The Strengths of Neurodivergence in Veterinary Medicine
By Susie Mitchell, MSSW, CVT, CLEAR Blueprint Program Manager, NOMV and Gabby Cadieux, Outreach Coordinator, NOMV 2025-03-28
Neurodiversity is a topic that is gaining more traction within the veterinary community. Recent estimates suggest 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse, so the growing interest is understandable (Ringie, 2024). As we navigate these discussions, it’s essential to deepen our understanding through defining conditions found across the neurodivergence spectrum. It’s through this foundational knowledge that we can identify the benefits of each area and the ways neurodivergence can contribute to creative, productive, and strong workplace dynamics within the veterinary industry.
Let’s start by defining some key terms:
Neurodiversity refers to the distinctiveness of human minds. It represents the differences in the way people process information, communicate, understand, move, and engage in society.
Neurodivergent refers to having brain functions in ways that differ from the neuro-typical majority. The wide range of neurodivergent conditions can be broadly categorized as neurodevelopmental.
While the following conditions are not an all inclusive list, some of the following can be found within the umbrella of neurodivergence:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms: impulsivity, inattention, and/or over-activity. ADHD symptoms can also look like failure to listen to instructions, inability to stay on task, etc.
Dyslexia & dyscalculia:
Dyslexia: Characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.
Dyscalculia: A specific learning disability with an impairment in mathematics, which can affect calculations, problem solving, or both.
The differences in brain function of neurodivergent individuals can sometimes pose challenges, but can also provide incredible strengths. Strengths that help neurodivergent individuals thrive in veterinary medicine can include:
Exceptional Focus & Detail Orientation: Many neurodivergent individuals excel in tasks requiring precision, such as diagnostics and medication administration.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Neurodivergent individuals often approach challenges creatively, bringing fresh perspectives to complex situations, whether in emergency care or rare diagnoses.
Compassion & Justice Sensitivity: Those with ADHD or autism tend to have a strong sense of compassion and deep desire to right wrongs or protect those that cannot protect themselves. This can make these individuals fervent and determined patient advocates. (Guy-Evans, 2025)
Consistency & Reliability: Many neurodivergent individuals thrive in structured environments, bringing consistency and dependability to daily routines and procedures.
Including neurodivergent people on your team can be an asset. Just like anyone else, they’ll be able to do their best with appropriate support in place. It’s easy to imagine how left-handed surgical instruments would help enable a left handed surgeon to perfect their skills, likewise, knowing which accommodations will best support neurodivergent employees can help them excel in their role.
Some supports and accommodations may include,
Awareness & Education: Promoting neurodiversity awareness and education helps to prevent negative interactions with coworkers and decreases the incidences of microaggressions.
Clear Communication: Providing clear expectations helps reduce uncertainty and empowers neurodivergent employees to excel in their roles. Task lists and well-defined job descriptions can help those with ADHD organize their day and prevent missed steps.
Sensory-friendly Spaces: Creating quieter, sensory-friendly environments, when able, helps neurodivergent individuals stay regulated during hectic times, improving focus and well-being.
Leveraging Technology: Providing both written and verbal instructions can be especially helpful for those with dyslexia. Additionally, making talk-to-text and text-to-talk resources available can help them work more efficiently. Similarly, providing talking scales, thermometers, and glucometers can help those with dyscalculia maintain accurate records and making use of CRI calculators can help them confidently make essential calculations.
Veterinary practices can create a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective workplace that benefits both employees and the animals they care for by recognizing the strengths of neurodivergent individuals and implementing supportive accommodations.
To reach Not One More Vet, Inc. please visit our website www.nomv.org or for press inquiries email [email protected]
Beyond Accommodation: Advancing neurodiversity as a competitive advantage in the workplace. (n.d.). Default. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.rgare.com/knowledge-center/article/beyond-accommodation--advancing-neurodiversity-as-a-competitive-advantage-in-the-workplace
Clarke, P. (2021, May 10). Vet times: Latest veterinary news, jobs & clinical resources. https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/wellbeing-at-work/neurodiversity-in-the-profession-cpdteams
Curiosity can lead to discovery: Embracing neurodiversity | American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024, March 6). https://www.avma.org/blog/curiosity-can-lead-discovery-embracing-neurodiversity
Goldberg, H. (2023). Unraveling Neurodiversity: Insights from Neuroscientific Perspectives. Encyclopedia, 3(3), 972-980. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3030070
Guy-Evans, O. (2025, February 27). Justice Sensitivity In Autistic People. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/autism-justice-sensitivity.html
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.-a). Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Askjan.org. https://askjan.org/disabilities/Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder-AD-HD.cfm
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.-b). Learning Disability. Askjan.org. https://askjan.org/disabilities/Learning-Disability.cfm
Lorne M. Hartman, Braxton L. Hartman, Neurodiversity in the workplace: An agenda for research and action, Diversity & Inclusion Research, 10.1002/dvr2.70000, 1, 2, (2024).
Neurodivergence at a glance. (2022, October 5). Imagine | Johns Hopkins University. https://imagine.jhu.edu/blog/2022/10/05/neurodivergence-at-a-glance/
Neurodiversity in veterinary medicine. (2022, July 21). Alberta Animal Health Source. https://www.albertaanimalhealthsource.ca/content/neurodiversity-veterinary-medicine
Pickles, K., Houdmont, J., Smits, F., & Hill, B. (2024). “Part of the team as opposed to watching from the outside”: Critical incident study of autistic veterinary surgeons’ workdays. Veterinary Record. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4957
Powell, T. (2023, March 13). Neurodiversity in the workplace | neurodivergent talent. PeopleScout RPO - Recruitment Process Outsourcing. https://www.peoplescout.com/insights/neurodiversity-workplace/
Ringie, W. (2024, March 11). The secret sauce: Strengths of the neurodivergent workforce and communication tips to optimize them . The American Animal Hospital Association; AAHA. https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/the-secret-sauce-strengths-of-the-neurodivergent-workforce-and-communication-tips-to-optimize-them/#:~:text=Embrace%20differences%20to%20support%20neurodiversity,the%20secret%20sauce%20to%20success.%E2%80%9D