We recently finished our NERC funded project ‘Enabling Neurodiverse Science Careers’ which used a co-design approach to develop a set of recommendations for challenging neurotypical cultures in the environmental and natural sciences. Drawing on an evidence review, a survey with neurodivergent scientists and a series of focus groups and interviews with neurodivergent early career researchers we were able to identify a series of barriers to full inclusion and suggestions on how to remove those barriers.

Key findings and recommendations

• Data showed the most significant barrier is the academic workplace culture, which lacks understanding of and support for, neurodivergent scientists 
• The most concerning finding was that 37% of ECRs surveyed indicated they had considered leaving academia and that due to this culture, 73% had not requested any adjustments 

EnDISC recommends that institutions: 

• foster a culture of openness and inclusion, and support for neurodivergent employees
• communicate clearly rights and responsibilities, including mandatory adjustments and job role expectations 
• allow greater flexibility for work schedules and location 
• be much more willing to provide adjustments, including private office space