10 Eye-Opening Statistics About Neurodiversity in the Workplace
- National Neurodiversity Assessments
- May 3
- 3 min read
1. Neurodiversity Is More Common Than You Might Think
Up to 20% of the global population is considered neurodiverse, with some sources suggesting this figure may be as high as 30%. As diagnostic criteria become more accurate and inclusive, these numbers are projected to increase further. More people are discovering that their ways of thinking, learning, and working differ from what's typically considered "neurotypical."
2. Dramatic Rise in Neurodivergent Diagnoses
Autism diagnoses have increased by a remarkable 787% in the past two decades. Similarly, prescriptions for ADHD medication have surged by 800%. This demonstrates the rapid growth in our awareness and understanding of neurodivergent conditions. Unfortunately, diagnostic services are struggling to keep pace, with UK National Health Service waiting lists for neurodivergent assessments stretching up to eight years, and even private referrals taking up to two years.
3. Multiple Diagnoses Are Common
Research cited in a Neurodiversity Whitepaper surveyed 1,117 individuals and found that only 370 reported a single diagnosis, while 328 reported two conditions and 190 reported three. This highlights the potentially complex and highly individual nature of neurodivergent conditions. As autism advocate Dr. Stephen Shore famously noted: "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."
4. Three Conditions Dominate Neurodevelopmental Diagnoses
Dyslexia, autism, and ADHD constitute approximately 70% of all neurodevelopmental diagnoses. While the prospect of designing inclusive workspaces for the full spectrum of neurodiversity might seem overwhelming, focusing on accommodations for these three most prevalent conditions provides a practical starting point.
5. Neurodiversity Drives Productivity and Performance
Neurodiverse teams are 30% more productive than neurotypical ones and make fewer errors. Even on traditional intelligence metrics like IQ tests, neurodivergent individuals—especially those with autism—often score higher than average. Creative insights, outside-the-box thinking, problem-solving abilities, and visual-spatial capabilities are increasingly recognised as valuable strengths that neurodivergent employees bring to the workplace.
6. Employment Disparities Remain Significant
Unemployment rates among neurodivergent people can reach as high as 40%—approximately eight times higher than for neurotypical individuals. Despite the potential commercial advantages of neurodivergent thinking, historical trends show this group has been disproportionately disadvantaged in employment. Traditionally, neurodivergent people have been expected to conform to neurotypical standards of workplace behaviour. Fortunately, as awareness grows, this situation is beginning to improve.
7. Noise Significantly Impacts Workplace Productivity
Hearing someone talking while reading or writing can reduce productivity by up to 66%. As open-plan, agile workplaces become standard, studies show that noisy environments not only hinder performance but also contribute to poor health outcomes, including stress, sleep disorders, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Since many neurodivergent brains are hypersensitive to sound and struggle to filter out excess noise, this can be especially debilitating. Improving acoustic management through solutions like enhanced carpet and flooring can significantly reduce distracting ambient and impact noise.
8. Childhood Autism Diagnoses Have Increased Dramatically
In the United States, 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with autism in 2000. By 2020, this had increased to 1 in 36. This statistic reinforces the growing prevalence of diagnoses globally, particularly for one of the "top three" neurodivergent conditions. While this specific statistic relates to children, the rise in adult diagnoses is also contributing to the societal shift making neurodiversity more visible than ever before.
9. Colour Perception Varies Significantly
Colour blindness affects 1 in 12 men compared to just 1 in 200 women. When designing neuro-inclusive workplaces, it's crucial to recognise that colour and pattern perception varies widely. For individuals with sensory hypersensitivity, colours may appear more vivid. Generally, colours and textures found in nature provide a "safe space" for interior design. Muted palettes and neutrals are universally considered calming, soothing, and neuro friendly.
10. Neurodivergent Individuals Bring Valuable Strengths
Research from Birkbeck University of London's groundbreaking "Neurodiversity at Work 2023" report identified and quantified key strengths that ADHD and autistic neurotypes bring to the workplace:
Hyperfocus: 80%
Creativity: 78%
Innovative Thinking: 75%
Detail Processing: 71%
Authenticity: 64%
This research, which surveyed 1,117 individuals with one or more neurodiversity diagnoses, further demonstrates the unique value that neurodivergent employees can contribute to organisations.
References:
Birkbeck University of London’s entitled ‘Neurodiversity at Work 2023’
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