From Prison Cells to Boardrooms: Why Understanding Neurodiversity Changes Lives

It’s a startling contrast. Research consistently shows that neurodivergent people – including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences – are disproportionately represented in two very different places: prisons and entrepreneurial success stories.

Estimates vary about the exact percentage of the prison population who are neurodivergent, but what remains consistent is that ADHD, autism, and dyslexia are over-represented and often undiagnosed or unsupported. These are people whose different ways of thinking, processing, and behaving haven't been understood or accommodated – leading to challenges in education, employment, and society that escalate into crisis. 

But here’s the other side of the story. Neurodivergent people are also thriving as entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. It has been suggested that around 35% of entrepreneurs are dyslexic, and people with ADHD are statistically more likely to start businesses. You may wonder why - because many of the traits that cause problems in rigid, traditional environments – like risk-taking, creativity, hyperfocus, and unconventional problem-solving – can be superpowers when channeled positively. 

So, what separates the neurodivergent individual who ends up locked out of society from the one who drives it forward? Often, it’s not their abilities – it’s the understanding, support, and opportunities they receive along the way. 

There’s a fine line between thriving and surviving, and it often starts in childhood. Without early recognition and support in schools, neurodivergent children can become disengaged and misunderstood. Punitive behaviour policies, lack of flexible teaching approaches, and environments that don’t consider sensory needs can set them on a path of exclusion. 

The same challenges continue into adulthood. Whether it’s the local football club or the workplace, when environments don’t adapt to neurodivergent needs, people get left out and when you repeatedly experience rejection, misunderstanding, or burnout, it’s easy to see how that can spiral into mental health struggles, unemployment, or even criminality. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

At Collectively Diverse, we believe that with better understanding and some thoughtful adjustments, workplaces, schools, and community organisations can unlock the incredible potential of neurodivergent individuals. That’s why we offer training that helps teams and leaders understand neurodiversity – not just to tick a box, but to create cultures where people genuinely thrive. 

Because neurodiversity awareness isn't just for HR teams or SEN departments. It belongs everywhere – from classrooms to sports clubs, from small businesses to global companies. When we get it right, we don't just prevent people from falling through the cracks. We give them the chance to build, lead, and contribute in ways that benefit everyone. 

Training like ours shouldn’t be a luxury or an afterthought. It’s an essential part of building a fairer, healthier, more innovative society. One where fewer neurodivergent people end up in prison – and far more end up running the show. 

If you'd like to find out more about the training we offer through Collectively Diverse and how it could benefit your organisation or community, we’d love to hear from you.