Knowledge and perceptions of neurodiversity in the workplace: a cross-sectional survey of ADHD and ASD awareness among employees at a large corporation

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affect millions globally and are often misunderstood in professional environments. Embracing neurodiversity is essential for inclusivity and leveraging the unique strengths of these individuals. This study evaluated employees’ knowledge and perceptions of neurodiversity, focusing on ADHD and ASD in large corporations, to identify knowledge gaps and propose strategies to create more inclusive workplaces. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 880 employees from AstraZeneca and Alexion in Spain was conducted in July 2024. It assessed knowledge of ADHD and ASD, perceptions of working with neurodiverse individuals, and preferences for educational interventions. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Results: Awareness of ADHD (98.9%) and ASD (98.1%) was high, but misconceptions persisted, with ~20% misidentifying intellectual disability as a symptom of ASD, and restricted interests as a sign of ADHD. Comfort with potentially working with neurodiverse colleagues was rated 7.4/10, yet 60.6% felt that workplaces were inadequately adapted. Preferred educational approaches included school talks (87.5%) and social media (67.6%). Conclusions: Despite positive attitudes, knowledge gaps regarding neurodevelopmental disorders persist. Targeted interventions are essential to emphasize the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and foster adaptable, supportive workplaces that promote inclusivity and innovation.