How to Survive in an Overstimulating Workplace

Mar 24, 2026

Alex Gilbert, neurodiversity advocate and founder of Cape-Able Consulting, helps workplaces be more accessible for neurodiverse adults. She talks about why work can be especially exhausting for neurodiverse women. She explores masking, perfectionism, and hot-and-cold productivity. She discusses AI and adaptive tech as tools to level the playing field and practical ways to request accommodations.

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INSIGHT

Neurodiversity Is A Workplace Accessibility Issue

Alex Gilbert frames neurodiversity at work as an accessibility and productivity issue that benefits everyone, not just diagnosed individuals.
She positions Cape-Able Consulting and the I Am Capable podcast as bridges between neurodiverse employees and employers with practical workplace strategies.

ANECDOTE

Diagnosis In Childhood Shaped Her Career Path

Alex was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at eight and used school supports through college, which shaped her career in adult accommodations.
After a COVID layoff she started Cape-Able Consulting to apply those supports to adults in workplaces.

INSIGHT

Hot And Cold Performance Drains Neurodiverse Women

Neurodivergent women often experience black-and-white self-evaluations and chronic overcompensation that feel 'hard' rather than just challenging.
That hot-and-cold performance cycle fuels exhaustion and pervasive negative self-talk.

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For many of us, the standard workday is a constant stream of alerts: messages on the team group chat, texts from your child’s daycare, emails from your boss, co-workers popping by to chat in person. It’s enough to set even the most focused professional on edge. When Alex Gilbert, an expert in neurodiversity advocacy for working adults, started Cape-Able Consulting, she intended to help put an end to masking at the office. She helps individuals and companies create environments where employees don’t have to pretend that hectic, nonstop-notification work environment is actually working for them. You don’t need a diagnosis to feel overstimulated on the job or to put Alex’s tips into action to help improve your workplace—for yourself and everyone around you.

Put an end to white-knuckling your way through the workday with Alex’s insights:

Why work is even harder for neurodiverse women;
The parallels between neurodiversity and high-achieving personalities;
How implementing the right AI tools in the workplace can level the playing field for every employee;
Whether or not you need to disclose your diagnosis as you advocate for your needs.