Designing A More Neurodivergent, Inclusive World
by Jennifer Jay Palumbo | FORBES MAGAZINE
The world is becoming more aware of the need to accommodate neurodiversity, but true inclusivity goes far beyond merely acknowledging differences. Whether it’s in schools or workplaces, designing environments that actively embrace neurodivergent individuals is critical to ensuring they feel supported, understood, and empowered.
Neurodiversity refers to the variation in human brain functions, including differences in learning, thinking, and processing information. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental conditions are examples of neurodivergence.
While these individuals often face challenges in environments not designed with their needs in mind, they also bring unique strengths like creative problem-solving and innovation. Research from JP Morgan Chase underscores the value of neurodiverse talent, estimating that employees hired through its neurodiversity program are 90% to 140% more productive than their neurotypical peers.
Creating more inclusive spaces isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a smart investment in the future. By designing environments that cater to the needs of neurodivergent individuals, we unlock untapped potential that can drive progress across various industries.
Schools: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners Beyond IEPs
Schools are often the first place where neurodivergent children encounter the challenges of navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals. While Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are essential for many students, they only scratch the surface of what’s needed for true inclusion.
According to Antoinette Banks, CEO of Expert IEP and a mother of a child with autism and ADHD (AuDHD), “True inclusion isn’t just about what’s written in an IEP—it’s about embracing the whole child.” Banks, whose company helps families develop personalized education strategies for neurodivergent learners, emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s strengths, interests, and broader goals.
She advocates for schools to engage families early and consistently beyond academic needs. “Schools could make it a practice to understand the long-term aspirations parents have for their children. This ensures the support aligns not just with the school setting but with the child’s future.”
In fostering a neurodiversity-affirming environment, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the intersectionality of students’ identities. Neurodiversity often intersects with factors like race, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. By recognizing this complexity, schools can create more nuanced support systems that truly meet the diverse needs of neurodivergent students.
Creating Student-Led Inclusive Environments
One of the most effective ways to support both neurodivergent and neurotypical students is through student-led initiatives. “When we empower students to lead the way, we see remarkable results,” says Banks. “Neurodivergent students become more motivated and engaged, while neurotypical students develop greater empathy and understanding.”
In schools where students of all neurotypes work together, everyone benefits. Neurodivergent students feel a sense of belonging, and neurotypical children learn essential social skills, fostering a richer and more inclusive learning environment.
Collaboration Between Parents and Educators
True inclusion requires more than just academic support; it involves addressing the emotional and social development of neurodivergent learners as well. Banks emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between parents and educators. “As parents, we often don’t hear from schools unless something has gone wrong. This creates a reactive environment absent of true collaboration.”
To shift this paradigm, regular check-ins between parents and educators are essential. These meetings should go beyond academics and focus on the whole child, discussing strategies that foster emotional and social development. Banks notes that involving parents in setting both academic and personal development goals ensures that neurodivergent children receive consistent support in all areas of their lives.
Balancing AI and Human Interaction in Education
With the rise of technology, schools have more tools at their disposal than ever before to support neurodivergent learners. However, Banks stresses that while technology can be incredibly useful, it should never replace human interaction. “At Expert IEP, we use AI to flag areas where additional support might be needed, but we rely on experienced educators to interpret those insights.”
By automating certain tasks, educators can focus on the irreplaceable elements of education—empathy, mentorship, and personalized guidance. The combination of AI-driven data and human insight creates a powerful support system for neurodivergent learners.
Workplaces: Creating Spaces Where Neurodivergent Professionals Thrive
The workplace presents another significant challenge for neurodivergent individuals. Neurodiverse unemployment rates are about 40%, not because these individuals can’t do the job but because they’re often not in the right environment to succeed. Travis Hollman, CEO of MeSpace, believes that personalized workspaces can make all the difference.
“As a father of a neurodivergent son, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate environments that go against the grain of how the neurodiverse brain works,” says Hollman. “Too often, neurodivergent individuals are told they won’t succeed when the problem lies in the environment, not the individual.”
Personalizing Workspaces for Neurodiverse Employees
Hollman’s company, MeSpace, focuses on creating customizable work environments tailored to neurodivergent employees. “The ability to control one’s environment is critically important,” he says. Neurodivergent individuals often have unique sensory preferences, such as sensitivity to noise, lighting, or textures. By providing employees with adjustable lighting, customizable noise levels, and flexible seating options, employers can help create a workspace where neurodivergent individuals feel comfortable and empowered.
In addition to physical adjustments, Hollman stresses the importance of considering the type of work neurodivergent employees are tasked with. “Neurodivergent individuals excel at complex problem-solving—exactly the skills needed as AI replaces many repetitive office tasks.”
Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Creating an inclusive workplace culture goes beyond physical accommodations. Hollman notes that companies should also focus on training their teams to understand and support neurodiverse colleagues. “I go out of my way to train my team on how my brain works differently, and I encourage companies to do the same.”
Hollman believes that this type of proactive approach will allow companies to capture a competitive advantage. Neurodivergent employees bring a unique perspective to the table, and when their needs are met, they often outperform their neurotypical peers. A study from the Harvard Business Review supports this claim, highlighting that neurodiverse employees excel in fields like software testing, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
Building a Neurodiverse Future
Designing a more neurodivergent-inclusive world isn’t just a matter of physical accommodations or adjustments in an IEP. It’s about embracing the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals and creating environments where they can thrive.
Whether it’s through personalized education strategies, student-led initiatives, or customizable workspaces, the key to inclusion lies in collaboration and understanding. As Hollman puts it, “If given the right environment, I firmly believe neurodivergent individuals, like my son, will change the world.”
As more schools and workplaces take steps to embrace neurodiversity, we move closer to a world where everyone, regardless of how their brain works, can achieve their full potential.
