A new study from social enterprise Code First Girls shows that 90% of women are women neurodivergent employees are falling out of their roles in the technology industry.
The research, which specifically examines female neurodivergence employees in the UK technology industry, highlights several issues surrounding the perception of neurodivergence, an umbrella term for a number of disabilities including, but not limited to, autism and ADHD, at the workplace. More than half (52%) of respondents claimed they did not feel comfortable disclosing their condition and/or diagnoses to their employer.
Neurodivergent employees also struggle with advancement, with 54% of respondents reporting that they have never held a leadership role, despite being in the middle of their career. The research shows that neurodivergent employees are also 1.2 times more likely to still be working in junior roles.
Neurodivergence at work
Neurodivergence can make working life a struggle at best and a nightmare at worst. The study claims that the UK Office of National Statistics reports that only 22% of neurodivergent adults are in paid employment, citing office politics, time management and unannounced meetings as the main barriers.
Respondents to the survey also emphasize that inflexibility in work patterns and environment, as well as crises of confidence in what they do, cause problems at work.
But while neurodivergent employees may struggle in some areas compared to their neurotypical counterparts, they can also excel when it comes to the actual work involved.
Anna Brailsford, CEO of Code First Girls, says it best. “Neurodiverse employees are very creative, passionate and discover patterns where others cannot,” she says in the press release. They can spend long periods of time in hyperfocus, but need the support of employers to work at their best.”
“Flexible workingassistive technology, training and mentorship,” she concludes, “can help neurodiverse individuals thrive.”