CashNews.co
Being self-employed can be liberating. You can decide your own hours, choose where you want to work and be in charge of your own career. Many people enter the world of self-employment to claim back their own time — but for some, it’s a necessity rather than a choice.
Being neurodivergent — an umbrella term that includes conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorders and dyslexia, among others — can make traditional employment challenging.
Although one in seven people in the UK are estimated to be neurodiverse, many workplaces simply aren’t set up for those who function, learn and process information differently.
Because of this, many people find themselves navigating the tricky world of self-employment whether they want to or not, because it’s the only viable way to use their skills and earn a living. Of the 6.5 million freelancers and solo self-employed people in the UK, up to 35% are thought to be neurodivergent.
Why self-employment is often the only option
Kelly Grainger, who was diagnosed as autistic at 44 and with ADHD at 45, is the founder of Perfectly Autistic, a neurodiversity workplace consultancy. He says that for many people, being self-employed can feel like the only option.
“A lot of neurodivergent people can find it really difficult being employed, as the work environment is often not set up to support them in the right way,” he explains.
Read more: Why companies are ordering workers to return to the office
“Problems can occur from sensory sensitivities with bright lights, strong smells or noisy open plan offices. People may struggle with being told what to do — and not understanding the reason why certain things are done in a particular way.”
From office strip lighting to last-minute meetings and inflexible hours, the way we work simply isn’t designed with neurodiverse people in mind. Employers often emphasise that in-person work can build a strong company culture and foster a sense of belonging, but the pressure to socialise can be exhausting for autistic adults. Many find themselves “masking” — acting in a way they think is socially acceptable to fit in — which can be exhausting and stressful.
Dr Selina Warlow, a psychologist specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions and founder of The Nook Clinic, says she has worked with autistic clients who feel misunderstood by colleagues and bosses.
“This can be due to difficulties with social interaction and communication, where they may come across as blunt or rude to colleagues without meaning to be,” she says. “There can also be pressure to network or have large group meetings. For some, these events can feel overwhelming and they may struggle to speak up.”
Even getting jobs in the first place can be harder. Only a third of autistic people in the UK are in work, in part, because traditional hiring practices often cater predominantly to neurotypical people. For example, good eye contact and confident body language is often valued in interviews, which can exclude neurodivergent job seekers.
Read more: Why unpredictable hours are burning out working mums
“Recruitment processes frequently involve formal interviews or panel assessments, which can put neurodiverse candidates at a disadvantage,” says Dr Sona Kaur, a clinical psychologist and neurodiversity specialist.
“Someone with autism who may struggle with social communication, or an individual with ADHD who finds it difficult to sit through lengthy interview procedures, may not perform well in these settings despite having the skills for the job.”
The pros and cons of self-employment
Of course, there are benefits to self-employment. It allows individuals to build a career tailored to their strengths and interests. It’s also often more flexible, so people can set their own deadlines, schedules and work in a way that suits their cognitive and sensory needs. People can take breaks when they need to without worrying about being judged or accused of being “lazy”, and there are fewer social pressures.
“This can help to reduce the risk of burnout, which is a common challenge for neurodiverse people working in traditional roles,” says Kaur.
But there are notable downsides. Being self-employed can be financially unpredictable and isolating. People may also miss out on paid leave, sick pay, pension contributions and the traditional pathways for career advancement.
“Being neurodivergent and running a business is challenging as there will be many competing priorities which require a high level of organisation and focus. For example, managing the finances or doing parts of the job that you just don’t enjoy as much,” says Grainger.
“Having ADHD and then trying to prioritise what needs to be done — rather than focusing on the fun bits — can be difficult. You may find it hard to network and promote your business. Having ways to manage this is key, perhaps through the use of technology or having others support you.”
How can employers be more inclusive
To give neurodiverse people a fair chance at traditional employment, employers need to adapt their recruitment processes.
“They should move away from standard interviews and consider alternatives, such as practical trials or more skills-based evaluations. These methods can provide a more accurate reflection of a candidate’s abilities,” says Kaur.
Read more: Why trauma-informed employers are key to good worker mental health
Providing sensory-friendly workspaces, allowing noise-cancelling headphones, changing the lighting and allowing flexibility is also key.
“Many individuals with autism have found working from home really helpful,” says Warlow. “Allow flexibility in start and end times to accommodate routines. This can also be helpful if someone is travelling by train and may find when the train is busier this is more overwhelming.”
Asking about people’s communication preferences can also help accommodate their needs. For example, instead of offering ideas in meetings, someone may find it easier to contribute via email — which can then be read out and attributed to them.
While changing a schedule may be unavoidable, setting clear tasks and routines can be helpful and, if possible, giving prior notice can help people adjust.
“By making meaningful changes, businesses can empower neurodiverse people to thrive within traditional employment, accessing the same benefits and career opportunities as their neurotypical peers,” says Kaur.
Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.