Neurodiversity and Entrepreneurship: How Autistic Professionals Can Thrive
Disclaimers:
Land Acknowledgment: We live and work on the unseated territories of the Wahpekute and Chumash peoples, we pay respects to their elders past and present. We encourage folks to explore the ancestral lands they live and work on, and to learn about the Native communities that live there, the treaties that have been broken. If folks feel called, we encourage them to consider taking actions to support Native communities, reparations, and land back movements (see other resources at the end for more info).
A note on language: The language in the DSM, including the use of the word disorder (D in acronym), some find this harmful, while others prefer the language “disorder.” When this language is used, it is because, as mental health professionals, we need to use this same language when referring to “diagnoses” in the DSM. In addition some Autistics find the use of the level system helpful in identifying the level of support needed, while others view it as an overly simplistic way of defining something that’s fluid, and may feel it’s harmful and minimizing. The beauty is that each individual gets to choose what language feels validating and affirming to them. Inspired by Dr. Jennifer Mullan, we use the term, “therapy participant” rather than “client” or “patient,” as we work toward decolonizing therapy.
Educational Purposes: The information presented here is for educational purposes, and not meant to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions or challenges, including neurodivergence (including mental health challenges), or physical health
Hi all! In today’s blog, we’re diving into a chapter from the newly released textbook Neurodiversity and Entrepreneurship (Markel et al., 2024). Chapter 6, Neurodiversity-Affirming Entrepreneurship: Improving Work Experiences for Young Adults on the Spectrum by Izuno-Garcia and Págan (2024), explores the unique strengths and challenges that Autistic individuals encounter in the workforce. This chapter highlights how employers, entrepreneurs, and neurodivergent professionals can create inclusive and sustainable work environments that accommodate diverse needs.
As part of our ongoing series on neurodiversity in the workplace, we believe this chapter offers valuable insights into the experiences of Autistic professionals while also introducing entrepreneurship as an alternative career path. Traditional workplaces often lack the flexibility that neurodivergent individuals need to thrive, and self-employment or business ownership can offer a way to align work with personal strengths and sensory needs.
Neuron & Rose’s Commitment to Inclusion
Before we dive into the chapter, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges many marginalized communities are facing in the U.S. right now. At Neuron & Rose, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and neuroaffirming practices remains unwavering. Recent executive orders and the harmful discourse around DEI initiatives are deeply concerning, and we want to reassure you that you are not alone.
We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, women, non-binary individuals, and immigrants. To the LGBTQIA+ community especially, please know that we see, support, and love you. Neuron & Rose remains committed to advocacy, accessibility, and affirming care. – With love, the N&R family ♡
Neurodiversity-Affirming Entrepreneurship: Improving Work Experiences for Young Adults on the Spectrum
In our recent blog, When the Boss Gets Bullied, we challenged misconceptions about Autistic professionals—specifically, the false belief that neurodivergent individuals can’t be effective leaders. We highlighted research showing that Autistic workers are highly productive, creative, and valuable assets to the workplace.
Building on this, Izuno-Garcia and Págan (2024) emphasize that Autistic individuals often excel in areas such as attention to detail, reliability, memory, pattern recognition, and creative problem-solving. Many also have specialized skills in fields like technology, research, visual arts, writing, and music.
However, traditional workplaces can present significant barriers. Two of the biggest challenges Autistic professionals face are:
Internalizing difficulties – Nearly 25% of Autistic adults experience co-occurring anxiety or depression. Many feel pressure to mask their traits, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and reduced self-esteem.
Executive functioning challenges – Many Autistic individuals struggle with task initiation, organization, and cognitive flexibility, especially in fast-paced work environments. Additionally, research shows a 50-70% co-occurrence rate between Autism and ADHD (Hours et al., 2022), which can further impact attention, memory, and emotional regulation.
How Entrepreneurship Can Support Autistic Professionals
Given these challenges, entrepreneurship offers an alternative path for Autistic individuals who want meaningful employment without the constraints of traditional workplaces. Some key benefits include:
Increased autonomy – Autistic business owners can create a sensory-friendly, structured environment that suits their needs.
Flexibility – Work schedules can be tailored to match energy levels, executive functioning patterns, and hyperfocus periods.
Reduced masking – Unlike traditional workplaces, entrepreneurship allows for authentic self-expression without the pressure to conform to neurotypical expectations.
Emphasis on strengths – Self-employment enables Autistic professionals to focus on their unique skills and passions without being limited by rigid workplace expectations.
By embracing neurodiversity-affirming entrepreneurship, individuals can create careers that support their well-being while leveraging their natural strengths.
Key Takeaways from Izuno-Garcia and Págan (2024)
This chapter emphasizes that Autistic individuals are fully capable of thriving in the workforce, whether in traditional employment or self-employment. The key to success lies in neuro-affirming practices, accommodations, and workplace flexibility. Employers can improve retention by fostering inclusive work environments, while entrepreneurship provides a viable, empowering alternative for those seeking greater control over their professional lives.
At the end of the day, Autistic professionals deserve fulfilling careers that align with their strengths and needs. Whether you’re exploring new job opportunities or considering launching your own business, know that your skills and contributions are valuable.
If you’re a neurodivergent professional seeking community, support, or resources, we invite you to connect with one of our incredible clinicians or keep an eye out for our upcoming neurodivergent support groups!
Land acknowledgement Resources: Support starts with educating yourself about history, and being willing to sit with uncomfortable truths. It can then include things like: learning about cultural appropriation, and commit to not engaging in and perpetuating cultural appropriation; committing to calling people in to conversations; educating others, honoring Native folks on holidays such as Indigenous People’s Day, considering the implications of celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July; making land acknowledgements, (to find out whose land you’re on, head here), having conversations with people about what you learn; financial support; uplifting and amplifying Native voices and stories; understanding and supporting Land Back efforts; researching and supporting Native causes, including supporting and advocating Native-led for legislation changes. Some options for financial support of Native communities on Wahpekute land are here, here, here, here, here or here; Chumash land here; National.
References
Hours, C., Recasens, C., Baleyte, J. M. (2022). ASD and ADHD comorbidity: What are we talking about? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 837424. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424
Izuno-Garcia, A., Pagan, A. (2024). Neurodiversity-affirming entrepreneurship: Improving work experiences for young adults on the spectrum. In Markel, K.S., Hanson, M.E., Giannantonio, C.M., Hurley-Hanson, A.E. (Eds.), Neurodiversity and entrepreneurship (pp. 123-132). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-798-320241006
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