Independent evaluation shares findings on the impact of Autism SA’s Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting resources 

Autism SA is pleased to share the findings of an independent evaluation conducted by Adelaide University into our co-designed Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting resources. 

Developed in partnership with neurodivergent people and employers, the Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting website was launched in February 2025 to support employers to strengthen inclusive recruitment and workplace practices. The free online resource provides practical tools, guidance, and strategies to help reduce barriers and create more accessible employment opportunities. 

The evaluation explored how the resources support employers to build knowledge, confidence, and capability. 

Supporting employers to strengthen inclusive practices 

The evaluation found that engagement with the Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting resources was associated with meaningful improvements in employer knowledge and readiness to implement neuro-inclusive approaches. 

Employers reported: 

  • 94% improved their understanding of how to support neurodivergent people 
  • Increased knowledge of inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and workplace practices 
  • Improved confidence in applying neuro-inclusive approaches 
  • High motivation to support inclusive employment 
  • 91% rated the resources as highly useful and practical 

Participants highlighted the practical nature of the resources, including: 

“clear explanations, real-world examples, templates, and step-by-step strategies that could be readily applied across recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing workplace support.” 

These findings reflect the importance of providing accessible, evidence-based resources to support employers and strengthen inclusive employment pathways. 

Supporting more inclusive workplaces 

Participants described how the resources supported greater awareness of barriers experienced by neurodivergent people and provided practical strategies to improve recruitment and workplace practices. 

Many employers reported plans to review recruitment processes, improve onboarding practices, and strengthen workplace supports to better enable neurodivergent employees to succeed. 

The evaluation included employers from a broad range of sectors and organisation sizes, highlighting the relevance of the resources across diverse workplace contexts. 

A co-designed approach grounded in lived experience 

The Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting resources were developed through a co-design process involving neurodivergent people and employers, ensuring the guidance reflects lived experience and practical workplace needs. 

This work aligns with Autism SA’s role as Australia’s oldest autism peak body, supporting systemic change, improving inclusion, and strengthening opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent people. 

Access the full report here: Evaluation Report

Access the resources 

The Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting resources are freely available. 

Explore the resources: https://neuroinclusiverecruiting.org.au 

Together, we can support more inclusive workplaces where neurodivergent people are welcomed, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.