked with someone who you couldn’t understand? Who seemed to think somehow unlike than you? Maybe they did indeed. Are you aware that there are two main categories of human thinking: neurotypical and neurodivergent? Whereas neurotypical thinking is often described as “linear thinking” neurodivergent thinking is more “cross-linked”. And even within these categories we have a broad spectrum of diversity. I am fascinated by the differences in behavior and perception of the world that results out of this important detail.
I think differently. But that's not all. I behave differently and I have different needs. Why? I recently discovered that I have a combination of ADHD, autism incl. high sensitivity. But I adapted to the world as it is and blended in. That makes me a perfect fit for an agile environment where adapting to changing circumstances is key. I blame this part on my ADHD brain that loves discovering new things. My autistic brain on the other hand hates changes. So, I consider myself lucky that I have both of them. I developed a lot of implicit strategies to cope with it. To give an example: My family was always wondering why I used check lists so extensively, even as a child. Now I know: That was my autistic side bringing my chaotic ADHD brain under control.
I would like to share my personal story which strategies, characteristics and external enabler are helping me finding my career path. For instance, how I got from the awkward little girl that hid in the bushes to being voted “the most ‘daydreamer’” in school to me giving speeches in front of hundreds of people and taking leading roles in an international consulting company. It is a story on how I get to shine in a branch of extroverts. I hope to inspire some of my fellow testers, especially those who also sometimes feel different. I'd like to make a stand that some typical qualities make neurodivergent people especially valuable in the testing world.
Perhaps it is time to say goodbye to "linear thinking" and premature judgments. Especially in IT we can benefit a lot if we widen our view and enable change by looking beyond the horizon. That starts with acceptance - even for different ways of thinking.

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