A Call to Action: Advancing the Conversation Around Neurodivergent Education-Employment Transitions

Dannie Lynn Fountain
Vicki Baker
Kevin Danley
Closing the Gap (2025)
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Abstract

Neurodiversity is still largely stigmatized and excluded from DEIB frameworks and related organizational initiatives, despite the increased recognition regarding the benefits of neuroinclusion within the education and corporate spheres. We seek to address this knowledge-to-practice gap through the creation of the Neurodiversity Engagement Framework. By highlighting supports needed for neurodivergent individuals, and those that support them, the framework helps neurodivergent individuals navigate within and across higher education and industry contexts. Informed by an interdisciplinary review of literature from higher education, industry, and corporate leadership contexts, the Neurodiversity Engagement Framework brings to light prevailing challenges within practices and policies, serving as a guide for the creation of a more supportive foundation for neurodiverse individuals to thrive. In this manuscript, readers are encouraged to consider the myriad of impacts that neurodiversity has on higher education and industry experiences and the ways that organizations can be more proactive in their support of this growing population. To conclude, we offer a roadmap for future research and practice to further elucidate ways academic and corporation leaders and policymakers can effectively support neurodivergent individuals.