The UM Neurodiversity Project and The Beautiful Minds Conference
Kathleen M. Woods Ignatoski, PHD
Biosafety Quality Assurance Specialist, UMOR
Research Lead, UM Neurodiversity Project
Sandy Zalmout, MS
Summer Program Business Development Director, ICPSR/ISR
Lead, UM Neurodiversity Project
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that describes how people's brains process information in different ways that result in different ways of learning, thinking and behaving.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is a way of thinking and processing information that differs from societal norms.
Why Neurodivergence?
We need to give the neurodivergent population a voice.
We have heard from a variety of sources that neurodivergent people are better at jobs that require thinking outside the box, analysis of data, and minutia.
In the US, there are alarming statistics pertaining to the neurodivergent population.
Employment Statistics
of adult population worldwide are neurodivergent
20%
of neurodivergent adults are unemployed or underemployed
40%
of college grads with autism are underemployed or unemployed
85%
Generation Timeline
1901-1927
1946-1964
1981-1996
2013-2025
1883-1900
1928-1945
GREATEST /G.I GENERATION
BABY BOOMERS
LOST GENERATION
SILENT GENERATION
1965-1980
GENERATION Y/ MILLENNIALS
GENERATION X
1997-2012
GENERATION ALPHA
ZOOMERS/GEN Z
Boomers with autism undiagnosed
Gen X with autism undiagnosed
Diagnosis Trends
97%
89%
*40-45% of 2029 workforce will be diagnosed or identify as neurodivergent
Workplace Trends
Millenials and Gen Z in work force by 2029
72%
Gen Z entering workforce diagnosed or identify as neurodivergent
62%
Millennials in workforce diagnosed or identify as neurodivergent
53%
Workplace Trends
Neurodiverse teams are 30% more productive, more innovative, and challenge groupthink.
Inclusive organizations realize up to 60% lower turnover costs and higher employee satisfaction and retention.
Sandy Zalmout, Project Lead
Kathleen Ignatoski, Ph.D., Research Lead
Chris Laurinec, co-founder
Neurodiversity Project
The Framework
Resources
Research
Communications and Dissemination of Findings
Toolkits
Accommodations: where to get them, how to get them, what is needed
Resource aid: Healing Blue
Accommodations during trying times: what is available, what is needed
Interview simulation
Accommodations: where to get them, how to get them, what is needed
Resource aid: Healing Blue
Interview simulation
Resources for supervisors of neurodivergent staff
Resources for supervisors of neurodivergent staff and students
Resource aid: Healing Blue
Interview simulation
Students
Staff
Faculty
UM Mental Health and Well-Being Resource Filter
Reported
HEALING BLUE
*178 current UM mental health
resources available
To add your resource
MiHENN: Michigan Higher Education Neurodiversity Network
Questions?
UM NDP: neurodiversity.project@umich.edu