Why neurodivergency doesn’t put the brakes on an automotive career

The automotive workforce is built on its diversity. It’s a sector that is open to everyone and offers a multitude of roles that mean a career can go in any direction someone wants it to.

And while there is always room to make improvements, and the IMI is dedicated to making automotive a destination for more people looking for their next career change, one of its successes is bringing in people with neurodiverse backgrounds.

Whether that’s dyslexia, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or those on the autistic spectrum, it’s a sector that does better than many in welcoming more people into the industry.

The IMI’s Neurodiversity Toolkit describes neurodiversity as neurological differences in brain function and variations in behaviours which exist in the human population, and these account for differences in the way people perceive, think, feel, behave, experience, and interact with the world around them.

A neurodivergent individual will have different ways of perceiving and processing information. It’s also worth pointing out that a group of people are neurodiverse, an individual isn’t.

Most neurodivergent conditions are neurodevelopmental, which means that people are born with their condition, and these are usually lifelong. However, people can get much better at coping with their particular symptoms and traits.

In 2016, a study conducted by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research for the UK Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) found that there is a tendency for neurodivergent individuals to be stereotyped according to the more well-known characteristics of their condition. However, it’s important to appreciate that not all individuals with autism are mathematical geniuses, and not all individuals with dyslexia will experience huge difficulties with functional literacy.

Automotive is filled with examples of neurodivergent people who have achieved huge amounts in the sector, from the technical roles in the workshop to guiding entire companies to huge successes.

Arguably one of the biggest names in the sector is Daksh Gupta, former CEO at Marshall Motors and a Vice-President of the IMI.Gupta was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, but it didn’t impede his career trajectory, (he also spoke about his diagnoses in a previous issue of MotorPro magazine). 

“I actually went to Harley Street and saw one of the leading doctors on the topic, just so I could understand it,” he said. “For me, I think it’s actually a strength, because I have the ability to do two or three things at once. I know people joke that guys can’t multitask, but actually I find that I can.”

In the UK, 20% of the population live with some form of neurodevelopmental condition but awareness around these conditions is often lacking, but Gupta is keen to add his voice to help encourage others who live with the condition and to make more people aware of what it is and the implications.

“There’s a huge lack of understanding, and I include myself in that. I didn’t know I had ADHD until 15-odd years ago, so I’m quite comfortable talking about it. I’m in a privileged position where I can try and drive positive change and make a difference in people’s lives,” said Gupta.

Being neurodivergent is no blocker on success, whether it’s in the boardroom or on the shop floor.

George Hinkley’s autism (someone else who’s feature in MotorPro content) hasn’t held him back, he was named Scania UK’s Apprentice of the Year in 2022, and also took home Gold at the IMI Skills Competitions. Not only that but he was named Apprentice of the Year at this year’s IMI Awards.

“I wouldn’t call my autism a disability,” he says. “In my case I would call it an advantage. It’s quite simple really, I’ve learnt to forget the negatives and focus on what I love. And for me that is fixing trucks.

Automotive is arguably one of the most dynamic and exciting career choices, but it has changes that need to be made to bring more people into the industry. But there are successes that can be used to accelerate the change, and in terms of neurodiversity the sector already includes some inspirational people, with incredible careers.

Check out the IMI’s Neurodiversity Awareness in the Workplace Toolkit, developed to raise awareness about neurodiversity across the workforce, and to emphasise the many benefits that neurodivergent individuals can bring to the work environment.