Redefining Success for Neurodivergent People: Why We Need to Break Free from Capitalist Productivity Standards
Bridgette Hamstead
Mainstream definitions of success have been dictated by capitalist ideals that prioritize productivity, efficiency, and relentless achievement. These standards, deeply embedded in societal expectations, leave little room for neurodivergent individuals, whose ways of thinking, working, and thriving often do not align with neurotypical models of productivity.
Success, as defined by capitalism, is measured by one’s ability to work long hours, climb the corporate ladder, accumulate wealth, and meet externally imposed deadlines. It is about being “useful” in economic terms, where value is determined by output rather than by well-being, creativity, or individual fulfillment. This rigid framework ignores the realities of neurodivergent individuals—autistic people, those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive differences—who experience the world in ways that do not fit into traditional structures of work and productivity.
Breaking free from these oppressive standards is not just a personal act of self-preservation; it is a necessary societal shift. Neurodivergent people should not have to measure their worth through capitalist lenses that were never designed with them in mind. Instead, we must redefine success in ways that prioritize well-being, authenticity, and accessibility.
How Capitalist Productivity Standards Fail Neurodivergent People
Neurodivergent individuals often struggle with traditional work expectations, not because they lack ability or ambition, but because workplace and societal structures are built for neurotypical people. Many neurodivergent individuals experience challenges with executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, fluctuating energy levels, and nontraditional communication styles. These realities make conventional work models—such as rigid 9-to-5 schedules, high-pressure deadlines, and forced in-person collaboration—deeply inaccessible.
For autistic individuals, sensory overload in office environments, the demand for constant social interaction, and the expectation of rapid task-switching can lead to exhaustion and burnout. For those with ADHD, the pressure to adhere to strict deadlines, suppress natural work rhythms, and perform under hyper-structured conditions can result in overwhelming stress and feelings of inadequacy. Many neurodivergent individuals also experience cycles of hyperfocus and executive dysfunction, making it difficult to sustain long-term productivity in ways that capitalist work models demand.
Under these conditions, many neurodivergent people are labeled as lazy, unmotivated, or unprofessional when, in reality, the system itself is the problem. Rather than adapting workplaces to fit the needs of diverse thinkers, capitalism forces neurodivergent individuals to mask, struggle, and push themselves to the point of burnout to survive in an economy that was never built for them.
The Myth of “Hard Work Equals Success”
One of the most damaging myths perpetuated by capitalism is the idea that success comes solely from hard work. While effort and dedication are valuable, this narrative ignores the systemic barriers that make traditional career paths inaccessible for many neurodivergent individuals. It also fails to acknowledge that different people thrive under different conditions, and that productivity is not the only—or even the most important—measure of a meaningful life.
For neurodivergent people, “working hard” often means spending immense amounts of energy just to function in a neurotypical world. This can include masking autistic traits to fit social expectations, overcompensating for executive dysfunction, or pushing through sensory distress to meet workplace norms. The effort that neurodivergent individuals put into merely surviving in these systems is rarely acknowledged, let alone rewarded, because capitalist productivity models do not recognize the labor of adaptation.
The belief that “anyone can succeed if they work hard enough” erases the reality that many neurodivergent individuals face systemic discrimination, inaccessible workplaces, and educational environments that do not accommodate their needs. The playing field is not equal, and success should not be contingent upon a person’s ability to conform to exploitative work practices.
Redefining Success on Neurodivergent Terms
If we are to build a more just and inclusive world, we must redefine success in ways that reflect the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Success should not be measured by income, job titles, or hours worked—it should be measured by fulfillment, well-being, and autonomy.
For some neurodivergent individuals, success means being able to work in an environment that accommodates their sensory needs and communication preferences. For others, it means having the flexibility to engage in deep, passionate work on their own terms rather than adhering to rigid schedules. Success can also mean being able to prioritize self-care without guilt, embracing one’s natural rhythms without shame, and finding joy in special interests without the pressure to monetize them.
Rejecting capitalist productivity standards does not mean rejecting ambition or meaningful work—it means recognizing that worth is not tied to labor. Neurodivergent people have immense value outside of what they produce, and our definitions of success must reflect that.
Building a Society That Values Neurodivergent Contributions
Shifting away from capitalist definitions of success requires systemic change. Workplaces, schools, and institutions must be redesigned to accommodate neurodivergent individuals rather than forcing them to conform to inaccessible standards.
Some ways to foster neurodivergent-friendly environments include:
Flexible work arrangements: Allowing remote work, flexible hours, and task-based rather than time-based productivity models.
Universal design in education and employment: Implementing accommodations that benefit everyone, such as sensory-friendly spaces, alternative communication methods, and individualized learning approaches.
Challenging ableist hiring practices: Moving away from rigid interview processes, unnecessary time constraints, and resume-based evaluations that fail to capture neurodivergent strengths.
Recognizing and valuing diverse work styles: Understanding that productivity is not linear and that periods of deep focus and creativity should be supported rather than punished.
By advocating for these changes, we create a world where neurodivergent individuals can thrive without sacrificing their mental health or authenticity.
Success Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Neurodivergent individuals deserve a world where success is not dictated by capitalist ideals that disregard their needs. The pressure to conform to toxic productivity standards is harmful, unsustainable, and exclusionary. Instead of forcing neurodivergent people to prove their worth through relentless labor, we must build systems that respect different ways of thinking, working, and living.
Redefining success means embracing the idea that fulfillment, happiness, and self-acceptance are just as—if not more—important than external achievements. It means recognizing that neurodivergent individuals have value beyond their productivity and that work should not come at the expense of well-being.
True success is not about meeting arbitrary economic benchmarks—it is about living in a way that honors one’s needs, passions, and humanity. And in a truly inclusive world, that is a standard everyone should be able to reach, regardless of neurotype.