The Neurodiversity Edge: The Essential Guide to Embracing Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Differences for Any Organization

by Maureen Dunne

Expand your organization’s talent pool by actively recruiting valuable and creative neurodivergent people   People with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysphasia, synesthesia, and other neurological differences can be overlooked by the traditional hiring process. As a result, companies tend to overlook a great number of highly skilled professionals. In The Neurodiversity Edge , Dr. Maureen Dunne, founder of Autism Community Ventures, delivers an insightful and practical discussion of how companies can attract and retain previously underutilized and unreached talent by connecting with the neurodivergent.   In the book, you’ll find the solutions to challenges in understanding neurodivergent workers, accommodating their unique dispositions within existing hiring and assessment practices, and eliminating structural barriers in the recruitment of neurodiverse people. You’ll also   An indispensable resource for managers, executives, directors, entrepreneurs, and founders, The Neurodiversity Edge will also prove invaluable to human resources professionals, recruiters, and other people professionals interested in expanding and enriching their talent pool to include neurodiverse talent. 

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Psychology, Nonfiction, Adhd, Business, Leadership, Science

336 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2024

Reviews

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, just wow. I am honestly blown away by the incredible writing, analysis, and rare insights in this one. I planned to read it on weekends over the next couple of weeks, but I just could not put it down! Finished it in 3 sittings in between meetings. It is not a "preachy" guidebook. It is the type of guide that challenges old thinking and assumptions and leads you to experience your own "aha" moments. Definitely recommend. Honestly one of the best books I have ever read. I read A LOT of books, and the vast majority are not anywhere near this insightful and enjoyable.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique contribution to the field! This is a deep book that makes you think philosophically about society and neurodiversity. I loved the chapter on groupthink...really hit home with everything going on in the world right now, especially social media and politics. My favorite was the discussion about the "divergent bees" and the overall thread that paints a picture of the crucial importance of how all kinds of minds contribute to the overall community.

[Amanda Gulkis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a small business owner, this book was helpful in identifying some of the ways in which an inclusive environment for neurodiversity can be fostered. The key takeaways at the end of each chapter were helpful for reinforcing the points made. I would have loved more specific examples of how to support workers with different types of neurodiversity like ADHD and dyslexia, but I think the point of the book is that there’s no one size fits all approach! The case examples helped identify specific ways in which we can foster (or exclude) neurodivergent workers.

[Sarah Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything I've been trying to get employers, recruiters, and HR people to understand for years. I struggle to find a job I can stick with because of my autism, and I feel that I am embarrassingly underemployed because the jobs I'm more than qualified for won't give me a chance because I can't jump through the right hoops. And I know it's not just me who has this problem because my neurodivergent friends and people I talk to in support groups all have the same frustrations. This should be mandatory reading for everyone in the higher levels of a company.

[Elena Weisenburger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maureen Dunn's „The Neurodiversity Edge“ offers a comprehensive and timely guide for organizations looking to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace. The book sheds light on the strengths and potential of neurodivergent individuals, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment that leverages diverse cognitive talents.

Dunn makes a strong case for moving beyond the medical-deficit model of understanding neurodiversity. Rather than focusing on challenges faced by those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions, she highlights the unique contributions neurodivergent individuals can make when given the right support. This shift toward a strengths-based approach is one of the book’s most compelling features.

The book repeatedly emphasizes the need for psychological safety and workplace flexibility, noting how remote work has been a game-changer for many neurodivergent individuals. Dunn's arguments for universal design —creating environments that work for everyone, not just neurodivergent employees—are well-founded and forward-thinking.

One of the most fascinating parts of the book is its exploration of the Double Empathy Problem, a theory that sheds new light on communication breakdowns between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Dunn emphasizes that communication barriers are not one-sided, offering hope for better mutual understanding in the workplace.

While the book excels in its advocacy for neurodiversity, some readers may find certain sections to be more theoretical than practical. For HR professionals or business leaders seeking a step-by-step guide, there are points where the book could offer more concrete examples of how to implement the strategies it outlines.

Additionally, some of the case studies included, while informative, may feel a bit distant from day-to-day business operations, which could be a drawback for readers looking for immediate applicability.

Overall, „The Neurodiversity Edge“is an invaluable resource for anyone committed to building inclusive workplaces. Dunn’s ability to connect theory with real-world outcomes makes this book both insightful and practical for organizations ready to embrace the future of work. For business leaders, HR managers, and diversity advocates, this book serves as a vital tool in understanding and harnessing the power of neurodiverse talent.

[Ryan Nuckolls-Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great audiobook. I’m considering making this a recommended read for the full-time staff at my nonprofit. Dr. Dunne has presented a well researched deep dive into the benefits of valuing and exploring universal design in order to accommodate and support the brilliance of neurodiverse colleagues, plus she’s writing from her own lived experience (always a plus). If you know anyone that doubts why prioritizing diversify of thought in the workplace matters, this should convince them! The author used a ton of case studies (some examples of blatant discrimination truly shocked me); the provided examples, or more specifically what she wanted us to take away from the stories felt a bit repetitive at times. I would have liked more granular descriptions of implementation across industry and company size, but overall still an excellent resource to add to your professional toolbox.

[Antonio A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful! This book goes deeper than your typical leadership literature, emphasizing the importance of understanding people at an individual level instead of taking the one size fits all approach. As someone who constantly engages with hundreds of individuals, connecting authentically is key in my profession. While leadership books provide valuable strategies, this book compelled me to reassess my approach by highlighting the significance of truly comprehending the unique perspectives and motivations of each person | encounter. It's a powerful reminder that effective leadership stems from genuine understanding and empathy. It is so easy to read.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really insightful read and I have recommended it to my senior leadership, one who is openly autistic, to see about floating this as required development reading for our executive leadership team.

Neurodiversity is the forward path for success and we can already see that simply down to corporations moving away from requiring business degrees, as educated individuals trained under different degree areas and fieldsare the depth and diversity of thought to business.

Was slightly repetitive but overall insightful and a must read for people in leadership

[vincent sisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lay person without a psychology back round I found this book very easy to understand. Dr Dunne has done an exception job relating her message . I am involved in many volunteer organizations and this has helped me understand that everyone has a place and everyone has something special to offer

[David Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every HR department and manager should read this!

This is a truly inspiring book revealing the truths that have been hidden in plain sight. Neurodivergent employees have particular needs and unique insights and can be extremely valuable to corporations in only we are truly valued, included, and allowed to be who we are.

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! Well-researched and written by a neurodivergent author with lived experience. This book explores neurodiversity in the workplace through a strength based lens. A great starting point if you want to make your workplace more neuroinclusive.

[Rita Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read The Neurodiversity Edge as I navigate the possibility of my son having ADHD. The parallels drawn in the book are incredibly insightful, offering a sense of assurance as I await his assessment. It's encouraging to encounter advocates like Maureen Dunne, reminding us of the importance of advocacy in shaping a more inclusive future, especially in the workforce. Highly recommend for parents seeking clarity and empowerment.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for someone high in the workplace. Definitely an info dump so it may be boring to some

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes me wish I worked for a larger company with greater diversity. Masking is exhausting

[Mackenzie Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are in HR or management, I STRONGLY recommend this book!!! Not only was this incredibly validating read to me as an autistic manager, it included actionable advice that has changed how I manage and hire within my own team. I love how Maureen dedicates time in the book to lay out a handful of the many strengths that neurodivergent people bring to the table.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Rosemarie Benjamin]

For businesses, organizations and community leaders as well as anyone interested in neurodiversity and its intrinsic benefits to society, the book 'The Neurodiversity Edge' is a must read. The books' author, Maureen Dunne, has spent years researching and putting together a treasure trove of information on the various forms of neurodiverse thinking. She puts forth a compelling case for universality, especially in the workforce, where the competitive edge of the future lies in the coming together of neurotypical and neurodivergent thinkers.
In many instances she provides first person accounts of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals seeking employment today. By changing the structure of a business 'at its cellular level', Dunne suggests, a more welcoming environment for neurodivergence in the workplace could be realized.
As a former educator I feel that current educators will benefit from reading this book as it will shed light on the type of thinkers they may have in their classrooms.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a significant difference of opinion with the author on mainstream psychology and its origins and influence, but after the first chapter Dr Dunne dives into the real problem of how neurodiverse people are treated in the workplace and how to better integrate them in a professional, yet accommodating manner. I think this book should be a must read for the entire C-suite, every HR professional, and recruiter.

[Sam Peeters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give "The Neurodiversity Edge" by Maureen Dunne four stars on Goodreads. The book offers valuable insights and practical strategies for promoting neurodiversity in organizations, with a strong emphasis on authentic inclusion and the unique contributions of neurodivergent individuals. Dunne's use of metaphors and her distinction between technical and authentic inclusion effectively clarify complex concepts. While the book is an excellent guide, I would have appreciated more detailed case studies and examples of implementation across various industries. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable resource for anyone serious about embracing neurodiversity inclusion.

[Emily Pocock · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're neurodivergent, skip it. If you're a corporate exec looking for a conscience boost without doing the work this one's for you.

This book could’ve been a 45-minute TED Talk but instead we get 8+ hours of corporate fluff thinly disguised as advocacy. This wasn’t written for neurodivergent people. It’s written to comfort CEOs, reassuring them that if they stop saying the R-word and let autistic employees work in peace, their profits might increase. It frames autistics as an “untapped resource,” not as people. It's patronizing and exploitive.

TL;DR

If you stop saying the R-word and let autistic people work in their chosen environment your profits might go up

[Fanny Polchlopek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed!


The Neurodiversity Edge is a powerful and thought-provoking book that completely shifted how I view human potential. Rather than framing neurodiversity through a lens of deficits, Dr. Maureen Dunne presents it as a rich collection of strengths, unique ways of thinking, learning, and solving problems. This perspective felt both refreshing and deeply relevant, especially as I thought about the diverse ways people in my own life navigate the world.
One of the most moving parts of the book for me was the story of Anna. Her experience highlighted how easily real talent can be overlooked due to rigid systems that fail to recognize or accommodate different cognitive profiles. That example stayed with me, and it revealed just how much potential we lose when environments aren't built to support psychological safety or genuine inclusion.
I appreciated how this book combines scientific insight with ethical urgency. It challenged my assumptions and opened my eyes to unconscious biases I hadn’t realized I held. I didn’t expect to gain such a meaningful new perspective at this stage in my life, but Dunne’s message had a deep impact.
Dr. Dunne invites us to look beneath the surface, to recognize hidden value, and to build a future that truly makes room for every kind of mind.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me immediately was Dunne’s writing style, it is clear, purposeful, and deeply thoughtful. She manages to weave together research, personal experience, and real-world examples in a way that feels both approachable and meaningful. Despite the complex nature of neurodiversity, Dunne explains concepts without condescension or oversimplification, making the book incredibly accessible to a wide range of readers.
What I appreciated most was how the book reframed neurodivergence as a strength rather than a deficit. Dunne moves beyond surface-level discussions and challenges the reader to rethink long-held assumptions about intelligence, productivity, and value in society. As someone working in education, I found this perspective not only refreshing but necessary. Her emphasis on authentic inclusion, rather than performative policies, resonated deeply and made me reflect on my own practices.
The information is practical, but also paradigm-shifting. Dunne’s concept of the “Pyramid of Neuroinclusion” and her discussion of the “strength-based framework” provided concrete tools I could immediately apply, while also encouraging broader reflection on how organizations can evolve.
The Neurodiversity Edge is an inspiring and empowering read. It left me not only more informed, but more hopeful about the possibilities for real change when we embrace all kinds of minds. I highly recommend it to educators, leaders, and anyone interested in building a truly inclusive culture.

[Nick Salenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that introduces transformative framework for addressing most human resources opportunity of 21st century.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a powerful shift in perspective, from seeing neurodiversity as a deficit to recognizing it as a strength. Maureen Dunne challenges conventional thinking with a compelling strength-based framework that encourages readers to rethink how we define ability, value, and inclusion. Her approach is both eye-opening and deeply affirming, especially for those who may have only encountered neurodivergence through a lens of limitation.
What makes the book especially effective is how clearly it’s structured. It moves from the “why” of inclusion, highlighting the creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities neurodivergent individuals bring—to the “what,” reframing outdated ideas like “culture fit” in favor of “culture expansion.” Finally, it delivers the “how,” offering practical, thoughtful strategies to make inclusion real and sustainable.
Dunne’s writing is clear, passionate, and well-grounded in research, yet always accessible. She doesn’t just present facts—she tells a story that invites readers to think differently. The statistic that one in five people identify as neurodivergent is a striking reminder of how common, and often overlooked, these differences are. The book doesn’t shy away from addressing the discomfort or uncertainty people may feel, but instead turns that discomfort into an opportunity for growth and understanding.
This isn’t just a book about inclusion, it’s a guide to reimagining the workplace in a way that truly values different ways of thinking. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and refreshingly actionable. For anyone looking to build a more inclusive and innovative environment, this book is an invaluable resource.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, engaging, and deeply informative, this book offers a powerful perspective on the value of neurodiversity in our workplaces and society. The author’s writing is both accessible and compelling, balancing well-researched insights with real-world experience. Her voice is confident without being preachy, and the way she translates complex topics into practical advice makes this an especially helpful read.
What really stands out is how she reframes neurodivergence, not as a deficit, but as a powerful asset. Whether discussing ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other neurotypes, she highlights the strengths often overlooked: creative thinking, hyperfocus, and innovative problem-solving. It’s a refreshing take that feels both necessary and long overdue.
From rethinking hiring practices to designing inclusive hybrid workspaces, the author provides clear steps anyone can implement. She also addresses deeper systemic issues like psychological safety and unconscious bias in a way that’s both thoughtful and practical.
For anyone in leadership, HR, education, or simply interested in creating a more inclusive and effective world, this book is a must-read. It's eye-opening, empowering, and genuinely useful.

[Carlos Perea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Neurodiversity Edge is a powerful and empowering read, especially for those looking to reshape how we understand intelligence, productivity, and inclusion in the workplace. Maureen Dunne brings deep expertise and passion to the subject, making a strong case for the value of neurodivergent thinking in today’s innovation-driven world.
Her writing is thoughtful and well-researched, and the inclusion of real stories from neurodivergent professionals adds authenticity and impact. The sections on visual-spatial thinking and lateral problem-solving were particularly affirming, offering meaningful insight into how different minds can thrive when given the right environment.
That said, the book leans heavily into theory and strategy, and at times feels more geared toward executives, HR professionals, or consultants than individual neurodivergent readers. The ideas are important and well-explained, but some chapters can feel dense for a general audience.
Still, the information is incredibly valuable. Dunne doesn’t just advocate for inclusion, she provides a clear framework for making it happen, backed by science and experience. While the book may not offer step-by-step guidance for individuals, it delivers something just as important: validation, recognition, and a bold vision for change. Recommended for anyone invested in building more inclusive, forward-thinking workplaces.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting perspective
The Neurodiversity Edge offers a compelling exploration of how differently-wired minds can be powerful assets in today’s world. The author, Maureen Dunne, brings years of cognitive science research together with personal insight to create a guide that’s both informative and practical.
Dunne’s writing style is straightforward yet rich with meaning. She explains complex concepts in a way that’s easy to follow, without oversimplifying. The inclusion of real voices and stories from neurodivergent individuals adds depth and makes the content feel authentic and relatable.
The book is filled with practical advice and eye-opening data about how neurodivergent individuals, like those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or synesthesia, are often highly skilled and motivated, yet frequently underemployed or overlooked. Dunne clearly outlines how workplaces and institutions can change that, offering actionable steps rather than vague ideals.
This is more than just a call for inclusion, it’s a blueprint for creating environments where everyone can thrive. It’s a must-read for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in the potential of the human mind. Highly recommended.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Maureen Dunne challenges the deeply ingrained idea that “different” means “less than,” and she does so with clarity, research, and a strong sense of purpose.

Her writing is both informed and accessible. While some of the language leans toward the technical, Dunne uses real-world examples and lived experiences to make the material easy to understand and incredibly impactful. 

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how it redefines inclusion. Rather than viewing it as a buzzword or a checkbox, Dunne frames true inclusion as a series of intentional actions, not just statements of goodwill. Her insights into hiring practices, workplace culture, and the broader economic impact of exclusion are deeply relevant and refreshingly honest.

This book is not just a call to awareness, it’s a guide to real change. Dunne’s message is especially helpful for leaders, recruiters, and entrepreneurs, but the lessons apply across every professional field.

Overall, it’s a compelling and informative read that challenges outdated thinking and offers a roadmap to more inclusive and innovative workplaces. 

[Lina Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book stand out is the way it challenges outdated assumptions. Rather than viewing conditions like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia as deficits, the author presents them as differences, ways of thinking that can bring enormous value when embraced properly. The message is clear: neurodivergent individuals are not broken or incapable; they are simply wired differently, and those differences can be powerful assets.
The writing is direct and easy to follow, even when covering terms that may be unfamiliar to some readers. The author’s tone is both educational and encouraging, and the book’s foundation in over two decades of research and case studies adds credibility to every point made.
While it’s primarily positioned as a guide for organizations, the content is broadly relevant. Anyone curious about neurodiversity or interested in building more inclusive communities will find the information accessible and enlightening. It’s the kind of book that not only informs but also invites reflection and change.
Highly recommended for anyone ready to move past stereotypes and see the true potential in diverse ways of thinking.

[Alice Luker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. As a neurodivergent individual I feel validated, inspired and empowered. This book has given me the knowledge and lingo to confidently and fearlessly advocate for myself and fellow neurodivergents. Thank you!