“I’ve suffered with that a lot myself. With strength blindness. And part of it is that we just keep doing. We do, do, do, do, do. And we just assume that everybody else is able to do the things that we’re able to do. And it isn’t until I started to realize that there were things that I was innately capable of doing that other people weren’t. And it was during those times…when I thought, why doesn’t everybody have the ability to do X, Y, and Z? Or to be able to recognize that this was my gift?”
These are the words of Angela Mondor, a neurodivergent entrepreneur specializing in business strategy, in an episode of the Overgivers Anonymous podcast. As a neurodivergent professional, Mondor is not alone. Roughly 15 – 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, according to research from the consultancy firm Deloitte and other sources. For those unfamiliar, neurodivergence/neurodiversity is an umbrella term describing differences in the way the human mind functions. Originally referring to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodivergence also includes dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, and many other conditions. In the U.S., 19% of Americans identify as neurodivergent, according to a 2024 YouGov poll. Like Angela Mondor, many neurodivergent individuals are exceptionally gifted, with exceptional memories, expert attention to detail, and an impeccable work ethic. They are also highly skilled in a variety of fields, including technology, science, data, and engineering. Despite these strengths and specialized skills, employment success continues to be frustratingly elusive for many in the neurodivergent community, with the neurodiverse population in the U.S. facing an unemployment rate as high as 40%, according to some estimates. There are various factors behind this, including ableism, unconscious bias, lack of reasonable accommodations, and automated hiring processes that screen out people who are neurodivergent. As a result, many neurodivergent professionals have decided to stake out on their own, leveraging their creativity, talents, and entrepreneurial skills to go into business for themselves. While companies still need to prioritize becoming more accessible and inclusive, this entrepreneurial spirit could be revolutionary in transforming neurodiverse employment. For example, the success of neurodivergent entrepreneurs shows the effectiveness of risk-taking, innovation, and thinking outside the box. It also clearly demonstrates to companies that remote work, flexible schedules, and control over work environments are not just viable options but a major boost to productivity.
The growing trend of neurodivergent entrepreneurship has not gone unnoticed. “Like myself, many neurodivergent people and individuals with psychiatric disabilities have blossomed through self-employment or starting a business,” Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, writes for PsychologyToday.com. Gerlach cites a 2018 study that found that 72% of surveyed business owners reported a diagnosis of a mental health condition or identified as being neurodivergent. Gerlach is no stranger to the frustrations of finding gainful employment. As someone on the autism spectrum herself, Gerlach writes that she has experienced numerous job rejections, ultimately becoming an author and starting her own private practice as a psychotherapist. For professionals who are neurodivergent, starting their own businesses can alleviate many of the problems of the traditional workplace, such as sensory overload and lack of reasonable accommodations.
In contrast to a more strictly regimented 9 – 5 job, Gerlach says she has found that being self-employed has given her more freedom to multitask, along with providing more room to express her creativity and to balance independent work and connection. Although Gerlach writes that self-employment has been beneficial for her personally, she adds that she hopes to “see a day when all workplaces are more open and accepting of potential neurodivergent employees. Offering alternative interviews based on a work sample, flexibility in schedules, and having accessible means of gaining accommodation are just a few steps employers could take.” She acknowledges that bias and prejudice are still persistent problems, referring to a 2019 survey study, which found that many employers still mistakenly assume neurodivergent employees are incapable and unreliable. “Lies like this keep society from benefiting from the many gifts these candidates could offer,” Gerlach writes, “and may be in part responsible for the also concerning 83% unemployment rate among autistic individuals. These realities hurt potential candidates, those companies, and the world.” Through their hard work and creativity, neurodivergent entrepreneurs are powerfully demonstrating to employers that those negative assumptions aren’t true, and that the neurodivergent community has a huge amount to contribute. “For entrepreneurs, the ability to process information quickly can be a game-changer in high-stakes environments,” Jennifer Jay Palumbo writes for Forbes.com. “In fact, research has connected ADHD and “entrepreneurial intention,” and some have found significant associations between ADHD and self-employment. Hyperactivity, according to some research, may be the ADHD symptom most closely tied to entrepreneurship.”
Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Making a Difference
As Gerlach notes, there is already ample precedent for neurodiverse entrepreneurship. Business leaders like investor and financial executive Charles Schwab, Virgin Airlines’ co-founder Richard Branson, JetBlue founder David Neeleman, and many others have shown the huge amount that neurodiverse entrepreneurs are capable of. Younger neurodivergent entrepreneurs are also making a difference. ZeZe Sohawan, a 23-year-old from Birmingham, England, has become a mental health advocate after being diagnosed with autism, psychosis, and a personality disorder, and spending time in the U.K. care system. “I think for a long time, being in hospital, I didn’t have a voice, my voice was silenced,” Sohawan told BBC in May 2025. “I had no voice, no choice.” Another neurodivergent entrepreneur featured by the BBC is Iveta Pudilova, also 23, who co-founded National Neurodiversity Training, a U.K.-based program that equips business leaders, managers, and teams with neurodiversity workplace training. “Neurodiversity training is not just a checkbox exercise,” Pudilova told BBC. “We target both neurodivergent employees to help them self-advocate and lean into their strengths but also educate the wider employee network and managers to understand how to actually support neurodivergent teams.” In its profile of neurodivergent entrepreneurs, the BBC also spotlighted Alexios Zachariades-Layland, a 22-year-old with dyslexia, who founded the creative agency Gumbudii, which helps local businesses connect with younger audiences through video. “Jobs don’t really sort of advertise [to people with dyslexia] in a way that they should,” Layland said. “[I found] looking for jobs and opportunities online a very sort of frustrating thing to do.” Layland’s frustration with job-hunting is unfortunately all too common for many people who are neurodivergent. At the same time, the inadequacies of the employment system have unintentionally created a new generation of trailblazers who are spreading positive, inspiring representations of neurodivergence.
Programs Supporting Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
Recognizing the potential of neurodiverse entrepreneurs, some programs and organizations have been launched to increase business leadership opportunities for the neurodivergent community. One of those programs is the Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program (NDEP), which supports business leadership for people with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and other related diagnoses. NDEP offers over $19,000 in grants and services to selected companies, and collaborates with more than 50 partners to support neurodiverse entrepreneurship. Other organizations making a difference include the Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association, which brings together academics, business leaders, and policymakers to support neurodiverse business talent; and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, a U.K.-based organization helping businesses of all sizes, including entrepreneurs who are neurodivergent. “Being neurodiverse myself, I understand some of the barriers that neurodiverse entrepreneurs face,” Faye Greer Pickup, Growth Hub’s Help Desk Manager and Pre-Start Specialist, said. She added that “it has been a real privilege to use this experience to help make self-employment a more accessible option for neurodiverse people within the region.” Neurodivergent entrepreneurs might also be interested in Beyond Open, a program based in Charlotte, South Carolina, which supports small business owners who are neurodivergent. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) also offers business grants for entrepreneurs who are neurodivergent. NASE’s Growth Grant awards up to $4,000 to deserving entrepreneurs, to be used for marketing, advertising, hiring, and other start-up development purposes.
Advice for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
Mandy Nicholson, an artist, author, and Executive Contributor at Brainz Magazine, is an entrepreneur with undiagnosed autism, along with being the mother of two children who are neurodivergent. In her essay, “Why Being a Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Is Powerful”, Nicholson offers valuable advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
“Find networking and business-building opportunities where you are accepted,” she writes. “There are many if you search on the social media sites. Neuro Boost is a relatively new but expanding network focused on helping and supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs.” Nicholson also encourages neurodivergent entrepreneurs to outsource some of the things they might be struggling with. “It can be almost debilitating when you are neurodivergent to do some of the necessary tasks in your business,” she writes. “Finding people who can do these jobs for you will release you to focus on your area of genius. This will mean that you are happier and more fulfilled in your work which will keep you more on track.” Lastly, she encourages neurodivergent entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by setbacks or downturns, but rather to accept these as a natural part of the process. “You will experience success and disaster along the way,” she writes. “You are bigger, bolder, and more ‘too much’ than others so you will be all or nothing. There will be periods of time when all is going well, and sales are good. Then there will be other times when things are not so good. Be cautious not to let the less affluent times cause you to walk away or change course. Find a great business coach, who understands you to keep you on track.” In his essay “Leveraging ADHD traits for startup success: a founder’s guide”, ADHD business coach Erinn Anderson also offers advice for entrepreneurs who are neurodivergent, specifically those with ADHD.
In the U.S. and around the world, neurodivergent entrepreneurs are a shining example of just how much people who are neurodivergent can accomplish. Their creativity, passion, and expertise can and should inspire more employers to recognize the importance of utilizing that talent and that an overhaul to their hiring practices is urgently needed. Creative Spirit’s HireDifferent Academy training program is designed to be a part of that effort, as we work directly with companies to help them improve neurodivergent inclusion and representation within their own workforce. In the words of Errin Anderson, “the startup world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter founder following the same old rulebook. It needs people who see things differently, make unexpected connections, and solve problems in ways others wouldn’t dream of.” Creative Spirit’s objective is to inspire all companies to embrace and appreciate that perspective. If you’re an aspiring neurodivergent entrepreneur, don’t let your talent, creativity, and potential go to waste. Heading into 2026, the world needs it more than ever.
Sources:
Mondor, A. (2025). Overgivers Anonymous Podcast. https://geekygirl.ca/discovering-strengths-a-guide-for-neurodivergent-entrepreneurs/
Healy, B. (2024). “Neurodiversity in the U.S.: 19% of Americans identify as neurodivergent”, YouGov. https://today.yougov.com/health/articles/50950-neurodiversity-neurodivergence-in-united-states-19-percent-americans-identify-neurodivergent-poll
Gerlach, J. (2025). “Why So Many Neurodivergent People Own a Business”, Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-mental-health/202503/why-so-many-neurodivergent-people-own-a-business
Khan, S. (2025). “The young entrepreneurs embracing neurodiversity”, BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2xxxmx4g3o
Pettler, A. (2025). “Empowering Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs from Day One”, York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub. https://ynygrowthhub.com/blog/starting/empowering-neurodiverse-entrepreneurs-from-day-one/
Nicholson, M. (2023). “ Why Being A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Is Powerful”, BrainZ Magazine. https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/why-being-a-neurodivergent-entrepreneur-is-powerful
Anderson, E. (2025). “Leveraging ADHD traits for startup success: a founder’s guide”, Startups Magazine. https://startupsmagazine.co.uk/article-leveraging-adhd-traits-startup-success-founders-guide
Palumbo, J. (2024). “Is Being Neurodivergent A Superpower In Entrepreneurship?”, Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2024/11/27/is-being-neurodivergent-a-superpower-in-entrepreneurship
https://www.nase.org/
https://www.innovationdupage.org/programs/neurodiverse-entrepreneur-program
