October Health – 2025 Report

Neurodiversity in India

The leading cause of neurodiversity stress in India at the population level is societal stigma and lack of awareness around neurodivergent conditions. This leads to marginalization, exclusion in education and workplaces, and insufficient access to supportive resources. Workplace environments often lack accommodations, increasing stress for neurodiverse employees. Promoting neurodiversity inclusion programs and digital group sessions, like those offered by October, can help reduce this stress by fostering understanding and support.

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Neurodiversity Prevalence
9.78%
Affected people
5,379,000

Impact on the people of India

Effects of High Neurodiversity Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  • Mental Health Impact: Increased anxiety, depression, and burnout due to constant coping with misunderstandings or sensory overload.
  • Physical Health Issues: Elevated stress hormones can lead to headaches, fatigue, and weakened immune response.
  • Workplace Challenges: Difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity, and increased absenteeism.
  • Social Isolation: Feeling misunderstood or excluded can lead to withdrawal from social interactions and loneliness.
  • Relationship Strain: Stress can affect communication and emotional availability, leading to conflicts with family and friends.

For workplaces in India, providing supportive environments through assessments and digital group sessions like those offered by October can significantly reduce neurodiversity-related stress and improve overall well-being.

Impact on the India Economy

Effect of High Neurodiversity Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Productivity: Employees experiencing neurodiversity-related stress may struggle with concentration, leading to decreased output and efficiency.
  • Increased Absenteeism and Turnover: High stress can cause more sick leaves and higher employee turnover, raising recruitment and training costs.
  • Healthcare Costs: Elevated stress levels often increase demand for mental health services, raising healthcare expenditures for employers and the economy.
  • Underutilization of Talent: Neurodiverse individuals may face barriers to fully utilizing their skills, leading to a loss of innovation and creativity.
  • Workplace Conflict: Misunderstandings around neurodiverse needs can cause conflicts, affecting team dynamics and overall morale.

Implementing supportive initiatives like October’s digital group sessions and assessments can help reduce neurodiversity stress and improve economic outcomes.

What can government do to assist?

How a Country Can Lower Neurodiversity Stress

  1. Promote Awareness and Education
    Implement nationwide campaigns and integrate neurodiversity education into schools and workplaces to reduce stigma and increase understanding.

  2. Inclusive Workplace Policies
    Encourage companies to adopt flexible work arrangements, provide sensory-friendly environments, and offer tailored support for neurodiverse employees.

  3. Accessible Mental Health Services
    Increase availability of specialized mental health professionals trained in neurodiversity and ensure services are affordable and culturally sensitive.

  4. Early Identification and Support
    Strengthen early diagnosis programs and create support systems for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

  5. Utilize Digital Tools
    Leverage platforms like October by October for digital group sessions, assessments, and tailored content that supports mental health for neurodiverse populations in workplaces.

These actions foster an inclusive society that reduces stress and empowers neurodivergent individuals.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 How a Company Can Lower Neurodiversity Stress

1. **Create an Inclusive Environment**
   - Promote awareness and understanding of different neurodiverse conditions.
   - Encourage open conversations to reduce stigma.

2. **Flexible Work Arrangements**
   - Offer flexible hours and remote working options.
   - Allow employees to choose the work environment that suits them best.

3. **Adjust Communication Styles**
   - Use clear, direct communication.
   - Provide written instructions in addition to verbal.

4. **Sensory-Friendly Workspaces**
   - Provide quiet zones or noise-cancelling headphones.
   - Control lighting and reduce sensory overload.

5. **Personalised Support and Training**
   - Offer tailored mental health resources and coaching.
   - Use digital group sessions (e.g., via October) to provide peer support.

6. **Regular Feedback & Check-ins**
   - Hold frequent one-on-one meetings to understand challenges.
   - Adapt roles or responsibilities when necessary.

Implementing these practices helps reduce stress for neurodiverse employees, improving wellbeing and productivity.