Session Sneak Peek: Dr. Monique Bruner

OSCPA: Why should OSCPA members attend this session?
Bruner: Here’s the deal: In a profession full of numbers, we sometimes forget that people don’t come in one-size-fits-all spreadsheets. Neurodiverse employees—whether they have ADHD, autism, or are just extremely passionate about post-it notes—bring unique strengths to the table.  

By attending, you’ll learn how to accommodate these brainy mavericks, boost productivity, and avoid awkward coffee machine conversations like, "Wait, we're supposed to encourage creativity?" Plus, you'll walk away with strategies to make your team thrive, ensuring that your work environment is as inclusive as your tax returns are accurate.  Let’s face it—creating a neurodiversity-friendly workplace is the best way to balance both sides of your corporate ledger: compassion and efficiency. Oh, and it’s way more interesting than another ethics CPE!

OSCPA: What makes your session unique?
Bruner: Besides the fact that we’re not just throwing around buzzwords like “synergy” and “thinking outside the box,” this session will have you seeing neurodiversity as your secret workplace superpower.

It’s not just about helping your colleague remember where they put their calculator (although, let’s be real, that’s a bonus), but about harnessing the hidden talents that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table—like thinking ten steps ahead or spotting patterns no one else can see. It’s like having a team full of Sherlock Holmeses... but with fewer magnifying glasses.

Plus, we’ll sprinkle in Oklahoma-specific data, so you'll get local context and not just generic stats. And we promise to keep it fun, engaging, and full of those “aha” moments that make you wonder how you ever ran a workplace without tapping into the magic of neurodiverse minds. Bottom line? You’ll leave with more than just notes—you’ll get a playbook for building a team that’s smarter, faster, and way more interesting!

OSCPA: What do you hope people get from this session?
Bruner: I hope attendees leave realizing that neurodiverse employees aren’t just quirky—they’re the secret sauce to innovation! Supporting neurodiversity in the workplace isn’t just nice; it boosts creativity and productivity. You’ll walk away with practical tips and a fresh perspective on that coworker who brings 12 ideas to a meeting while you’re still on agenda point #1. Embracing neurodiversity makes your workplace more dynamic, innovative, and, let’s be honest, way more fun!

OSCPA: How have your experiences changed the way you view neurodiversity?
Bruner: My experience has totally flipped the script on how I view neurodiversity. At first, I thought [of neurodiversity] as quirks to manage—like keeping track of a coworker who loses their keys every 10 minutes. But now, I see them as superpowers. Seriously, working with neurodiverse individuals has shown me they can think outside the box, inside the box, and, honestly, probably redesign the box better than anyone else!

Now, instead of seeing neurodiversity as something we need to accommodate, I view it as something to celebrate and harness. These folks bring a whole new level of creativity and problem-solving that can transform the workplace. Let’s be real—the best teams aren’t filled with people who think the same. They’re filled with people who think in 12 directions at once and make magic happen!  

Attend the DEI Summit 

OSCPA's DEI Summit
November 14 | Oklahoma City| Virtual | Recommended CPE: 8 hours

Learning Objectives:

• Understand neurodiversity
• Recognize the Prevalence of neurodiverse conditions
• Identify the benefits of supporting neurodiversity: 
• Implement neurodiversity-friendly accommodations
• Foster an inclusive workplace culture