As companies return to the office, these workers are being left behind
Palardy, who also has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a contractor for two companies and has worked remotely in Houston and Austin for about three years. But as she looks for a full-time position, the 26-year-old worries about flexibility.
'It really does scare me,' she said, adding that she's hesitant to ask for accommodation that would be covered by the American Disabilities Act out of fear of discrimination. 'I want to do well … but I know how much time and energy it takes to show up.'
Anxiety is rising for some of the millions of people who identify as neurodivergent – those whose brains function differently such as those with ADHD, autism or dyslexia. More companies are requiring workers to return to an office five days a week.
Simultaneously, the Trump administration has criticised diversity, equity and inclusion programs, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – secretary for health and human services – suggested people with autism won't hold jobs.
While many neurodivergent people excel in an office, others struggle with sensory issues, inability to focus and exhaustion, workers say. Advocates say it's particularly difficult for neurodivergent people to get flexible work due to the new movement to cut programs that sometimes helps them.
'The job market right now is really competitive,' said Kristyn Roth, chief marketing officer of the Autism Society of America. 'If accommodations [like flexibility] are being cut and DEI services continue to be deprioritised, job opportunities become even more narrow for autistic or neurodiverse workers.'
About a fifth of US adults self-identify as neurodivergent with a majority saying they always or usually feel that their brain works differently, according to a recent survey by research and analytics firm YouGov. They cite issues such as starting tasks before finishing others, being overwhelmed by social situations and struggling to focus.
Companies like Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, AT&T and Goldman Sachs have mandated workers to the office full-time, citing innovation, collaboration and culture, among others, for the change and threatening to fire those who don't comply.
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