Neurodiversity in Tech, or ND in Tech, is an incredible online Slack community created to be a supportive environment for neurodivergent technology professionals. It’s a space where neurodivergent individuals can feel heard, valued, and supported. In the tech world, neurodivergent individuals can bring unique, out-of-the-box thinking and perspectives. On the flip side, these same professionals often face barriers such as stigma, misunderstanding, or a lack of accommodations in the workplace.
That’s where ND in Tech steps in. Members get together on a thriving Slack channel to share their career journeys, ask questions, seek advice, and encourage one another. The support is palpable. Conversations are spontaneous and can feel like brainstorming sessions mixed with empathy and mentorship. Two key initiatives are the “Neurodiversity in Tech Happy Hours” and monthly online “Coffee Chats.” These events are more than just casual get-togethers; they’re unique opportunities to form genuine connections. Each virtual get together focuses on a pre-planned topic ranging from neurodiversity-related challenges to job resources and continuing education tips. Whether someone is grappling with a job transition or simply looking for moral support, ND in Tech has them covered.
Founder Hayley Witherell’s leadership style is all about openness and collaboration. They set out to create ND in Tech as a resource and as a home base for neurodivergent individuals who might have felt without a community or misunderstood within the tech sphere. From shared personal experiences to professional support and mentorship, ND in Tech has blossomed into a resourceful hub for all kinds of neurodivergent tech professionals including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and many more.
ND in Tech and ND Hackers
Mark and Charlotte Foudy from Neurodiverse Hackers, a growing community on Discord, chatted with Hayley about how their groups can amplify and support each other. Focused on fostering community and knowledge-sharing, Neurodiverse Hackers is a space where individuals can share resources, collaborate on projects, and discuss the unique gifts and challenges that neurodivergent brains bring to information security. While their mission aligns closely with ND in Tech, their approach and format give them a slightly different flavor. Discord is ND Hackers’ home-base and Slack provides a collaborative workspace for ND in Tech.
What brings these two communities together is their core philosophy: everyone is valued for their unique experiences and perspectives. Whether you’re a late-diagnosed autistic professional rethinking your career path or a hacker with ADHD navigating your workflow, there’s room for you. There is so much overlap between these communities, yet each one has a specific domain. It’s no surprise they bumped into each other on X. In essence, they are united by the fundamental aim: to build each other up.
Spreading Hope & Amplifying Efforts
One of the most essential aspects of ND in Tech and ND Hackers is the shared, unwavering commitment to instilling hope. Instead of focusing on the challenges of neurodivergence, ND in Tech and ND Hackers highlight the incredible strengths that come from thinking differently. This approach has ripple effects, encouraging individuals to believe in their potential, employers to create inclusive work cultures, and society to rethink outdated stereotypes.
Together, these groups demonstrate the power of amplification. On their own, each community has made considerable strides in raising awareness and supporting its members. By sharing resources, co-hosting events, and combining membership networks, their collective impact has the potential to grow exponentially. A Slack conversation on ND in Tech about ADHD coping strategies might morph into an article on ADHD-friendly coding practices in Neurodiverse Hackers. A blog post about autism-friendly hiring managers in Neurodiverse Hackers might find new readers on ND in Tech. With each collaboration, they chip away at the barriers that have historically sidelined neurodivergent individuals in tech.
Grassroots Movements Across the Board
This synergy isn’t happening in isolation. Across the globe, there are amazing regional and national grassroots groups championing neurodiversity in various fields, especially in tech. Some focus on policy change, lobbying for better workplace accommodations. Others provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities. Still others host local virtual and in-person meetups.
What’s awesome is how these diverse grassroots movements collectively create a robust ecosystem of support. ND in Tech and Neurodiverse Hackers see themselves as part of this bigger picture. Rather than competing for attention, they collaborate, and that sense of collective energy fosters an even stronger movement. At every level, from local gatherings to international conferences, there’s a growing recognition that neurodivergent individuals don’t merely fit in the tech world—they can shine in it.
Future Collaborations & Tech Talk Series
Looking ahead, there’s a whole world of possibilities for how ND in Tech and Neurodiverse Hackers can collaborate. One of the most exciting upcoming projects is ND in Tech’s tech talk series. Envisioned as a series of events, these talks will delve into topics decided on in advance or those that come up on the fly. Neurodiverse Hackers plans to support these tech talk series by contributing expertise, sharing personal stories, and amplifying them within their own community.
By working together on the tech talk series and future endeavors that are sure to blossom, ND in Tech and Neurodiverse Hackers are proving that collective effort isn’t just nice to have; it’s crucial for creating sustainable, positive change. When multiple groups unite, they have a louder voice, greater reach, and a richer well of experiences to draw from. It’s like a painting where each stroke adds texture and color to the larger picture.
A Hopeful, Empowering Path Forward
At its core, the collaboration between Neurodiversity in Tech and Neurodiverse Hackers sets a positive example. They show that by being open and inclusive, communities can break down silos and share knowledge in ways that drastically improve the lives of their members. Instead of trying to “reinvent the wheel,” they can recognize the value in supporting one another.
Most importantly, these communities instill hope. Hope that the future of tech will not only welcome neurodivergent talent but actively seek it out and celebrate it. This hope is contagious: when new members see the supportive networks that already exist, they realize they’re not alone. They find mentors and allies who truly understand their experiences.
By embracing collaboration, ND in Tech and Neurodiverse Hackers have taken a crucial step toward building a more robust ecosystem for neurodivergent advocacy. And in doing so, they send a clear message: every voice matters, every perspective adds value, and by uplifting one another, we all become stronger.