ADHD and Autism: When Brains Are Wired Differently

Fad illness, fidgety child, socially difficult – these are common prejudices leveled against people with ADHD or autism. But being different is not a disease. People who are autistic or have ADHD are neurodivergent; in other words, their brains work differently to most other people.

The labor market needs diversity. While working on her doctorate at the FernUniversität in Hagen, psychologist Kerstin Erdal investigated how neurodivergent people cope in working life. In addition to working on her postdoc, she now works as a therapist in the outpatient clinic for autistic adults at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. In Germany, between one and two percent of adults are diagnosed with autism. Around two to three percent of adults in Germany are diagnosed with ADHD. It is quite possible, however, that the figures are much higher. Because a psychological examination is necessary, not all those affected are diagnosed.

Only 4 out of 10 people with autism are employed

“People with autism often have problems finding a job. In Germany, only forty percent of people with autism are employed. And staying in a job is often a problem for people with ADHD,” says Kerstin Erdal. She observes how much stress unemployment places on those affected. “It shows that work and health are closely linked. Long-term unemployment often leads to depression or anxiety disorders among sufferers.”

Creating a suitable working environment

Her research shows that a job can have a positive effect on people with ADHD and autism. “Long-term unemployment affects people’s sense of identity and their sense of personal agency. The longer the unemployment lasts, the more difficult it becomes.” But the job and the working environment have to be right. “Neurodivergent people have very specific needs. When employers work with them to create a suitable environment, both sides benefit. Many of them have special skills and feel a strong motivation for their work.”

Neurodivergent people perceive stress more strongly

During her doctoral studies, Erdal used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate how neurodivergent people react to work-related stress. She conducted interviews and analyzed journal-based studies. Neurodivergent people are more likely to struggle with mental health problems or loneliness. They perceive stress more intensely. “Social interaction and belonging are particularly important to them.” However, one of her findings is also how stressful the workplace can be for these people. Strategies that can help those affected include providing a quiet working environment, supportive technology, neutral zones, clear instructions and structures, or the option to work from home.

Individual solutions

“The important thing is that these solutions should be agreed on a person-by-person basis. Because ADHD or autism do not manifest in the same way in every person,” says the researcher. The fact that neurodivergent people perceive stress more strongly is down to the fact that their brains are “wired” differently. “This touches on a core aspect of neuropsychology. MRI scans of people with ADHD and autism reveal changes in the functioning of the amygdala. The amygdala is the brain’s “fear center” and plays a key role in processing emotions – especially fear and aggression.”

Strengthening people’s resilience

Kerstin Erdal wants to empower those affected so that they can cope better with stress. “We all have stress, but there are strategies to deal with it.” The aim is for people with ADHD and autism to keep their jobs – without fear of going to work. However, many of them see themselves faced with structural barriers because our society is geared towards the needs of neurotypical people. “People with ADHD or autism may need to be integrated into the team in a different way. But in times of skills shortages, we cannot afford to do without them and their expertise.” Erdal’s research also reveals the special skills of neurodivergent employees. For example, some participants were able to reorganize work processes where there had previously been chaos.

Challenges in the workplace

However, neurodivergent people are often burdened by dealing with conflicts. “Autistic people in particular are often aware that social interaction and communication are not their strengths. People with ADHD can react very impulsively. It helps if they have someone in the team they can trust.” This person can then “translate” conflicts for them or explain tasks to them in more detail. “One participant said in the interviews that he felt like he was always asking questions, which made him feel annoying.” Kerstin Erdal would like to change this in future. “As a psychologist, I want people to feel good and empower them to cope in the world of work.” That is why she is continuing her research to raise people’s awareness of this important topic.