lighting for neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the acceptance that the diversity of brain styles is just that - different, not less. It includes a range of conditions and identities including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, PTSD and many others. 

 

These conditions and identities often come with strengths such as increased concentration, perception, creativity, innovation, problem solving, honest communication, attention to detail, systematic analysis, and a lack of bias.

 

Because individuals with these identities process information, communicate or behave differently to the norm, they often experience barriers to participation in society. While the incomes of this group of people vary widely, there is a disproportionate number who are unemployed or underemployed - for example, autistic adults in Australia have an unemployment rate 6-8 times higher than the general population, and 3 times higher than that of disabled people in general.

 

Companies are beginning to realise this group represents a largely untapped talent pool, and there is a growing movement to create neurodiversity programs that aim to attract ideal candidates. Several studies of these neurodiversity programs have shown that neurodivergent workers have 30-48% greater productivity when compared with neurotypical workers, along with greater staff retention. This is being seen as giving them a competitive advantage.

 

Leaders in this movement have tended to be in the tech and financial sectors, and generally engage architects and interior designers for this type of work.