New tools and resources are emerging to support the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, fostering neuroinclusivity in education and employment.
Globally, around 1 in 7 people are estimated to be neurodivergent (ND; 1), with increasing diagnosis rates driven by heightened awareness, refined diagnostic tools, and broader diagnostic criteria. For autism, recent data indicates that about 1 in 36 children in the United States is identified with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC; 2). Similarly, ADHD affects about 11.4% of children aged 3–17 years in the U.S. (3). With neurodiversity set to be the next frontier for inclusivity, the latest AI-powered innovation areas emphasize strengths-based approaches to understanding and supporting individuals in emploment with conditions such as ASC, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental variations. While a lot of AI-driven tools offer personalised recommendations that can be tailored to support ND users, recent launches feature interventions specifically aimed at supporting neurodiversity. Recent developments focus on how technology can bridge gaps in the workplace, education and daily life, from neurodiverse hiring programs to assistive tools for daily productivity.
"1.6 Billion people (15-20%) out of 8.1 Billion people are neurodiverse"
(source: British Medical Bulletin)
New apps and version updates specifically catering for the neurodiverse market include:
Dyslexia Gold: Launched in 2023 and used by over 1000 UK schools, the programme uses gamification to target specific learning difficulties associated with dyslexia, such as phonics, spelling, and reading fluency.
SpeakOut Kids: Launched in December 2023 Speakout Kids is an inclusive tool for language development and communication, specifically designed to meet the needs of neurotypical and autistic children.
Collage: Launched in February 2024 Collage is a relationship app, specifically designed for the ASC community. Collage's matching scheme is interest rather than image based and hoped foster social connections and meaningful relationships within the autism community.
Calm: In 2023 Calm introduced a series of guided meditations to support users with ADHD. These structured mindfulness programs are aimed at managing sensory overload and include tools to assist with emotional regulation.
Mentra: the world's largest neurodivergent employment network was founded by Jhillika Kumar, Conner Reinhardt. One of the 2023 winners of Forbes ’30 under 30’, the hiring platform boasts a 97% retention rate, placing it in a prime position to tackle the nearly 80% unemployment rate among neurodiverse individuals.
Mightier: A biofeedback-based app designed for children with autism or ADHD to help regulate their emotions. In August 2024, Betterhelp Business announced they would be offering access to Mightier their their employer benefits platform, meaning their members have access to the clinically-validated program at a time of severe shortages of pediatric behavioural health providers.
The rising awareness and understanding of neurodiversity are driving innovations that cater specifically to the unique needs of ND individuals. With tools and resources designed to enhance learning, communication, and emotional regulation, there's a promising shift toward inclusivity in various spheres of life, including education and employment. As these advancements continue to emerge, they hold the potential to significantly improve the experiences and opportunities for the neurodiverse community and society as a whole.
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