October Health – 2025 Report

Neurodiversity in Canada

The leading cause of neurodiversity-related stress in Canada is often workplace-related challenges, including lack of understanding, inadequate accommodations, and stigma around neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning differences. These stressors stem from insufficient inclusion policies and limited awareness among employers and colleagues. Implementing supportive workplace programs, like digital group sessions from October, can help reduce this stress by promoting understanding and providing practical coping strategies.

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Neurodiversity Prevalence
10.83%
Affected people
5,956,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Neurodiversity Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Mental Health Impact: Increased anxiety, depression, and burnout due to trying to mask or adapt continuously.
  • Physical Health: Chronic stress can lead to headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune response.
  • Workplace Impact: Reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and difficulties in communication and teamwork.
  • Personal Relationships: Strain in relationships from misunderstandings, social exhaustion, and difficulty in expressing needs.
  • Self-Esteem: Lowered confidence and increased feelings of isolation or being misunderstood.

Workplace Recommendation:
Providing supportive environments with awareness training and tools like October's digital group sessions can reduce neurodiversity-related stress and improve employee wellbeing.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effects of High Neurodiversity Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Workforce Productivity: High stress among neurodiverse employees can lower concentration, increase errors, and reduce output.
  • Increased Absenteeism and Turnover: Stress-related health issues lead to more sick days and higher employee turnover, increasing hiring and training costs.
  • Healthcare Costs: Elevated stress contributes to mental health problems, raising demand for medical and psychological services, burdening the healthcare system.
  • Lost Innovation Potential: Neurodiverse individuals often bring unique problem-solving skills; stress can hamper their creativity and contribution.
  • Workplace Accommodation Burden: Insufficient support increases stress and reduces engagement, whereas costs of addressing these challenges may initially rise but can reduce long-term losses.
  • Overall Economic Productivity Decline: Combined effects result in a less competitive economy due to underutilization of neurodiverse talent.

Workplace Implication: Companies investing in targeted mental health support and accommodations (e.g., via programs like October or digital group sessions through October) can mitigate these effects, improving employee well-being and economic outcomes.

What can government do to assist? 

 Ways a Country Can Lower Neurodiversity Stress

1. **Promote Inclusive Workplaces**  
   Encourage companies to adopt neurodiversity-friendly policies, such as flexible work hours, sensory-friendly environments, and tailored communication styles.

2. **Provide Awareness and Training**  
   Implement national campaigns and workplace training programs to educate employers and employees about neurodiversity, reducing stigma and fostering understanding.

3. **Improve Access to Support Services**  
   Enhance accessibility to mental health and occupational therapy services that cater specifically to neurodiverse individuals, both in the workplace and the community.

4. **Encourage Use of Digital Mental Health Solutions**  
   Support digital platforms like October that provide group sessions, assessments, and educational content tailored for neurodiverse employees, facilitating better peer support and coping strategies.

5. **Legislate Protections and Accommodations**  
   Enforce laws that require reasonable workplace accommodations and protect neurodiverse individuals from discrimination.

By implementing these strategies, a country can significantly reduce stress for neurodiverse populations, particularly in workplace contexts.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How Companies Can Lower Neurodiversity Stress

  1. Create Inclusive Workspaces

    • Provide quiet rooms or low-stimulation areas.
    • Allow flexible seating arrangements.

  2. Flexible Work Policies

    • Offer remote or hybrid work options.
    • Permit flexible start and end times.

  3. Clear Communication

    • Use clear, direct language in instructions.
    • Provide written summaries of meetings or tasks.

  4. Provide Training and Awareness

    • Educate managers and teams on neurodiversity.
    • Promote understanding of different working styles.

  5. Use Digital Support Tools

    • Implement platforms like October for group sessions and mental health support.
    • Use assessment tools to tailor support for neurodiverse employees.

By adopting these strategies, companies in Canada can reduce stress and improve engagement for neurodiverse employees.