Neurodiversity, Creativity & Entrepreneurship
A Review of Research on Neurodiversity & Creatorship
It’s well-established that some of the most prolific creators are neurodiverse. In other words, they have brains that function differently from the average — or “neurotypical” — person.
Researchers believe the prevalence of neurodiversity is so high among creators because the neurodiverse brain may be particularly well-designed for creative and entrepreneurial work
Let's explore the creative gifts behind forms of neurodiversity like:
Dyslexia
Autism
Sensory Processing Sensitivity
ADHD
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that primarily affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell, making it particularly challenging to understand written text.
Research has shown that entrepreneurs are 35x more likely to be dyslexic than managers (10), and adults with dyslexia significantly outperform controls in creativity tasks (6).
Some researchers believe that the unique neurobiology of dyslexia contributes to thought and behavioral patterns that support creative and entrepreneurial work.
This includes:
Non-verbal intelligence (7)
Visuospatial processing (8)
Idea generation (9)
Compensatory skills, like delegation (10)
Creators with dyslexia include: Steven Spielberg, Albert Einstein, Keira Knightley, Richard Branson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Thomas Edison.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often characterized by social communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, sensory sensitivities, and more.
While research on Autism in creative and entrepreneurial fields is lacking, there is real world evidence that people with Asperger's can thrive as actors, musicians, producers, entrepreneurs, and other creators.
Autism is linked to creative and entrepreneurial gifts including:
High originality (1)
Attention to detail (2)
Intense interests (3)
Efficiency and focus (4)
Honesty and dedication (4)
Creators with Autism include: Elon Musk, Greta Thunberg, Temple Gradin, Anthony Hopkins, Courtney Love, and Tim Burton.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is condition that affects how the nervous system processes sensory information from the environment and the body. It's characterized by a sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as touch, sound, sight, taste, and movement.
Research has shown that sensitive people are significantly more creative than controls (16), and that higher sensitivity is correlated with higher entrepreneurial intentions (17).
It’s believed believe that people in creative fields are more sensitive because their sensitivity lends them psychophyisiological characteristics that are beneficial for creative work like:
Openness (11)
Adaptability & flexibility (12)
Divergent thinking (12)
Sensitivity to subtleties (13)
Deeper processing (14)
Emotionality & empathy (15)
Highly sensitive creators include: Alanis Morrisette, Lana Del Ray, Jim Carrey, Frida Kahlo, Jane Austen, and Vincent van Gogh.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty planning, disorganization, forgetfulness, impatience, and more.
Research has shown that entrepreneurs are nearly 6x more likely to struggle with ADHD than non-entrepreneurs (18), and clinically elevated levels of ADHD symptomatology are correlated with creativity (19).
It’s believed that the unique neurobiology of ADHD contributes to thought and behavioral patterns that support creative and entrepreneurial work, including:
Hyperfocus (20)
Divergent Thinking (21)
Novelty-Seeking (22)
Impulsive Creativity (22)
Risk tolerance (23)
Productive compensation strategies, like support, reminders, etc. (24)
Creators with ADHD include: Simone Biles, Richard Branson, Albert Einstein, Justin Timberlake, Michael Phelps, and Emma Watson.