Charles Freeman and I (Tumi Sotire) are collaborating to write a series of articles discussing the way Economics plays a vital role in the neurodiversity discourse. 

Before I explain why, it is essential to define both terms.  

Neurodiversity  has been described as the last greatest liberation movement of the 20th century.  It can be described  as a  “subset of biodiversity”. A diversity of thinking types enhances the richness of culture and society. 

The concept Neurodiversity is the idea that no two brain are the same. In recent times Neurodiversity has been seen as an umbrella for a political movement campaigning for equality of neuro minorities . Neuro minorities is a term used to describe people with,  Neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, etc. Neurominorities  can also be described aa those who are neuro distinct, or neurodivergent.  Conventionally academic disciplines associated with Neurodiversity include:

• Education
• Sociology
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Disability Law

We believe it is essential that economics should also be considered when thinking about Neurodiversity So what is economics? Economics is all about the management of resources. Does economics aim to answer how we can meet infinite needs within society given that resources are limited? The truth is, we can’t. Thus difficult decisions are made continuously to maximise the welfare of society. These decisions significantly impact on neuro minorities , as we form a significant segment in the population. 

Considering the current economic climate with high levels of inflation, high interest rates, and over a decade  decline in public spending  in a post Brexit and covid world, it is  safe  to say resources  are limited. Simultaneously the increase in public awareness of neurodiversity and neurodivergence,  the  demand for  pro neurodivergent product and  services has never been higher.  Therefore difficult decisions have to made about how to effectively allocate resources  in an efficient  and equitable manner  to optimise  benefit to  all neurominorities and the wider  study.  Neurodiversity Economics is all about how these difficult decisions are made and  explores  how we can improve the quality of these decisions. 

We have come up with some examples questions or branches that link the study of Neurodiversity with economics:

1. What is the economic benefit of neuro minorities to national and global economies?
2. How are neurominorities treated in the labour market ?
3. Can spending on improving the support of neuro minorities be seen as a supply-side policy which will benefit all?
4. What are the potential costs associated with Neurodivergence, to individuals, families and society? Who bares these costs?, and how can they be minimised?  
5. What are the cost-effective strategies which can be used to maximising the economic potential of neurodivergent people ? Eg reducing waiting times for diagnosis. 
6. Given the cost and benefits is there an economic case for giving neuro minorities support earlier on in life?
7. How do we measure the quality of life of neuro- minorities?
8. Within many most complex hardest to solve  “wicked issues” in public policy, such as long term unemployment, health in equality , low education attainment , crime and anti social behaviour , neurodiversity is frequently an undiscussed component. What policies can be put in place which would increace social justice for ND people , and how can policy makers be made aware of the neurodivergence and the way it impacts on inequalities? What is the impact of neurodivergence on people already facing disadvantage as a result of factors such poverty, ethnicity, gender or other forms of disability? 
9. How can neuro minorities be adequately supported in Less Economic Developed Countries?
10. Can harnessing neuro minority strength/ superpower accelerate development? If so, what policies need to be put in place to make this happen.

Neuro minorities are not a heterogeneous group; there is a lot of variety, and we need to be aware of this in any economic analysis. Furthermore, economics prides itself on empirical analysis. Good quality data is therefore essential. Given the relative novelty of Neurodiversity, the necessary data to answer the questions above is frequently not available? The next logical question is therefore what needs to be done to make this data available.

If these questions were answered with rigorous economic analysis, it will increase the likelihood of more effective evidence based policies being adoptedwhich enhance the life chances of people from neuro minorities across the world.

In the coming months Charles and I help to stimulate the conversation of neurodiversity economics .  We look forward to having you come along with this journey. 

Charles Freeman

I am an experienced policy researcher and strategist, specialising in Culture Sport and The Creative Economy.

I started my career as researcher for a Tourism and Regeneration Consultancy. I then worked in Higher Education and Local Government, before Joining Sport England.

I worked to embed the interests of the Culture, Sport, Film, Heritage and Tourism Sectors within regional policy as Executive Director of Culture South East.

I am currently a Director of my own company . Recent projects have focused on The Creative Economy, Place Shaping, Cultural Planning and Employability.

I am Neurodivergent (Dyslexic and Dyspraxic) and have a particular interest, in Neurodivergence in the Creative Economy, Including, Employment and Self Employment.