A survey of knowledge and perceptions of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in the workplace at a large corporation

Neurodevelopmental conditions, 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 autism in large corporations, to identify knowledge gaps and propose strategies to create more inclusive workplaces. Cross-sectional survey of 880 employees from AstraZeneca and Alexion in Spain was conducted in July 2024. It assessed knowledge of ADHD and autism, perceptions of working with neurodivergent individuals, and preferences for educational interventions. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire and analyzed descriptively and analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize frequencies, proportions, and central tendency measures. Awareness of ADHD (98.9%) and autism (98.1%) was high, but misconceptions persisted, with ~ 20% misidentifying intellectual disability as a symptom of autism, and restricted interests as a sign of ADHD. Comfort with potentially working with neurodivergent 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%). Despite positive attitudes, knowledge gaps regarding neurodevelopmental disorders persist. Targeted interventions are essential to emphasize the strengths of neurodivergent individuals and foster adaptable, supportive workplaces that promote inclusivity and innovation.