Neurodiversity Support Strategies For Inclusive Manufacturing Environments

Neurodiversity, embracing the spectrum of neurobiological variations within the population, advocates for the acceptance of conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite its overarching principles, the manufacturing industry has encountered challenges in fully incorporating neurodiversity, primarily driven by a historical emphasis on efficiency. This prevailing emphasis has inadvertently erected barriers for neurodiverse individuals aspiring to secure employment opportunities and realizing their full potential within manufacturing settings. To address this issue, the research starts on understanding the unique needs and strengths of neurodiverse individuals, and how these can be leveraged to enhance productivity and inclusivity in manufacturing environments. Then the proposal aims at exploring the development of innovative process and system management strategies to support neurodiverse operators in inclusive manufacturing contexts, such as neurodiverse-friendly workspace design, technologies, occupational health, and organizational aspects. It includes a focus on the case study “Autism Initiative in the Industrial Sector: A Case Study” published by Brian N. Phillips, Timothy N. Tansey, Deborah Lee, Beatrice Lee, Xiangli Chen, Rachel Friefeld Kesselmayer, Antonio Reyes, David S. Geslak, underlying the potential benefits that such inclusion can bring to organisations. The research emphasises the importance of creating adaptable, flexible, and supportive workplaces that enable all employees, including those who are neurodiverse, to excel. The thesis concludes by identifying research gaps and suggesting future directions, such as expanding research and case studies focus on management techniques that can enhance the inclusion and the well-being of neurodiverse operators in manufacturing context. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of neurodiverse individuals, this study aspires to contribute to a paradigm shift in manufacturing practices, fostering environments where diversity is not only embraced but becomes a catalyst for innovation and excellence. This study is motivated by the significant challenges that individuals with neurodiversity face in entering and excelling in the manufacturing industry. Despite advances in the recognition of neurodiversity in various fields, the manufacturing sector lags in welcoming and accommodating individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research aims to address these challenges by exploring the barriers neurodiverse people face in the manufacturing sector and suggesting specific strategies for inclusion, thus reducing the gap between neurodiversity and the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, this study recognises the valuable contributions and unique strengths that neurodiverse workers can bring to an organisation. By providing a supportive environment suited to their needs and harnessing their unique talents, manufacturing companies can unlock new levels of potential and diversity of thought. Implementing inclusive practices, such as neurodiverse-friendly workspace design, technologies, occupational health, and organizational aspects, is critical not only for the advancement of neurodiverse people, but also for increasing the productivity and innovativeness of the manufacturing industry.