An international team of researchers has found individualised support is crucial when advising, guiding and supporting the careers of neurodivergent people.
Dr Joseph Carpini, from The University of Western Australia's Business School, and researchers from Curtin University and Sweden's Karolinska Institutet collaborated on the study published in Human Resource Management.
The review looked at 78 articles on career guidance and employment issues for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, communication difficulties, learning disabilities, motor challenges and intellectual disability.
The study focused on employment barriers, workplace adaptations and career support strategies and combined academic research with the lived experiences of neurodiverse individuals to develop recommendations for employers, educators and human resources professionals.
"Up to 15 per cent of the population is neurodivergent and a large proportion of these individuals remain underemployed," Dr Carpini said.
"We found a one-size-fits-all approach for supporting neurodivergent individuals does not work.
"Workplaces need to be open to diversity and be willing to make meaningful adaptations that help match the individual strengths of neurodivergent people to their jobs."
The findings included: a need to leverage strengths such as creativity, attention to detail and loyalty; offering mentoring opportunities; gradually increasing the number and complexity of tasks; providing well-defined roles, simple communication and predictable schedules with flexibility; and offering structured employment support systems that utilise knowledge, skills and abilities.
"Simple adaptations such as structured workflows, clear communication and quiet spaces enhance productivity for all employees, not just neurodivergent ones, and can go a long way," Dr Carpini said.
"These strategies can create more inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive and, importantly, these adaptations are often not expensive."
The review recommended universities prepare students and educate employers about workplace adaptations, while underscoring the benefits of a diverse workforce.
"Teaching our neurodiverse students how to communicate their needs, request assistance and navigate workplace dynamics is critical for their success," Dr Carpini said.
"It is equally important for our neurotypical students to understand their role in building inclusive workplaces that enable everyone to flourish."
