“Neurodivergent individuals in Education & the Job Market- opportunities & challenges” | Gdańsk University of Technology

On May 28, 2025, a conference titled "Neuro-diversity in Education and the Job Market – Opportunities and Challenges" was held at the Hevelianum Center in Gdańsk. The event was organized by the “Osiek” Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Center, the Gdańsk Educational Foundation, and the Pomeranian Teacher Education Center.

The conference highlighted the importance of an inclusive approach to individuals with diverse cognitive profiles, such as:

• ADHD,

• Dyslexia,

• Dysorthography,

• Dysgraphia,

• Dyscalculia,

• Autism spectrum,

• Asperger’s syndrome,

It emphasized the potential and capabilities inherent in neurodivergent individuals, pointing to the need for recognizing and addressing their specific needs in order to unlock this potential and showcase their value to society.

The event created a space for the exchange of experiences between experts, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience. Participants shared insights, knowledge, benefits, and challenges related to support strategies, creating inclusive environments, and adapting conditions at universities, schools and workplaces for neurodivergent individuals.

The conference program included presentations by the following speakers:

• Dr. Wojciech Glac, neurobiologist and professor at the University of Gdańsk – “Neuromyths vs. Reality – What Science Tells Us About the Brains of Neurodivergent Individuals”

• Dr. habil. Łukasz Sienkiewicz, professor at Gdańsk University of Technology and an expert in social sciences – “Future Competencies and Neurodiversity – How to Build Careers Aligned with Our Strengths”

• Dr. habil. Michał Tomczak, professor at Gdańsk University of Technology, researcher in the field of neurodiversity – “Organizational Maturity as Support for the Employability of Neurodivergent People”

• Agnieszka Wiankowska and Agnieszka Gurzyńska-Ellwart, psychologists from the “Osiek” Psychological and Pedagogical Counseling Center – “Diagnosing Neurodivergence and Its Importance in Education”

One part of the conference featured presentations on inclusivity in companies, universities, and schools:

• Gdańsk University of Technology, as part of the ENHANCE Alliance of Technical Universities, was represented by Aleksandra Drelicharz and Paulina Chobot, who presented the “Human Dimension” project. This initiative offers upskilling opportunities for employees in less privileged positions with diverse abilities, including neurodivergence and various backgrounds. The offer is available to all interested employees and includes online resources.

  • The representatives also spoke about cooperation with the ENHANCE Diversity Office to support and promote diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities among all employees at Gdańsk University of Technology.

  • A new series of well-being seminars is also launching at the university, featuring open discussions on wellbeing.

  • Additionally, the wide range of online training courses offered by the university was mentioned, available to everyone to learn at their own pace.

  • The following units active at the university were listed:

    • Office for Persons with Functional Diversity, supporting people with disabilities,

    • Ombudsperson for Academic Rights and Values, ensuring compliance with academic values,

    • Equal Treatment Ombudsperson, promoting equality and respect.

• NeuroBooster, a platform connecting neurodivergent candidates with neuroinclusive employers, was represented by Marta Doroba.

• Krzysztof Tokarski, psychologist, presented on “Autism and Life with Asperger’s Syndrome”.

• Justyna Grzybowska presented on “Bullying of Students with Special Educational Needs”.

The entire event contributed to building understanding, inclusivity, and new perspectives for integrating the potential of neurodivergent individuals into our society.