The prompts in this guide are informed by peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, and verified advocacy sources. All citations were checked for accuracy. Claims in the prompts are framed as advocacy and reflection tools — not clinical diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Double Empathy Problem
On the ontological status of autism: the 'double empathy problem'
Milton, D.E.M. (2012) — Disability & Society, 27(6), 883–887
The foundational paper establishing that communication difficulties between neurotypes are mutual — not a one-sided deficit in neurodivergent people. Now supported by over a decade of experimental research.
tandfonline.com →
Double Empathy Problem — follow-on
The 'double empathy problem': Ten years on
Milton, D., Gurbuz, E., & López, B. (2022) — Autism, 26(8)
A decade of experimental confirmation of Milton's original framework, establishing the mutual nature of neurotype communication gaps as scientific consensus.
sagepub.com →
Masking & Workplace Disclosure
The workplace masking experiences of autistic, non-autistic neurodivergent and neurotypical adults in the UK
Multiple authors (2023) — PMC / PLOS ONE. Study of 285 autistic, 88 non-autistic ND, and 99 neurotypical adults.
Finds that workplace masking is significantly more taxing for neurodivergent employees and directly contributes to burnout. Social expectations are the primary driver of masking behavior.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov →
Spiky Cognitive Profiles
Cognitive Profile in Autism and ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Performance on the WAIS-IV and WISC-V
Multiple authors (2024) — Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 39(4). Analysis of over 1,800 neurodivergent individuals.
Confirms significant variation between cognitive peaks and valleys as a neurological hallmark of neurodivergent conditions. Strong reasoning abilities alongside processing differences — not uniform deficit.
academic.oup.com →
Neurodiversity at Work
Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults
Multiple authors (2020) — British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 108–125
Establishes spiky profiles with specialist cognitive strengths as a defining characteristic of neurodivergent conditions. Foundational for the workplace inclusion business case.
academic.oup.com →
ADHD, Dopamine & Motivation
Motivation deficit in ADHD is associated with dysfunction of the dopamine reward pathway
Volkow, N.D., et al. (2011) — Molecular Psychiatry, 16, 1147–1154. See also: Volkow et al. (2009), JAMA, 302(9).
PET brain imaging demonstrating decreased dopamine receptor and transporter availability in the reward pathways of adults with ADHD — linking motivation differences to measurable neurochemistry, not willpower.
nature.com →
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Rejection sensitive dysphoria: emotional regulation and ADHD
Dodson, W.W., MD, LF-APA — ADDitude Magazine (multiple publications, 2016–2025); CHADD Attention Magazine (2016)
Primary clinical voice on RSD as a brain-based feature of ADHD. Dr. Dodson estimates that by age 10, children with ADHD receive 20,000 more negative or corrective messages than neurotypical peers — shaping lifelong rejection sensitivity.
additudemag.com →
Cognitive Strengths
Enhanced pattern recognition and systematic processing in neurodivergent conditions
Multiple authors (2024) — Neuropsychologia
Documents enhanced pattern recognition, strong visual-spatial skills, and superior systematic processing as cognitive strengths across neurodivergent conditions.
sciencedirect.com →
ND Burnout
Understanding Autistic Burnout: Definitions, Phenomenology, and Recommendations
Raymaker, D.M., et al. (2020) — Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), 132–143
Frames ND burnout as a response to chronic misattunement and sustained masking demands — not simply overwork. Distinguishes autistic burnout as a distinct phenomenon with specific recovery needs.
liebertpub.com →
Intersectionality
The Link Between Neurodivergence and the LGBTQ+ Population
Psychology Today (2025)
Research estimates 30–70% of neurodivergent people also identify as LGBTQIA+. Many face compounded pressure to mask both their cognitive style and other aspects of their identity simultaneously.
psychologytoday.com →
Workplace Barriers & Inclusion
Facilitators and Barriers to Employment of Neurodivergent Individuals: A Systematic Literature Review
Multiple authors (2025) — Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Identifies unwritten social rules, informal decision-making exclusion, and NT communication norms as persistent structural barriers — not personal failings of ND employees.
link.springer.com →
DSM-5 References
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
American Psychiatric Association (2013)
Referenced for: sensory hyper/hypo-reactivity as diagnostic Criterion B4 for autism; literal language processing differences; executive function and task initiation differences in ADHD; restricted focused interests producing deep expertise.
psychiatry.org →
Neurodiversity as Competitive Advantage
Neurodiversity Is a Competitive Advantage
Austin, R. & Pisano, G. (2017) — Harvard Business Review
The business case for ND inclusion — organizations that build systems to leverage neurodivergent strengths gain measurable innovation and performance advantages.
hbr.org →
These citations were verified for accuracy during the development of the NeuroMeet tools (March 2026). All links were confirmed live at time of publication. One note on scope: the "survival mode in toxic environments" framework referenced in several prompts reflects established clinical understanding of threat response and executive function collapse, but does not map to a single peer-reviewed study — it is presented as advocacy framing grounded in the above research, not as a standalone citation.