Speaker after speaker at the all-day NeuroX Conference in New Brunswick Tuesday detailed how and why creating a more neurodiverse-friendly work environment is great for individual businesses and the overall economy.
This is far more than just a social movement.
Speakers connected to major players in the movement, such as EY, Microsoft and SAP, detailed success stories — and let everyone in on one important fact: Adaptations in the hiring, onboarding and daily work environment not only will help companies attract a talented segment of society that too often is left on the sidelines, the fact is, companies already have a notable percentage of neurodiverse workers — they just don’t know it.
One of the goals of the conference was to find ways to bring understanding and awareness of these issues to the overall community.
State Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D-Hillsborough) went one step further. In one of the many keynote addresses, he detailed how a bill he introduced this summer (S3397) aims to help N.J. create a model ecosystem for neurodiversity hiring and workplace accessibility — one that starts at the higher education level.
“These policies aren’t just about doing what’s right, they’re about harnessing a powerful, often untapped source of talent that can drive our economy forward,” he said. “By providing incentives for neurodiverse hiring, building educational pathways and creating neurodiverse-friendly workspaces, New Jersey can become a beacon of inclusivity and innovation.”
The bill, which sits in the Senate Commerce Committee, would help in three key areas:
Stronger incentives for neurodiversity hiring: “We certainly offer general incentives for diverse hiring, but it’s time for New Jersey to lead the way by creating tax credits or targeted innovation grants that directly reward companies in AI and tech for developing robust, neurodiverse hiring programs,” Zwicker said.
The incentives would reward companies that implement hiring adjustments, provide accessible workspaces or other neurodiverse support structures, such as job coaching and training for supervisors — key parts of the puzzle that often are overlooked.
Zwicker applauded companies (specifically noting EY and Microsoft) that are doing this on their own, and states (such as Rhode Island and Colorado) which have implemented tax benefit programs.
“It’s important for us to realize that we must incentivize these changes here in New Jersey, in all of our businesses, including small businesses and startups,” he said.
Stronger programs in higher education: The state already has a number of four-year institutions with strong neurodiverse programs, including Rowan, Rutgers, TCNJ and Ramapo, but more can be done statewide, Zwicker said. He specifically noted the need for increased funding for programs creating a pathway to employment at the community college level, saying the state’s 18 schools are at the heart of a pipeline for neurodiverse students.
“The growing body of research shows that a large portion of college students with neurological differences start at community colleges because they offer accessibility, smaller campuses and environments that are easier to connect,” he said. “This is our chance to not only empower community colleges but create targeted pathways for neurodivergent students in STEM careers, and, in particular, in AI careers.”
Zwicker, who is the head of public engagement and workforce development at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, knows first-hand how higher education and the workforce can work together.
“I would like to see a statewide tech talent pipeline program that funds neurodiverse-friendly STEM courses, offers scholarships and creates mentorships with neurodiverse professionals who are already in the field,” he said.
“We can and must incentivize New Jersey’s top tech companies to provide real-world experience from internships and apprenticeships designed specifically for neurodiverse students. This would provide individual market skills and also make our state an attractive designation for the next generation of tech.”
Stronger neurodiverse programs within companies: Tapping into the neurodiverse community is one thing, making the necessary adjustments to help that workforce feel comfortable and be able to thrive once they are in the office, is another.
Research shows that many neurodiverse individuals face significant challenges entering the workforce — with one study showing more than half feel a lack of support from both their broader organization and immediate team, Zwicker said. Even worse, one in five neurodivergent professionals report experiencing harassment or discrimination.
All of this leads to a few sobering statistics: Nearly a third of neurodiverse professionals choose not to disclose their status to managers, fearing negative career impact and stereotypical judgments. Roughly the same amount said this work environment impacts their mental health well-being.
“This often leads to masking, where neurodivergent individuals feel pressured to adapt their behavior within the traditional office environment, which just leads to more stress and burnout,” Zwicker said.
New Jersey needs to step up, Zwicker said.
“We need to lead the way in addressing this stigma,” he said. “We need to partner with private companies to develop state supported co-working spaces and innovation hubs, specifically for neurodivergent employees.
“We have to look at grants and incentives for companies to create these spaces, not only to provide the accommodations, but set the standard for other states. It will make New Jersey an even more attractive home for companies that prioritize a supportive, neurodiverse workplace.”
It won’t be easy.
While the NeuroX Conference at the Heldrich drew thought-leaders in the field and business and higher education representatives from up and down the East Coast and as far away as Texas and California, making a legitimate call to action a reality will be tough.
Zwicker knows this. But he said it’s worth the fight.
“I invite all of you here to join me in this, because it will take political work, it will take political capital, it will take state funding,” he said. “But these are all tangible things that we can do, and you know, better than anyone else, the unbelievable impact that that will have.
“Let’s make New Jersey for career destination for neurodiverse talent, where innovation, inclusivity and opportunity flourish side by side.”
