Innovation Spring 2026

Looking back at a lifetime of differences

For Sean Birch, P.Eng., a Technical Director with the Australia-based engineering firm GHD, his autism diagnosis at 46 reframed a lifetime of feeling out of place. “I always felt like everybody else got the nuances of how to communicate automatically,” Birch, now 48, shared. “And for me it was playing catch up all the time. And that's not just true in childhood – that's 100 percent of my life.” Birch said having to work harder than others on communication and understanding social cues has made him a more effective communicator and engineer today. Being autistic, “you're in your head a lot,” he noted. “You're sort of second guessing yourself and so you may be more withdrawn or cautious going for opportunities than you otherwise would be. On the flip side, I think that has been a strength in in the last 10 or 20 years. What I find is that that effort that went into consciously learning things is still there. … I do feel like I'm still

improving my social skills, and my understanding of the world and how I fit into it.” Michelle Mc L arty, P.Eng., Director, Li Troo Doo Consulting , was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a little more than 18 months ago. She grew up with male cousins who were diagnosed with ADHD in their childhood, and while she and her mother believed she also was neurodivergent, relatives did not believe this because she was “a high performer with an engineering degree,” she said. “This was well before people started discussing how ADHD expresses itself differently in girls and women.” She sought a referral to be assessed for ADHD 10 years ago after moving to a more senior and strategic role in her professional life and noticing she was procrastinating on projects without a clear timeline or due dates. She also felt bored when not involved in day-to-day operations.

Neurodivergence: what is it? The term “neurodivergent” describes “individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is considered typical or ‘neurotypical,’” according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada. It is often used to refer to people with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other cognitive and developmental differences. Neurodivergent conditions can often present together. For example, people with ADHD can also be present with generalized anxiety disorders. It is important to note that people who are neurodivergent may or may not view themselves as having a disability, even if they face challenges interacting in a neurotypical-built world. Neurotypical The term refers to individuals whose neurological functioning is within “typical” societal expectations. Neurodiversity Neurodiversity is a concept challenging the idea that there is a single, “normal” way for the brain to function, instead emphasizing that neurological diversity is natural and that different brain types bring unique strengths and perspectives.

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Spring 2026

Innovation