The Commodification of Neurodivergence: How Capitalism Exploits Autistic & ADHD People
Bridgette Hamstead
In recent years, awareness of neurodivergence has grown significantly, bringing much-needed conversations about autism, ADHD, and other cognitive differences into mainstream discourse. However, alongside this increased visibility, there has also been a troubling trend: the commodification of neurodivergence. Capitalism has found ways to profit from autistic and ADHD individuals while failing to provide meaningful accommodations, protections, or systemic change. Neurodivergent people are frequently exploited in the workplace, marketed to as consumers in disingenuous "neurodiversity-friendly" branding campaigns, and used as inspirational figures without receiving any of the structural support necessary for their actual well-being. If we are to achieve true neurodivergent liberation, we must critically examine and dismantle the ways in which capitalism continues to exploit neurodivergent individuals while offering little in return.
The Labor Exploitation of Neurodivergent Workers
Autistic and ADHD individuals often possess unique skills that are highly valued in various industries. Many autistic individuals excel in pattern recognition, deep focus, and systematic thinking, making them highly sought after in fields like data analysis, engineering, and technology. Likewise, ADHD individuals frequently demonstrate creativity, innovation, and adaptability—traits that can drive progress in fast-paced environments. While these strengths should be recognized and celebrated, the reality is that many neurodivergent workers are taken advantage of rather than supported.
Many companies have launched "neurodiversity hiring initiatives" in an attempt to appear inclusive, but these initiatives often function more as public relations strategies than genuine commitments to accessibility. Employers frequently tout the productivity benefits of hiring autistic and ADHD employees without implementing the necessary workplace accommodations that would enable them to thrive. This creates a system in which neurodivergent workers are valued only for their output rather than as full human beings with needs and rights. The expectation that autistic and ADHD individuals must work twice as hard to "prove" their worth in workplaces that remain inaccessible leads to burnout, exploitation, and mental health crises.
Furthermore, many neurodivergent workers—especially those who struggle with executive function or sensory processing—are pushed into gig work and precarious labor rather than being offered stable, accommodating employment. The rise of the gig economy has been particularly harmful to ADHD and autistic workers, who often struggle with financial instability due to inconsistent work schedules, lack of benefits, and insufficient accommodations. The capitalist labor system prioritizes profit over people, making it difficult for neurodivergent individuals to access secure, long-term employment that respects their needs.
The Rise of Neurodivergence as a Marketing Trend
As awareness of neurodivergence has increased, corporations have taken notice—and not always for the right reasons. Many brands have begun using neurodivergence as a marketing tool, selling products and services branded as "neurodiversity-friendly" without making any real commitments to supporting neurodivergent communities. Social media campaigns, advertising slogans, and corporate messaging often exploit neurodivergent identities to build brand loyalty, while the actual experiences of neurodivergent individuals remain secondary to profit.
For example, many companies release autism-themed products during Autism Awareness Month, yet these same companies fail to hire autistic employees, make their workplaces accessible, or donate to neurodivergent-led advocacy organizations. Similarly, tech companies that develop "productivity apps for ADHD" often capitalize on the struggles of ADHD individuals while failing to address the root causes of workplace inaccessibility and lack of accommodations.
The commodification of neurodivergence extends to self-improvement industries as well, where books, courses, and "coaching" services are marketed specifically to neurodivergent audiences. While some of these resources can be helpful, many exploit the anxiety and desperation of neurodivergent individuals who are struggling in a world that refuses to accommodate them. Instead of advocating for systemic change, these industries often frame neurodivergent struggles as personal failings that can be "fixed" through expensive interventions, shifting the burden of accessibility from society onto the individual.
The Harm of Inspiration Porn and Tokenization
One of the most insidious ways capitalism exploits neurodivergent individuals is through the use of "inspiration porn"—the portrayal of neurodivergent people as heroic figures simply for existing or overcoming adversity. This narrative is especially common in corporate media, where autistic and ADHD individuals are showcased as "success stories" for achieving within neurotypical frameworks, rather than being valued for who they are. These stories often erase the very real struggles neurodivergent individuals face in an inaccessible world, instead turning them into motivational content for neurotypical audiences.
Tokenization also plays a significant role in the commodification of neurodivergence. Companies that claim to support neurodivergent employees frequently highlight one or two "success stories" to create the illusion of inclusivity while failing to make broad, systemic changes. This allows corporations to profit from appearing progressive without actually improving working conditions or policies for neurodivergent employees on a meaningful scale.
Moving Beyond Capitalist Exploitation Toward True Neurodivergent Liberation
To combat the commodification of neurodivergence, we must push for systemic change that prioritizes the well-being of neurodivergent individuals over corporate profit. This includes:
Workplace Protections and Accessibility Companies must do more than offer superficial neurodiversity hiring initiatives; they must implement tangible, enforceable workplace protections that ensure neurodivergent employees receive the accommodations, support, and job security they need. This means offering flexible work hours, remote work options, sensory-friendly environments, and clearer communication structures.
Legislative Changes for Workers' Rights Governments must strengthen labor laws to protect neurodivergent workers from exploitation, ensuring that they are not forced into precarious gig work or denied accommodations in traditional employment. Disability rights protections must extend to neurodivergent individuals, recognizing their unique workplace needs.
Holding Corporations Accountable Companies that claim to support neurodivergent communities must be held accountable for their actions. This means demanding transparency in hiring practices, ensuring neurodivergent individuals are in leadership positions, and redirecting funding from corporate PR campaigns to actual community-based support programs.
Ending the Use of Neurodivergence as a Marketing Gimmick Neurodivergent identity should not be commodified for profit. We must challenge corporations that use autism or ADHD branding without providing real contributions to neurodivergent causes. Instead of supporting performative campaigns, we should invest in neurodivergent-led businesses and advocacy groups that work toward meaningful change.
Shifting the Focus Toward Collective Advocacy Rather than relying on individualistic self-improvement models that place the burden on neurodivergent individuals to "fix" themselves, we must advocate for collective action that addresses systemic oppression. This includes fighting for education reform, universal healthcare, and disability justice policies that benefit all neurodivergent people.
Conclusion: Fighting for a Future Beyond Capitalist Exploitation
Neurodivergent individuals deserve more than to be treated as commodities within a capitalist system that values productivity and profit over human well-being. True inclusion does not come from branding campaigns, token representation, or productivity-driven employment strategies; it comes from systemic reform that ensures neurodivergent people have autonomy, respect, and access to the resources they need to thrive.
We must reject the commodification of neurodivergence and demand a future where neurodivergent individuals are not exploited, but empowered. A world that truly values neurodiversity is one that prioritizes accessibility, workplace equity, and genuine community support over corporate interests. The fight for neurodivergent liberation is not just about awareness—it is about justice, dignity, and the right to exist outside of a system that seeks to profit from our existence.