Let’s start with something I hear far too often:
“Isn’t using AI to help with writing… cheating?”
Let me be absolutely clear. Using assistive technology to remove barriers is not cheating. It’s inclusion.
We don’t question glasses for someone with impaired vision. Or ramps for someone using a wheelchair. So why should we question tools that help neurodivergent professionals communicate more effectively?
This isn’t just a philosophical stance; it’s increasingly a legal one. In March 2024, the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology issued the Responsible AI in Recruitment Guidance, which explicitly calls on employers to implement “reasonable adjustments” when deploying AI in the workplace. This includes ensuring that AI tools are accessible to disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and that their use supports—not hinders—equality of opportunity.
The guidance aligns with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which classifies employment-related AI systems as “high-risk” and mandates safeguards to prevent discrimination. It reinforces obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the EU Employment Equality Directive (2000/78/EC), both of which require employers to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including those with autism and ADHD.
Using AI isn’t about cutting corners.
It’s about levelling the playing field.
What the Law Says: EU and UK Perspectives
Across the EU, the principle of non-discrimination is enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and reinforced by directives such as the Employment Equality Directive. This prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability, including neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations.
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 offers similar protections. Many adults with ADHD or autism qualify under this legislation, meaning employers are legally obligated to provide adjustments that enable them to thrive.
How AI Writing Tools Help; and How to Integrate Them
1. Reducing Cognitive Load and Supporting Executive Function
Writing can be cognitively demanding. For adults with ADHD, initiating and organising thoughts can feel like trying to herd cats. For autistic adults, the challenge may lie in navigating ambiguity or social nuance.
AI tools help by:
- Generating outlines and structure.
- Offering real-time suggestions.
- Providing distraction-free environments.
Workplace tip: Encourage the use of tools like Notion AI or GrammarlyGO. Pair them with quiet zones or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload.
2. Helping People Get Started (and Keep Going)
Blank-page paralysis is real. AI tools can offer prompts, sentence starters, or even draft intros, giving users a springboard to leap from.
Workplace tip: Build AI-assisted writing into workflows. Use tools like Jasper or ChatGPT to co-create first drafts of reports, emails, or proposals.
3. Making Writing Physically and Mentally Accessible
For those with co-occurring conditions like dysgraphia or DCD, typing can be exhausting. Speech-to-text and predictive typing features can be liberating.
Workplace tip: Offer licences for tools like Otter.ai or Microsoft Dictate. Make accessibility part of your tech procurement strategy; not an afterthought.
4. Building Confidence Through Private, Judgment-Free Drafting
Perfectionism and fear of criticism can be paralysing. AI tools provide a safe space to experiment, revise, and grow—without the pressure of immediate feedback.
Workplace tip: Normalise the use of AI for drafting and editing. Let employees know it’s okay to use these tools to build confidence and clarity before sharing work publicly.
5. Personalising Communication Styles
AI tools can adapt tone, format, and complexity, helping neurodivergent individuals express themselves in ways that feel authentic and effective.
Workplace tip: Encourage team members to personalise their AI tools. Whether it’s simplifying language or adjusting tone, flexibility fosters inclusion.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a powerful lever. When thoughtfully integrated, AI writing tools can help neurodivergent professionals unlock their full potential. And when paired with legal compliance and inclusive policies, they can transform not just how we work, but who gets to thrive at work.
If you’re already using AI to support neurodivergent talent, or want to start, I’d love to hear what’s working for you.