Krystyn Johnson
Professor Susan Clark Muntean, Ph.D., Associate Professor of
Business
This paper investigates the intersection of neurodiversity, autism, and entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in traditional employment and the opportunities entrepreneurship offers as an alternative pathway. Individuals with
autism, in particular, often encounter biases and skill mismatches in conventional job settings that limit their opportunities. This research highlights how entrepreneurship can leverage specific strengths common in neurodivergent individuals, such as pattern recognition, logical reasoning and attention to detail. The study addresses the problem of resource gaps and limited accessibility for eurodivergent individuals and discusses how targeted interventions might support neurodivergent individuals in employment and entrepreneurship.
This research uses a qualitative approach, conducting an in-depth analysis of existing data and synthesizing findings from multiple published studies on neurodiversity and employment. Key articles and market reports are analyzed to identify trends, gaps and
recommendations regarding the transition of neurodivergent individuals into adulthood and employment, with particular attention to the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) market and ADHD related cognitive traits. Additionally, case studies of inclusive workplace
initiatives by organizations, including Procter & Gamble, are reviewed to examine effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees.
This paper’s findings suggest a need for more inclusive employment programs that accommodate neurodivergent strengths. The study explores how intersectionality theory and the neurodiversity paradigm intersect in social justice advocacy, emphasizing the
need for coalition-building to address workplace inequalities. These insights emphasize the importance of promoting inclusive policies and practices to improve accessibility and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those within entrepreneurial
roles.