Australia’s first neurodiversity index

The Believe:NeuroDiversity iNDex

 

What is iNDex?

The Believe:NeuroDiversity iNDex is a measurement tool that rates how well an organisation has progressed in regards to embracing neurodiversity.

It indexes things like:

  • Understanding of neurodiversity

  • HR practices

  • Psychological safety

Why does iNDex exist?

You may have heard some of these phrases:

“What gets measured, gets done.”

“You don’t know what you don’t know.”

“If you can not measure it, you can not improve it.”

This is the exact reason we created iNDex. We want organisations to have meaningful data about their efforts towards neuro-inclusion in the workplace. Through access to this data, we believe organisations will be better equipped to create and sustain safe and inclusive environments for neurodivergent talent.

 

Who is supporting iNDex?

  • Australian Council of Professions (ACoP)

    A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with ACoP on 23rd December 2021 and covers collaborative activities such as our neurodiversity iNDex project, commissioned research and a joint public communications effort.

  • Lewers Research

    Lewers Research is one of Melbourne’s most respected market research agencies. They have been a key contributor to the development of iNDex. We are thankful for their support in survey design, data management and reporting.

Rigorous and robust development

  • Identification of issues

    We used multiple sources to identify key issues for neurodivergent talent.

  • Workshops with experts

    Online workshops with experts to review, refine and expand on our list of issues.

  • Creation of survey tool

    Workshop inputs were translated into a survey and a scoring system was developed.

  • Peer review

    Final review of iNDex by industry experts and our research partner, Lewers Research.

What comes next?

iNDex launches March 2022 with the reports becoming available from May 2022.

We encourage organisations across Australia to take note of the data within these reports and use this as an opportunity to reflect on current inclusive practices.

Believe:NeuroDiversity is here to help organisations on their neurodiversity journey. We have a number of partner organisations that are able to assist. Click here to get in touch.

 
Image of a brain highlighting the idea that diverse thinking is a good thing.
  • “Neurodiversity is about differences, not disabilities, and neurodivergent staff have tremendous strengths that they offer. Everyone has the right to bring themselves to work; and workplaces need to create a culturally safe and conducive environment to do this.”

    Mark Solonsch, President of Believe:NeuroDiversity

  • “Data is critical in establishing and enabling professional associations and employers to work towards more inclusive and safe workplaces for neurodiverse individuals and the important contributions they make across professions.”

    Klaus Veil, President of Australian Council of Professions

We would like to thank ACoP for supporting iNDex and recognising the profound contributions of neurodivergent professionals across Australia. We look forward to Australian workplaces adopting a strengths-first approach to neurodiversity practices.