Top Neurodivergent-Friendly Jobs For The Ultimate Independence

Luckily, workplaces around the world are becoming increasingly inclusive. For many neurodivergent people, this breakthrough means they can finally become financially independent.

In this blog post, we’ll focus on neurodivergent-friendly jobs. If you wish to find more specific tips on landing a job directed at autistic women, see this post.

We’ll start by discussing what makes a job neurodivergent-friendly and then analyze specific top neurodivergent jobs in different industries.

We’ll also overview some inclusive employers that are open to neurodivergent job seekers and examine initiatives that help neurodivergent workers discover job openings.

Finally, we’ll see how neurodivergent people can create employment opportunities for themselves if they choose to.

What Is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence occurs when a person’s brain is different from the majority of people. Consequently, these neurological differences result in specific behaviors and needs.

It isn’t limited to the most well-known conditions, like autism, dyslexia, or ADHD. It isn’t only that there are various types of neurodivergence.

The truth is, even neurodivergent people classified within the same condition experience the world differently.

Lamentably, the traditional workplace often excludes neurodivergent employees. Yet, creating neurodivergent-friendly jobs isn’t just about ethics and inclusion.

Because their brains work in such unique ways, this creates opportunities for organizations. Diversity in the workplace can give businesses an actual advantage.

Fortunately, some companies are already aware of this. They tap into the unique traits of neurodivergent employees.

What Are The Key Characteristics of a Neurodivergent-Friendly Job?

There’s no easy answer to this question. As there are various types of neurodivergence, different neurodivergent individuals will have different needs.

It’s a no-brainer that they may need different support and tools than neurotypical people do. 

What’s worth noting is that even with the same general diagnosis, the needs of neurodivergent people might be notably different. 

And while you should remember to always approach an individual uniquely, we’ll focus on the most common traits a job for a neurodivergent person should have.

What Are The Basic Traits Of a Good Position For a Neurodivergent Individual?

Flexible schedules

One option is entirely remote work. A hybrid working model is another good fit.

Supportive work environment

That is when workplace inclusivity is part of the organization’s culture. It doesn’t necessarily mean there needs to be a specific program in place.

It’s about what the working environment is in real life.

Support beyond workplace

Some organizations make external support beyond their working environment one of the basic traits.

Recognizing the challenges neurodivergent people encounter, employers sometimes offer support not just to the workers but also to their families.

Proper Tools and/or Equipment

Depending on the type of neurodivergence, some neurodivergent employees might need specific equipment.

For instance, autistic employees or highly sensitive people get overstimulated, so they benefit from quieter working spaces.

Sometimes, even inclusive employers can’t make such adjustments, for example, because of the space limitations.

In this case, they could equip their employees with noise-canceling earplugs for neurodiverse people.

Top Neurodivergent-Friendly Jobs Across Industries

There are a few general directions you might want to consider as a neurodivergent person. Still, you should remember that if you’re considering something specific and it isn’t within these areas, it doesn’t mean you should exclude them.

It’s always about your personal circumstances, not what is considered proper for you to do.

Jobs In Technology

Autistic individuals working as this nerdy software engineer might feel like a cliche, but the nature of this job often enables candidates to find a workplace that isn’t challenging to their well-being.

Software development jobs often enable employees to work remotely. However, neurodiverse individuals should note that this rarely applies to entry-level job opportunities.

Creative Jobs

This is quite an umbrella term for many diverse roles to consider. These jobs may include writing, designing, or any other variation of a creative job.

It’s also a space where you can consider being more on your own rather than seeking job opportunities in an organization. When a job search feels like a challenging process, you may consider freelancing.

Data and Research-Oriented Jobs

One unique trait some neurodiverse people have is attention to detail. That might come in handy for any data—or research-oriented position. 

Data analysis or archival work and research – not many people find these position types appealing. Yet, for some neurodivergent job seekers, this might feel like a dream job.

Jobs In Customer Service and Administrative Support

While many positions we associate with customer service, like call center jobs, don’t seem like a good idea, it doesn’t have to be true.

For some neurodivergent individuals, it might be enough they don’t have to deal with people over the phone, but just by email or on online chats.

Again, it depends on the person.

Entrepreneurship and Freelancing

We already mentioned this when discussing creative jobs. Now, it’s time to look into this in more detail.

Finding inclusive employers whose hiring process isn’t a nightmare and who want to use the unique skills of neurodivergent professionals isn’t that easy.

But you can still create opportunities for yourself. Especially today, when the internet has opened so many doors.

Remote work has been a game changer not only for neurodivergent workers but also for people with disabilities.

Finding clients for even more niched-down services isn’t impossible anymore. Your unique abilities might be a perfect fit for someone who lives on the other end of the world.

Top Companies That Support Neurodivergent Employees

At first, the fact that it’s the corporate world that acts as a trailblazer in using the potential of neurodivergent people.

However, it only proves that big players realized how profitable the potential of neurodiverse individuals and their unique skills can be.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the organizations that have already implemented inclusive practices into their culture.

These might interest you if you prefer to look for employment in corporate environments rather than become an entrepreneur.

SAP and Their Autism At Work Program

The said program was launched in 2013. While the name of the program indicates it’s meant for autistic people, on their website, SAP assures it is aimed for people who fall into various neurodiverse groups.

SAP is a German multinational company that specializes in enterprise software engineering. When applying to the program, job seekers are welcome to choose whatever position they are interested in, as long as it is among the organization’s current openings.

As SAP operates in many countries, they have multiple job openings available at any time, and in various work areas, from marketing to finance or human resources.

Dell’s Neurodivergent Hiring Program

Neurodiversity@Dell Technologies is an extensive program that offers opportunities of both internships and full-time positions.

As Dell assures on their website, not only their recruitment process is skill-based, but they also offer support resources needed by neurodivergent workers.

You can discover job openings on their website, where you’ll learn they operate in multiple locations. Plus, they seek employees of different specialties.

Neurodiversity Hiring Initiative By Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a multinational investment bank and financial services company.

Their Neurodiversity Hiring Initiative is a program that starts with an 8-week internship. If they are happy with the applicants, they offer them full-time employment.

Only Goldman Sach’s New York and Salt Lake City offices participate in the initiative. To be eligible to apply, applicants must identify as neurodivergent and hold a Bachelor’s Degree. No work experience is required.

EY and Their Neuro-Diverse Centres of Excellence (NCoE)

EY is a multinational professional services partnership, considered one of the Big Four accounting firms.

As of now, EY runs 23 neurodiverse centres where they aim to support people with different types of neurodiversity, with the first created in Philadelphia in 2016.

EY aims to create a neurodiversity employment network that not only supports professionals, but also their loved ones. 

They also aim to further personalize the process of recruitment. Additionally, they aim to provide a strictly neurodiversity training that is aligned with neuroatypical individuals way of learning and functioning.

Non-Profits and Neurodivergent-Friendly Job Platforms

The potential of neurodiverse people has been recognized not just by leading corporations. So far, there are also a few platforms where neurodivergent job seekers can find support searching for a job.

Founded in Denmark in 2004, Specialisterne has grown to operate in 26 countries. The company intelligently matches neurodiverse individuals with inclusive employers.

On the other hand, Mentra is a neurodiversity employment network. Mentra puts recruiters in contact with neurodivergent individuals, interested in employment opportunities in software, cybersecurity, or data areas.

There’s also Inclusively, who started as a recruiting platform for people with disabilities. Since then, they expanded a lot. Now, they offer a variety of services. In their own words, they “address the increasing demand for personalization of the workforce”.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for opportunities specifically for neurodivergent job seekers, you need a plan. 

First, consider your needs. Once you determine what you must have and what you can’t accept, you’ll know more about your options.

You might decide that, after all, you’d instead explore more independent employment options, like freelancing.

However, if you decide that you want to use your skills working for someone else, it makes sense to search specific job boards. They often allow you to set job alerts, so you won’t miss anything.

Nevertheless, don’t forget that being neurodivergent doesn’t mean things must be harder for you. Your specific skills, abilities, and perspectives can be of great benefit to employers. Luckily, they finally see how neurodiverse individuals can bring something precious to the table.