On August 31, 2023, Xochitl Strohbehn published “Neurodiversity—Another Front in the Battle for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Industry” with the American Bar Association. The following is an excerpt:
Embracing neurodiversity--which broadly refers to differences in how people’s brains operate—can offer firm numerous benefits, including capitalizing on the creativity and innovation of their neurodiverse employees. This is in addition to the fact that many neurodiverse traits and “conditions,” such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism, fall within the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act as “mental impairments” for which employees and students are entitled to accommodations. Given the relative ubiquity of neurodiversity, it is critical that, as part of pursuing DEI milestones, the legal profession identify and implement strategies that allow it to improve the hiring, inclusion, and retention of neurodiverse lawyers.