ACFO-ACAF is pleased to join Infinity – The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants in celebrating Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW), taking place from October 19 – 23. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace, recognize the contributions of neurodivergent public servants, and support the adoption of inclusive practices across the federal public service.
Neurodivergence is more common than many people realize. Approximately 15-20% of Canadians are neurodivergent, and neurodivergent individuals are often overrepresented in STEM fields, such as finance, accounting, and audit. As a result, even if you are not neurodivergent yourself, there is a strong likelihood that one or more of your colleagues are.
Therefore, we are sharing several neurodivergence resources whether you want to better understand your own experiences or learn how to be an ally for your colleagues.
ACFO-ACAF’s comprehensive guide for neurodivergent employees
In February 2025, ACFO-ACAF released a comprehensive guide for neurodivergent employees, Thinking Differently at Work.
The guide was written in collaboration with neurodivergent authors, subject matter experts, and allies, with the intention of helping neurodivergent members throughout their employment journey. The guide offers practical guidance for navigating the workplace while requesting necessary support and advocating for an inclusive work environment.
ACFO-ACAF members can access the guide at the following links:
Neurodiversity webinars
Along with the launch of the guide, ACFO-ACAF hosted a series of five webinars focused on the main themes it explores. Each session was facilitated by experts and contributors to the guide.
The sessions are listed below, and ACFO-ACAF members can access the recordings in the ACFO-ACAF member portal.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at Work, presented by Dr. Gurdeep Parhar of the Adult ADHD Centre
- Dyslexia at Work, presented by Dyslexia Canada
- Autism at Work, presented by Wanda Deschamps of Liberty Co
- Know Your Rights: Disclosing your Condition and Workplace Adaptations, presented by ACFO-ACAF’s Director of Job Evaluation and Equity, Stéphanie Rochon Perras
- Leveraging Professional Development for Neurodivergent Career Growth, presented by ACFO-ACAF’s Learning and Development Specialist, Megan Walter
Infinity: Upcoming webinars
Infinity – The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants is hosting two webinars during PSNW, providing public servants with opportunities to learn more about neurodiversity and connect with colleagues who are committed to making the public service a more inclusive workplace for neurodivergent individuals.
ACFO-ACAF members interested in participating in these two sessions can find additional details below.
National kickoff
This bilingual event will take place on Monday, October 19, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET and will feature conversations about meaningful employment and inclusion at work. The program features a discussion with LiveWorkPlay and a colleague working at Health Canada, followed by a panel of neurodivergent public servants on workplace expectations, barriers, and practical changes.
Register here.
Virtual Kitchen Party and Social
This bilingual event will take place on Thursday, October 22, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET. Attendees are encouraged to chat, make new connections, and play a fun, interactive Kahoot quiz on topics ranging from pop culture and geography to music, science, games, and curious facts.
Register here.