Neurodiversity: From Awareness to Action

According to The Neurodiversity Alliance, up to 20% of the population is neurodivergent, meaning that their brains process information differently. Below are 10 ways to act and ensure that individuals with neurodiverse profiles can thrive in public service engagement efforts.

1. Plan intentionally and ask questions. Perhaps an individual is better focused with tactile sensations so it could be helpful to have fidgets available on tabletops. Others may learn better in a room with dimmed lighting or a space to remain standing rather than sitting. Questions should be included on registration forms and/or post-surveys to provide more specific accommodation at events or feedback for useful tools at future events.
2. Utilize technology enhancements and other resources. Closed-captioning presentation features help attendees understand spoken content, follow along in real time, and engage fully regardless of other possible distractions. Develop adaptive survey instruments rather than relying on complex language which may require sustained attention and abstract reasoning and assumes uniform cognitive processing capabilities.
3. Post friendly reminders. Encourage conference attendees to keep side discussions to a minimum, as they can distract those with neurodivergent processing styles who may find background noise overwhelming and struggle to maintain focus in such environments.
4. Provide clear, simplified instructions. Offer written instructions, remove metaphors, and remove lengthy or complex verbal instructions in focus groups or other meetings.
5. Use symbols, pictures, or printed handouts. This can be extremely helpful to individuals who may need additional clarity with activities or schedules, as well as those who process shared information better with written content that can accompany auditory content.
6. Design engagement efforts differently. Do not rely on self-reporting mechanisms that assume cognitive clarity, lack adaptive technologies for individuals with cognitive disabilities, or rarely provide alternative communication formats.
7. Create multiple engagement pathways to show appreciation for a wider variety of comprehension levels, communication differences, and response capabilities.
8. Recognize neurodivergence as a category of human diversity. The impact of exclusion in research efforts can result in incomplete demographic representations, potentially biased policy recommendations, and continuation of methods that inherently exclude significant population segments.
9. Be more thoughtful about the need for meetings or engagements. Identify who truly needs to be present and the availability of virtual or hybrid options.
10. Share your own efforts. Help create more awareness and ideas for practical implementation in public service spaces.

True inclusion happens when accessibility is built in from the start, not added as an afterthought. By intentionally designing meetings, engagement strategies, and research practices that reflect a range of cognitive styles, we not only remove barriers for neurodivergent individuals, we improve participation and outcomes for all. Advancing neurodiversity in public service is ultimately about strengthening trust, expanding representation, and ensuring that every voice has a meaningful opportunity to shape our communities.