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Research

Advancing Pathways to Neurodivergent Self-Employment

This resource is based on insights from 75 self-employed neurodivergent Canadians and 70 stakeholders in supported employment, adult education, and entrepreneurship. It provides practical guidance for service and employment providers on how self-employment opportunities can leverage the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals, and create pathways to success.

What unique strengths do neurodivergent individuals have and why are these individuals well suited to small business and freelance opportunities? How can supported employment providers play a key role in working with service providers to ensure that mainstream training programs are accessible? What are the four neurodivergent self-employment pathways and how can these pathways be strengthened to support the neurodivergent population?

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Key Insights

Some neurodivergent professionals do not have, or want, a formal diagnosis due to cost, waitlists, stigma, or personal preferences (29 per cent). Accepting self identification alongside a needs assessment as valid eligibility criteria for services removes unnecessary barriers and ensures that anyone who needs support can access it.

Neurodivergent entrepreneurs shared that many mainstream entrepreneurial training programs are not designed with their learning styles, communication preferences, or support needs in mind. Supported employment providers can play a key role in enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of employment supports for neurodivergent clients.

Traditional financing can feel risky for neurodivergent entrepreneurs due to income instability, challenges with financial management, and potential impacts on government benefits. Supported employment providers can reduce risk by: Connecting clients with microgrant programs or community-based lenders that accept nontraditional applicants.

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