17 Apr 2025

Why it pays to understand neurodiversity

Living with neurodiversity brings a host of challenges including hurdles to financial wellbeing.

Neurodiversity encompasses various conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These conditions influence how individuals process information, make decisions and manage daily tasks, including financial responsibilities.

This means that neurodiverse individuals are more likely to face bigger challenges when it comes to their financial wellbeing.

For example, a recent medical study, Predicting the financial wellbeing of autistic adults highlights that many autistic adults feel they are struggling with financial wellbeing because of how they manage their money.

Financial challenges

Financial wellbeing involves:

Having control over daily and monthly finances
Absorbing financial shocks
Making informed decisions to stay on track with financial goals
Gaining financial freedom to enjoy life

However, neurodivergent individuals may encounter specific financial obstacles including:

Difficulty processing complex financial information: Traditional financial content is often jargon-heavy, making it harder for those with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism to understand critical details.
Increased vulnerability to financial scams: People with executive function challenges may struggle with impulse control or quickly recognising deceptive schemes.
Struggles with budgeting and organisation: Executive dysfunction can make it harder to track expenses, plan for the future, or consistently manage savings and bills.
Inconsistent income and employment barriers: Many neurodivergent individuals face difficulties securing stable employment due to workplace biases or challenges with conventional job application processes.

How to support neurodivergent people

To help neurodivergent individuals overcome these barriers, accessibility features on technology platforms can cater to diverse cognitive needs in the following ways:

1. Predictable and consistent experience

A platform with strong focus indicators (thick borders, high contrast) helps people to stay oriented while navigating.
Keyboard focus that always remains visible provides a predictable experience.
Long-form educational content that includes anchor links offers easy navigation.

Who benefits?

ADHD users (improves focus and faster navigation
Dyslexic users (easier tracking)
Autistic users (increased predictability)

2. Accessible language

Financial education content should maintain clear, simple language structures.

Financial jargon should be explained with in-line definitions to prevent alienation.

Who benefits?

ADHD users (reduces cognitive overload)
Dyslexic users (improves comprehension)
Autistic and anxious users (enhances clarity and predictability)

3. Text readability and customisation

The ability to adjust text spacing without losing content or functionality helps visibility.
Text that meets WCAG 2.2 standards for spacing and contrast ratios will improve readability.

Who benefits?

ADHD users (makes dense text clearer)
Dyslexic users (reduces letter crowding)
Autistic users (increases consistency and predictability)

The bigger picture: financial inclusion

Digital accessibility is a key driver to financial inclusion for the neurodivergent community.

This includes:

Providing financial education personalised to neurodivergent thinking styles: Breaking down complex concepts into digestible formats enhances understanding.
Offering alternative budgeting tools: Visual and interactive financial planning tools help those who struggle with traditional spreadsheets or financial tracking apps.
Increasing fraud awareness and understanding: Financial education on the ever-evolving fraud threats with personalized alerts to help neurodivergent individuals spot and avoid scams.

The digital financial world must evolve to accommodate all, particularly those with neurodivergent needs.

By adhering to guidelines like WCAG 2.2, we can create more inclusive, predictable, accessible experiences, and help everyone to manage their finances more effectively.