Presentations

Neurodivergent workers, including those with autism, ADHD and related neurocognitive profiles, represent a significant proportion of the workforce and bring valuable strengths to organisations. However, workplace systems are typically designed around neurotypical norms, creating unrecognised hazards that increase the risk of psychological injury, performance management conflict, and workforce attrition. This presentation reframes neurodiversity inclusion not as a discretionary diversity initiative or a reactive reasonable-adjustment process, but as a core Work Health and Safety (WHS) duty of care.

Drawing on evidence from organisational psychology, WHS practice, and applied neuroinclusive consulting, this session explores how common workplace design features such as ambiguous communication, inflexible task structures, sensory-intense environments and punitive performance systems, can function as psychosocial hazards for neurodivergent workers. These risks are frequently unmanaged because they sit outside traditional WHS hazard frameworks and rely on individual disclosure to trigger intervention.

Using real-world case examples, the presentation demonstrates how proactive, systems-based approaches grounded in WHS principles can reduce harm, improve safety outcomes and strengthen organisational capability. Practical tools for embedding neuroinclusive risk identification, consultation and control measures across the employment lifecycle are outlined, with a focus on universal design, participatory approaches and continuous improvement.

Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate neurodiversity into WHS systems in a way that is lawful, evidence-based and beneficial for all workers, demonstrating that inclusive work design is not only ethical, but fundamental to safe and sustainable work.