From the missing piece to the bigger picture: building the future of neurodiversity at work (Deadline for submissions extended to June 18)

EAWOP Small Group Meeting

“From the missing piece to the bigger picture: building the future of neurodiversity at work

October 27-28, 2026

University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy

Organizers: Michela Vignoli, Almuth McDowall, & Kerstin Erdal

Abstract submission deadline: May 30, 2026 

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term encompassing neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD), specific learning disabilities (SLD), and Tourette syndrome (Weber et al., 2022). Although it is estimated that approximately 22% of the population is neurodivergent (Doyle, 2020), research on neurodiversity in the workplace has historically received limited attention from a work and organizational psychology perspective. In recent years, scholarly interest in neurodiversity at work has grown rapidly, as reflected in the increasing number of publications and presentations on these topics at international conferences. However, much of this emerging literature has yet to be systematically examined through the theoretical and empirical lenses of work and organizational psychology. As a result, several key questions remain unanswered about the relationship between neurodiversity and work, particularly regarding occupational well-being and career development.

To address these gaps, this EAWOP Small Group Meeting (SGM) aims to foster critical dialogue on how insights from psychology, clinical science, and neuroscience can inform research on neurodiversity and work, while advancing theory development, methodological innovation, and participatory research approaches within work and organizational psychology. The SGM also seeks to identify urgent priorities for future research and evidence-based practice, considering the broader political and societal context shaping contemporary debates on neurodiversity and work.

This EAWOP Small Group Meeting (SGM) seeks to address the following questions, remaining open to contributions that address complimentary topics:

1. Which theoretical frameworks are useful for investigating the relationship between neurodiversity and work? Can existing theoretical models be adapted, or is there a need for new theoretical frameworks?
2. What characteristics and conditions support the career development of neurodivergent individuals? What differences across different forms of neurodiversity may impact career development?
3. How can organizations support the career development and occupational well-being of neurodivergent individuals?
4. How does the disclosure of one’s neurodiversity to the organization influence occupational well-being and career development?
5. How does the management of one's neurodivergent needs in organizations influence occupational well-being and career development?
6. How can a late diagnosis of neurodiversity affect occupational well-being and influence career trajectories?
7. What role do intersecting identities play in shaping the work experiences, occupational well-being, and career development of neurodivergent individuals?

Conceptual/theoretical or empirical contributions are welcome.

Meeting format

The format of the proposed EAWOP Small Group Meeting is specifically designed to facilitate in-depth and critical discussion of the emerging topic of neurodiversity in the workplace, welcoming both theoretical and empirical contributions. To achieve these aims, the programme will comprise approximately 25 oral presentations, organized around key subthemes and discussed in plenary sessions. The meeting will include space to identify key theoretical, empirical, and applied directions for future research and practice in this area. Furthermore, dedicated time will be allocated to discussing and developing joint research projects on neurodiversity at work, as well as identifying opportunities for future applications to international funding schemes.

Participation fee

Regular fee: 100 EUR

Student fee (undergraduates and Ph.D. students): 50 EUR

The participation fee includes one conference dinner, two lunches, and all coffee breaks. Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.

Submission of abstracts

Applicants are invited to submit their abstracts (up to 300 words) based on work-in-progress, emerging ideas, or plans relevant to the small group meeting theme. 

Abstracts should clearly describe:

• Context and relevance: What gap does this submission address?
• Method or envisaged conceptual/theoretical contribution
• Findings or conceptual underpinnings
• Envisaged contribution to neurodiversity research at work 

Abstracts should be submitted to michela.vignoli@unitn.it before May 30, 2026. Interested scholars are also invited to contact the organizers in advance to ask for further information or discuss potential ideas. Applicants will be notified about the acceptance of their presentation by July 16, 2026.