Neurodiversity in Construction: Why Awareness Isn’t Enough.

A recent report by the National Federation of Builders (NFB) revealed that one in four construction workers identify as neurodivergent a significantly higher figure than the general population, where the estimate is closer to one in seven.

These numbers are powerful. They confirm what many of us already know from experience: neurodivergent professionals are not only present in construction, they are thriving.

Neurodiversity refers to natural variations in how people think, process information, and experience the world. This includes conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia all of which bring a mix of strengths and challenges.

According to the NFB’s findings:

ADHD was the most commonly self-reported condition
Autism and dyslexia were also highly represented, with 32% and 31% respectively
Many workers reported that construction offered an attractive environment—with its fast pace, hands-on roles, and focus on practical problem-solving

At The Executive Solutions Agency: when the right support is in place, neurodivergent workers can bring creativity, loyalty, and innovation to their teams.

The report highlighted some promising stats:

80% of those who disclosed their neurodivergence to their employer received some form of support
76% said their co-workers responded well to neurodiversity-related needs
Two-thirds believe the industry can support neurodivergent staff

But despite this progress, 36% said they haven’t disclosed their condition at all, often due to fear of stigma or being misunderstood.

This is the gap we need to close.

At The Executive Solutions Agency, we believe that awareness is just the beginning. Real inclusion happens when awareness is followed by practical, proactive support.

No two individuals experience neurodivergence in the same way. A dyspraxic colleague might need motor skill accommodations, while someone with autism may find a loud site environment overwhelming. The key is tailored support, not assumptions.

With over 80 years of combined experience in the construction industry, our team understands the fast-paced, high-pressure environment your business operates in. We specialise in helping construction companies and workplace consultants create more inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly environments that support retention, performance, and team wellbeing.

We bring a rare blend of practical construction industry knowledge and deep neurodivergent support experience to offer:

Workplace Consultancy - identify gaps in inclusion, provide recommendations and support implementation, ensuring your workplace is supportive and empowering for neurodivergent and disabled employees.

Neurodiversity Awareness Training - Educate your teams, on site and off, about neurodivergence and inclusive practices that improve teamwork, communication, and understanding.

Inclusive Recruitment & Onboarding From job descriptions to interviews and first-week processes, we help you adjust your recruitment practices to attract and retain diverse talent.

Access to Work Guidance We support your team through the Access to Work process, helping you access government funding to put reasonable adjustments in place for neurodivergent or disabled staff.

Support Worker Services We can act as support workers for your neurodivergent team members, funded through Access to Work—providing consistent, structured, and understanding support in the workplace.