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Tailored support helps neurodivergent people succeed at work, report finds

The Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity called for support based on people’s strengths and challenges rather than a diagnosis.

Tailored support helps neurodivergent people succeed at work, report finds
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Neurodivergent people can succeed at work when they receive employment support based on their individual needs, according to The Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity.

The independent report called for support based on people’s strengths and challenges rather than a diagnosis.

It also recommended stronger disability employment policies, more research, practical support for employees and wider use of universal design in workplaces.

The report stated that increased employment could reduce pressure on health and welfare services and support economic growth.

The Government’s Connect to Work programme provides tailored support to neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities across England and Wales.

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By the end of June, 1,000 people using the specialist pathway had moved into work, including 470 young people.

The programme forms part of £3.5bn in Government funding to help disabled people and those with health conditions enter work by the end of the decade.

Work and Pension Secretary Pat McFadden, said: “When we get the right support in place, neurodivergent people thrive at work.

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“That’s good for them, good for business and good for the economy. Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.

“Connect to Work is already proving this approach works, and we’ll keep building on it so more neurodivergent people get the tailored support they need to build fulfilling careers.”

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Professor Amanda Kirby, chair of The Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity, said: “Neurodivergent people have enormous talent to offer the economy, yet too often that talent goes untapped because support hasn’t matched their needs.

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“Our report shows that when neurodivergent people get the support they need, everybody benefits: employees find roles where they can excel, businesses gain from different skills and perspectives, and the wider economy grows stronger as more people contribute.”