AI Tools and Neurodiversity: Empowering Neurodivergent Staff in Tech

Around 47% of UK desk workers have used generative AI at work in the past year, and 18% use it weekly or daily [1]. For neurodivergent professionals, these tools do more than save time. They offer structure, reduce overwhelm, and support different ways of thinking, making it easier to work in ways that feel natural. AI benefits neurodivergent staff whose strengths and work styles often don't align with rigid systems.

This is a practical opportunity for HR leaders and line managers. Used well, AI can improve productivity, inclusion, and retention, and some tools may even be funded through the Access to Work scheme [2]. Below are three ways AI can support inclusion and boost team performance.

1. Support for Planning and Focus

Some people work best with tools that offer structure, reminders, or visual clarity. AI helps provide that without extra admin.

ChatGPT can help outline projects, brainstorm, and build task lists quickly [3]. Notion AI and Reclaim.ai allow smart time blocking, progress tracking, and priority planning [4].

Across users, 90% report time savings and 85% say AI helps them focus [5]. This makes a real difference to neurodivergent professionals who thrive with clarity, structure, and low-friction tools.

2. Better Meetings and Communication

Meetings are central to workplace life, but often fast-paced, unclear, or inaccessible. This is especially important when 78% of neurodivergent workers say they feel overwhelmed at work [9]. AI tools can change that.

Otter.ai transcribes meetings live, so attendees can stay engaged and review content later [6][7]. Microsoft Co‑Pilot summarises lengthy emails or documents. In trials, users saved 30 minutes weekly on email and completed documents 12% faster [8].

These tools help structure more effective meetings and reduce the pressure to keep up during the call, since staff can access accurate transcripts and summaries afterward.

3. Personalised Tools for Individual Workstyles

Not everyone works the same way, and that’s a strength. AI tools can be personalised to suit how someone processes tasks or manages their day.

Custom GPTs can be designed to use plain language, break down steps, or offer tailored prompts. In one study, professionals with ADHD described AI tools as “incredibly helpful” for managing tasks, transitions, and energy levels [10].

Customisable tools offer support without stigma, letting people manage their day in ways that fit their strengths.

How Access to Work Can Help Reduce Costs

Many AI tools are free, but some come with subscriptions. The Access to Work scheme can help cover these costs.

This UK government grant can fund:

• Transcription tools like Otter.ai


• AI assistants like ChatGPT Plus


• Planning and workflow apps like Notion AI

No diagnosis is required - just a simple explanation of how the tool helps someone do their job. Employers and employees can apply together, and claims are reimbursed with proof of purchase [2].

NNT Can Help You Get It Right

There are a lot of tools out there. Not all are necessary, useful, or inclusive.

At National Neurodiversity Training, we help companies:

• Identify the right tools for their teams


• Build inclusive workflows that enhance productivity


• Apply for funding through Access to Work

We combine lived experience with digital expertise to help your team work better for everyone.

Ready to explore how AI can support your team?

Let’s chat. Contact us at National Neurodiversity Training to find out how we can help you choose and fund the right tools for an inclusive, productive workplace.

References

[1] PwC UK (2024). UK workers and AI. Available at: https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/research-commentary/2024/uk-workers-look-more-favourably-on-ai-as-workloads-increase.html [2] GOV.UK (2024). Access to Work scheme. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
[3] TechRadar (2024). How I use AI to help my ADHD. Available at: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/how-i-use-ai-to-help-my-adhd-5-tools-that-will-help-you-keep-on-top-of-life-and-1-mistake-to-watch-out-for [4] Life Skills Advocate (2024). Revolutionising executive functioning with AI. Available at: https://lifeskillsadvocate.com/blog/revolutionizing-executive-functioning-with-ai-what-you-need-to-know [5] MarketWatch (2024). AI at work: productivity and wellbeing. Available at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/worried-ai-will-take-your-job-these-employees-say-it-actually-makes-work-better-8b2888b2 [6] ACAS (2024). Neurodiversity at work. Available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/neurodiversity-at-work [7] NFIL (2024). Conducting meaningful meetings in a neurodiverse workplace. Available at: https://nfil.net/leadership-management-executive-coaching/conducting-meaningful-meetings-in-a-neurodiverse-workplace [8] arXiv (2024). Early impacts of Microsoft 365 Co‑Pilot. Available at: https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.11443
[9] People Management (2024). Majority of neurodivergent workers feel overwhelmed. Available at: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1890732/majority-neurodivergent-workers-feel-overwhelmed-work-research-finds
[10] Cecchinato, M. et al. (2023). AI and ADHD productivity. Available at: https://www.cecchinato.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Interact-2023_ADHD-productivity.pdf