Neurodiversity
The Australian Public Service is working to improve understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in its workplaces.
In the 2024 APS Employee Census, 8.8% of respondents considered themselves to be neurodivergent. Another 9.3% of respondents considered that they may be neurodivergent, and 9.5% of respondents said they were unsure what neurodivergent means.
A question on neurodivergence was first asked in the 2023 APS Employee Census, with 7.7% of respondents indicating they considered themselves to be neurodivergent and another 11.5% responding that they were not sure.
Since 2023, the Australian Public Service Commission has worked to include and refine questions on neurodivergence to support relevant actions in the APS. Greater awareness of neurodiversity, and support for neurodivergent employees, helps create better work environments for everyone. It means the APS represents the diverse community it serves.
The Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice facilitates collaboration on neurodiversity inclusion across the Australian public sector. It allows employees across government agencies to share resources and initiatives. It provides interested staff with information on establishing a neurodiversity network in their agency.
Public sector employees can subscribe to email updates and join a GovTEAMS community to connect with other Community of Practice members and access shared resources. In 2024, more than 800 employees from 80 agencies are members.
Andrew Pfeiffer, Co-chair Public Sector Neurodiversity CoP, Kate Halpin, Principal Neurodiversity Consultant at Employ for Ability, and Shaila Dane Ang, Co-chair Prime Minister and Cabinet Ability Network.
Image: Prime Minister and Cabinet
Agencies are implementing programs to attract and support neurodivergent employees.
Home Affairs Apollo Neurodiversity Program recruited 10 participants to a 12-month program in 2023, with a 100% retention rate. Participants and managers are supported by a qualified Neurodiversity Consultant and a dedicated Home Affairs Apollo Program Relationship Manager before participants started and throughout the program.
Eligibility for the Aurora Neuroinclusion Program at Services Australia has expanded to include individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The program actively engages with potential candidates in multiple locations across the country. It has conducted 6 recruitment rounds resulting in 28 candidates placed into ongoing employment. The program aims to place 75 candidates into employment by mid-2025.
In July 2023, the APSC published a Community of Practice article on ways human resources professionals can support neurodivergent staff. Ways include building capability in inclusive leadership, promoting a flexible approach to workplace adjustments and accessibility, and supporting staff networks. The article highlights the importance of never making assumptions about what an individual may need to feel safe and be productive at work.
See also in this report
Appendix 2–State of the Service additional data
Find out more
Australian Public Service Commission (2024) Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice, APSC website, accessed 2 September 2024.
Australian Public Service Commission (2023) Six ways to support neurodivergent staff, APSC website, accessed 10 September 2024.
Services Australia (2024) Aurora Neuroinclusion Program, Services Australia website, accessed 10 September 2024.
Home Affairs (n.d.) Apollo Neurodiversity Program, Home Affairs website, accessed 10 September 2024.