Workplace Accommodations for Neurodiverse Individuals

Sensory Accommodations

• Noise-canceling headphones or quiet workspaces to reduce auditory distractions
• Adjustable lighting options, including natural light or alternatives to fluorescent lighting
• Permission to use fidget tools or sensory items
• Flexible dress code to accommodate sensory sensitivities to certain fabrics
• Private or partitioned workspace to minimize visual distractions

Communication Accommodations

• Written instructions and follow-ups after verbal meetings
• Clear, direct communication with explicit expectations
• Regular check-ins with managers using preferred communication methods
• Advanced notice of meetings and agenda items
• Options for alternative participation in large group activities

Schedule & Routine Accommodations

• Flexible start and end times
• Scheduled breaks for sensory regulation
• Clear routines and advance notice of changes
• Remote work options when possible
• Visual schedules and task management tools

Reading & Writing Accommodations

• Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software
• Grammar and spell-checking tools
• Additional time for reading-intensive tasks
• Digital documents that allow font customization
• Color coding systems and visual organizers

Information Processing Accommodations

• Recording devices for meetings and important conversations
• Verbal instructions alongside written ones
• Mind-mapping software for organizing ideas
• Templates for common documents and reports
• Breaking down complex instructions into smaller steps

Time Management Accommodations

• Digital calendars with reminders and alerts
• Extended deadlines when appropriate
• Task management apps with visual cues
• Dividing large projects into smaller milestones
• Prioritization tools and techniques

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. This includes protections for many neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and dyslexia.

Reasonable Accommodations

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. Neurodiverse employees have the right to request accommodations that enable them to perform essential job functions.

Disclosure Considerations

Information about when, how, and whether to disclose neurodivergence to employers, along with the potential benefits and challenges of disclosure.