Neurodiversity in the Detailing Industry: What is it and Why Do I Care?

Written By: Rod Puzey, CD-SV

This article is a contribution on behalf of the IDA Health & Wellness Taskforce. 

Let’s get the science and dictionary stuff out of the way first. In recent years, neurodiversity has gained acceptance as the term to describe the natural variations in human brain function. Recognizing that neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, and other conditions are simply part of the spectrum of human diversity rather than disorders that need to be "fixed". In the context of the detailing industry, where attention to detail and specialized skills are crucial, embracing neurodiversity in the workplace not only fosters a more inclusive environment, but also brings about numerous advantages for both employers and employees.

You may be asking yourself, “So what? What does that have to do with me?” Well, believe it or not, there are a significant number of people in the detailing community that are Autistic, have ADHD, OCD, etc.

Let’s explore the importance of neurodiversity in the detailing industry and find some ways to be more inclusive and supportive. Let’s face it, we all have something unique about us, and we need to learn how to take advantage of that and let it work for us. In addition, by supporting people in the detailing community, we help everyone grow.

Neurodivergent individuals often possess unique abilities that can be highly beneficial in the detailing industry. For instance, individuals with autism may demonstrate extraordinary attention to detail and a remarkable ability to focus on repetitive tasks. Their keen observation skills can result in exceptional workmanship, ensuring precision and quality in every detail. The bottom line is their brains are wired differently, allowing them to approach problems and challenges in innovative ways. Sounds like a great place for people who are a little different, huh?

Many neurodivergent individuals possess a unique perspective and way of thinking, which can contribute to innovative problem-solving and creativity. By embracing diverse ways of thinking, the detailing industry can tap into a wealth of potential and explore different approaches to enhance customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and business success. By encouraging these strengths, you not only acknowledge them, but you create a workplace where everyone feels accepted for who they are.

I have ADHD, and have dealt with the differences in the way I think my entire life, some good and some not so healthy. Here is a visual image; you are in the TV aisle in an electronics store. Dozens of TV screens are all running simultaneously, each showing a different channel. Well, that’s my brain. I hear every conversation in a room. I see little movements. I think of smart alec responses things to say while people are talking. I can get distracted easily, but I also can concentrate so hard on one item that I ignore every other thing going on. Like many ADHD people, I use music and/or isolation to help me not get distracted. I also have two adult children that are autistic. They need reassurance on emotional cues and clear direction. Our house never has a dull moment.

In the detailing world, we know Joey Kimball in Washington. If you don’t, you want to. His father, Joe, and the Kimball family all see Joey as just another part of the team, and he is. He is the happiest owner of a detailing company I know. He also happens to be a neurodiverse individual. He is always ready to go to work, see customers, friends, and is glad to see everyone he meets. I have always gotten a huge heartfelt hug from Joey, and a “tag, you're it”.

In our home — as well as the Kimball household — the different ways people think and act are accepted and celebrated. However, for many, it can be a very challenging road to navigate if people don’t understand. Some of the things people struggle with are time management, social cues, and hyper-focusing on a task. In many cases, neurodiverse people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can lead to additional issues. Luckily, more people are recognizing the signs and are getting the help and support they need to understand and come to terms with themselves.

Education and awareness are the key to making those differences positive, for both the person who thinks differently and those around them. Providing education and awareness programs for all employees is crucial to fostering an inclusive work environment. In detailing, the different ways people think and focus can be helpful and keep you organized like never before. Training and workshops can help dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and promote empathy and understanding among team members. By building a foundation of knowledge, individuals can appreciate and value the diverse strengths that neurodivergent people bring to the table. For instance, sometimes I hyper-focus on a task and forget to eat or sleep. In these cases, I can get an incredible amount of stuff done, but my health can suffer. The people around me recognize this and can help balance things out. In cases where a person is a perfectionist, helping them recognize that the customers’ expectations are the goal can help to reduce going too far. In some cases, like problem solving, people will have a different perspective that can get to the heart of the issue faster by taking a different approach.

Flexibility and accommodations are sometimes needed to help people fully utilize their skills. I like to call it “using your powers for good not evil”.  Having tailored accommodations specific to the needs of neurodivergent employees can significantly help their productivity and well-being. Implementing flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted schedules or workspaces, can create an environment where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Additionally, providing clear instructions or visual aids and utilizing assistive technologies can promote effective communication and support job performance. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking folks what they need to make it work. Ear buds can help reduce distractions, making sure there are fewer visual stimulants, etc., and can keep people on task. Time boxing, or breaking up tasks into small chunks, can lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Effective communication channels are another key to accommodating neurodiverse people. Establishing open and transparent channels of communication is vital for fostering collaboration and teamwork. Encourage team members to express their thoughts and ideas in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Implementing regular check-ins both individually and as a team, can help address concerns, provide constructive feedback, and ensure everyone feels valued and heard. If that all sounds very touchy feely, it is, and that’s ok. Direct conversations are a must, especially with my autistic kids. No soft, kind-of sort-of stuff. "This is what I need, period." They sometimes don’t understand social cues, so directness is a comfort, whereas non-neurodivergent people sometimes feel offended at directness. Understanding and making people feel equal is necessary in the communication process.

Embracing neurodiversity in the detailing industry brings forth immense potential for businesses and individuals. Recognizing and harnessing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals can lead to better work quality, innovation, and overall team performance. By creating an inclusive work environment, offering necessary accommodations, and fostering effective collaboration and communication, the detailing industry can reap the benefits of a diverse workforce. Let us embrace neurodiversity, celebrate differences, and pave the way for a more inclusive and thriving detailing industry, and let the talents of creative people grow and make a difference.

Believe it or not you all know someone who is neurodiverse. The more you think about what we all do in the detailing industry, the more it makes sense that neurodiverse individuals thrive within it. The various ways people think and act with ADHD, OCD, Autism etc., can be a huge help in our work if it’s fostered and understood. As the detailing industry grows and new processes, tools, and products hit the market, more and more people are going to embrace different ways of thinking. The skills and talents of neurodiverse people can really enhance the detailing world, and the reality is we are already here, just thriving every day, showing the rest of you how it’s done.

 *The IDA is not a provider of medical or health services, and the information provided herein does not constitute medical advice. Please talk to your medical healthcare provider.

*The IDA is not a provider of financial or legal services, and the information provided herein does not constitute financial or legal advice. If you need additional information, please talk to a professional provider of financial and/or legal services.