The Neurodiversity Edge

Organizations often display a bias toward the “neurotypical” status quo.

Roughly one in five people in the world today are “neurodivergent.” The term is a loose catch-all for cognitive differences attributed to the presence of neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, synesthesia, hyperlexia and dyscalculia. These differences do not, in themselves, speak to an individual’s intelligence or mental capacity. Neurodivergent people can be intellectually gifted or have intellectual disabilities, just like neurotypical people. 

Despite comprising 20% of the population, neurodivergent individuals often struggle to navigate workplace systems that were not designed for them but, rather, for “neurotypical” people: those with cognitive profiles that more closely align with the statistical average. Neurodivergent individuals should feel valued for the vital cognitive diversity they can bring to the table, but many organizations fail to leverage their gifts and talents.

While many workplaces claim to be inclusive, their expectations as related to job performance...