Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of conditions that affect how the brain develops and functions. They can impact a person’s ability to socialise, learn, and manage day-to-day tasks. Nevertheless, people with NDDs bring unique skills and strengths to the workplace.

Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders

NDDs encompass a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to

Neurodevelopmental disorders typically become apparent during childhood or adolescence. As such, they can have a significant impact down the line when people enter the world of work.

But with the right support and accommodations from employers, job seekers with neurodevelopmental disorders can reach their full potential in their chosen careers.

Career Advice for People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Keep in mind the following points to help you excel in your job search, the interview process, and choosing the right career for you.

Job Searching

Are you having trouble finding a disability-friendly job? Searching for jobs can be difficult for people with NDDs, but there are ways to make the process easier. For example, make the most of specialised job boards. These job boards only work with Disability-Friendly Employers so you know your future employer will provide a safe, inclusive, and equal environment for you to excel in. 

Interviews

Interviews can be particularly daunting for people with neurodevelopmental disorders, as traditional interviews tend to involve social interactions and communication challenges. 

Preparation is paramount. Plan your answers to common interview questions and practice with someone you trust. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can disclose your disability. Furthermore, if you need any kind of assistive technology, be sure to request it before the interview. 

Get more top interview tips 👉 

Career Choice

Working with a neurodevelopmental disorder can pose certain challenges, but the key is to understand your own strengths and interests. For instance, if you have Autism, you might struggle in situations where you have to deal with the public. 

On the other hand, you may also excel in business strategy, computer programming, or accounting. Your career choice can have a huge effect on your potential success.

Advice for Employers

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that job seekers with neurodevelopmental disorders are given equal opportunities. 

If you want to be one of the UK’s top Disability-Confident Leaders, consider the following points.

Recruitment

Inclusive and accessible hiring processes are vital if you want to attract job seekers with neurodevelopmental disorders. You’ll need to:

  • use inclusive recruitment practices so everyone feels like they can apply for the available position and are welcome in your workplace
  • offer alternative interview formats, e.g., written or online, to accommodate those with different communication preferences
  • be open to discussing potential accommodations, e.g., remote working, and assistive technology, with candidates.

One of the best ways to ensure your job adverts are inclusive and free of discriminatory language is to invest in professional screening. 

Our DEI experts provide comprehensive Job Advert Inclusivity Screenings for businesses of all sizes. We use our language inclusivity checklist to assess your job descriptions, providing you with a final score and detailed feedback.

Staff Retention

A supportive and inclusive work environment is essential for retaining employees with NDDs. The workplace accommodations we mentioned above, along with quiet workspaces, are a good starting point. 

Ongoing disability awareness training will also help to create an inclusive and understanding workplace where everyone is encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. 

Support

All employees need to feel supported by their employers. This starts with opening clear lines of communication where everyone can feel heard and valued. 

You’ll also need to provide the necessary support services and resources, such as mentoring and employee assistance programmes. 

Partnering with the many disability organisations across the UK is another excellent way to gain insight into how to support neurodivergent staff.

Careers With Disabilities: Inclusive Job Services

Here at Careers with Disabilities, we firmly believe in equal opportunities for all. That’s why we work hard to connect job seekers who have neurodevelopmental disorders with the best disability-friendly employers throughout the UK. 

We created our Disability Advice Hub to support people with visible and non-visible disabilities. You can also find in-depth guides and useful advice on our blog.

Are you a job seeker with a neurodevelopmental disorder? Check out our specialised jobs board for all the latest inclusive job opportunities for disability-friendly employers near you.

Are you an employer looking to become more inclusive and disability confident? Our free Employers Hub is packed with advice and guidance, from supporting employees to funding options.

We also a range of tailored employer services, including advertising opportunities on our disability-friendly job board and bespoke annual packages. 

Useful Resources

With invaluable resources for people with NDDs, it’s never been easier to prepare for your new career, get the support you need as a job seeker, and connect with like-minded individuals through inclusive communities.

Here are some trusted UK organisations that can support you. 

Illuminate Inclusion

Illuminate Inclusion is a recognised UK organisation that helps to create inclusive communities. It offers a wide range of inclusion services for people with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities, including workplace need assessments, training and consultancy, and online education.

SCOPE

SCOPE is a disability charity based in England and Wales that is known for its mission to create a fairer society. They provide practical information and emotional support for those who need it.

S4Nd

The Society for Neurodiversity (S4Nd) is a support network for people who identify as neurodivergent. It’s a movement that fights for their rights, recognition and to have a fair share of resources. By joining the S4Nd community, you can help them raise awareness of legal rights, develop relationships with other organisations, and amplify the voice of those who need it.

A person with autism drawing jigsaw pieces

Disability Advice Hub