Neurodiversity Statistics and Research

Categorised based on theme with links to sources

Neurodiversity Representation | Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Neurodiversity and Cognitive Diversity Statistics

Understanding neurodiversity and cognitive diversity is essential for creating a truly inclusive workplace. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in human brain function and cognitive processes, recognizing conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and more as unique, valuable differences rather than deficiencies.

Cognitive diversity, meanwhile, highlights the varied ways people process information, solve problems, and generate ideas, enriching team performance and fostering innovation. Together, these perspectives challenge traditional approaches to hiring, training, and organizational culture.

This curated collection of statistics is a valuable resource showing the prevalence and impact of neurodiversity and cognitive diversity in the workplace. Studies have shown that neurodiverse individuals bring unique strengths, from pattern recognition to creative problem-solving. For organizations, embracing these differences isn’t only an ethical choice but a competitive advantage.

Companies with high levels of cognitive diversity in teams report improved innovation, increased productivity, and even greater employee retention. Yet, despite these benefits, barriers to inclusion persist. Neurodiverse employees often face biases, limited understanding of reasonable adjustments, and workplace environments that may unintentionally hinder their success.

By highlighting statistics from the latest research, we hope to foster greater awareness, understanding, and action. Whether you’re an HR professional, team leader, or simply interested in supporting neuro-inclusion, these statistics provide a foundation to inform policies, practices, and cultural changes that empower all employees to thrive.

Neurodiversity Representation

Understanding the representation of neurodiversity is crucial for fostering inclusive workplaces and societies. Neurodiversity encompasses all ways in which our cognition can vary from one person to another. Some of these variations have labels including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and many more variations in brain function and processing exist that are natural and common. Statistics in this category highlight how many individuals are neurodivergent, emphasizing that neurodiverse conditions affect millions worldwide and often go underrecognized. By exploring this data, organizations and individuals gain insight into how widespread neurodiversity truly is, supporting greater awareness and enabling better accommodation practices that respect and celebrate cognitive diversity in all areas of life.

Woman looking in distance

US

  1. Estimated 7.1 million (11.4%) children aged 3-17 had ever received an ADHD diagnosis. Source.
  2. Boys (14.7%) almost twice as likely to have had a diagnosis of ADHD compared with girls (8.1%). Source.
  3. Children whose primary language at home is English (12.5%) are 2.5x more likely to have ever received an ADHD diagnosis than when it’s another language (5.4%). Source.
  4. Of those with an ADHD diagnosis – 41.9% reported mild ADHD, 45.3% moderate ADHD, and 12.8% severe ADHD. Source.

UK

  1. An estimated 15% of the UK population are neurodivergent. Source.
  2. More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Source.
  3. ADHD is estimated to affect 3-4% of UK adults – around 1.9 million people. Source.
  4. About 10% of the UK population has dyslexia, while over 6 million people may not have been diagnosed. Source.
  5. 39% of respondents saying they have a neurodivergent child. Source.

 

Global

  1. 15-20% of people worldwide are neurodivergent. Source.
  2. Worldwide, dyslexia is estimated to affect around 9-12% of the population. Source.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Statistics on neurodiversity in the workplace reveal both the challenges and the untapped potential that neurodiverse individuals bring to organizations. From creativity and problem-solving strengths to heightened attention to detail, neurodiverse employees contribute unique perspectives that enhance team performance and innovation. However, data also highlights significant obstacles, such as the need for better accommodations, understanding of reasonable adjustments, and inclusive hiring practices. By examining these statistics, organizations can see the profound benefits of neuro-inclusion and gain insights into creating workplaces that embrace cognitive diversity, leading to higher employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall business success.

Ambition with Cognassist

Neurodiversity Awareness/Training

  1. Only 28% of HR professionals are ‘very confident’ in identifying conditions considered as neurodivergent, while almost one in 10 (9%) are ‘not at all confident’. Source.
  2. 72% of organisations in 2023 have had general awareness training. Source.
  3. 28% of managers had training relating to neurodiversity in 2023. Source.
  4. 35% of managers have not had any training. Source.
  5. Half of managers (50%) would feel uncomfortable hiring a person with a neurodiversity. Source.
  6. 97% Of employees report that an understanding of cognition and neurodiversity is important at work. Source.

 

Disclosure

  1. 35% of organisations have had one or more senior leaders sharing they were neurodivergent. Source.
  2. Employees who disclose their needs are 30% more engaged. Source.
  3. 76% of employees chose not to fully disclose their neurodiversity. Source.
  4. Only 17% report their organisation has a process in place for disclosing neuro-difference. [Cognassist Survey]

  5. 96% of people living with ADHD in the UK reported being reluctant to bring up their diagnosis in the workplace. Source.

 

Neurodiversity Support

  1. 36% of neurodivergent employees claimed to have not received any guidance or support for adjusting their workplace setting. Source.
  2. Nearly a fifth (18%) reported that they didn’t know where to go for help in their organisation. Source.
  3. 72% of HR teams struggle to address neurodiversity within their practises. Source.
  4. 7% of organisations have a ND plan globally. Source.
  5. 30% of respondents find cognitive assessments to provide the most impactful support for neuro-inclusion. 27% – Training, 27% Individualised Strategies, and 15% Reasonable Adjustments. [Cognassist Survey]

 

Sickness/Absenteeism

  1. Supported neurodiverse people may boost business productivity with a 50% decrease in sickness absence. Source.
  2. Half of neurodivergent employees have taken time off work due to their neurodivergence. Source.
  3. 50% of people had been off work during the last year because of neurodivergent related challenges. Source.
  4. 50% of people had been off work during the last year because of neurodivergent related challenges. Source.

 

Productivity/Results

  1. A study by McKinsey & Company found that organizations with higher levels of diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their peers. Source.
  2. 30% Improvement in identifying risks if team is cognitively diverse and 20% improvement in problem solving. Source.
  3. According to a recent survey by TextHelp, an assistive technology provider, companies that establish a Neuroinclusive culture have reported 28% higher revenues, Double net income, 30% higher profit margins. Source.

 

Talent Acquisition/Retention

  1. 81% of workers said they would leave their job if their employer lacked a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Source.
  2. 80% Of candidates say inclusion is important when choosing a new employer. Source.
  3. It is estimated that the direct cost of replacing an individual employee is 50% to 200% of the employee’s annual salary. High staff turnover can have major indirect costs in lost customer relationships, lost institutional knowledge and decreased team morale. Source.

 

Other

  1. Disability discrimination tribunal awards in 19/20 had an average penalty award of £38,800, with a maximum of £265,700. Tribunal awards for Neurodiversity up 133% year on year. Source.

 

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