According to recent research, approximately one-tenth of adults classify themselves as neurodivergent, but only around half of these individuals have been formally diagnosed. Just half of those who work and identify as neurodivergent have disclosed their status to their employers, with almost 45% reporting that they don’t feel their workplaces are inclusive enough, as per the findings of the survey.
‘Neurodiversity’ denotes the variances in the ways individuals’ brains operate in processing information. Although most people are classified as neurotypical, neurodivergent individuals differ in their information processing methods. Various conditions like autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and Tourette syndrome are considered forms of neurodivergence.
The survey, which involved 1,000 participants, discovered that one in four adults classify themselves or a family member as neurodivergent. Amongst these respondents, the most frequently identified conditions were the autism spectrum condition, attention hyperactivity disorder (both at 34%), dyslexia (18%) and dyspraxia (8%). About 9% of the survey respondents identified as neurodivergent, with half being diagnosed medically, while the rest self-identified.
Conducted by Red C for Bank of Ireland, the survey forms part of the bank’s novel strategy for supporting neurodivergent employees. Matt Elliott, the chief people officer at the bank underscored the need for more work to be done, given that the survey shows only half of the participants believe their workplace is inclusive towards neurodivergent individuals and a mere 20% are aware of their employer’s strategies or practices designed to aid neurodivergent employees.