Book Review: A Hidden Force: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity at Work by Ed Thompson
Ed Thompson's A Hidden Force is a must-read for organizations looking to unlock the power of neurodiversity. It offers a well-rounded exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by neurodivergent inclusion in the workplace.
Ed Thompson's A Hidden Force is a must-read for organizations looking to unlock the power of neurodiversity. It offers a well-rounded exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by neurodivergent inclusion in the workplace. Backed by compelling research and real-world case studies, the book provides actionable strategies for businesses to foster more inclusive, innovative, and effective teams.
• Neurodiversity is already present in every workplace; the challenge is making environments more inclusive.
• Companies that embrace neurodivergent talent see tangible benefits, including increased innovation and employee retention.
• Simple accommodations and shifts in workplace culture can unlock immense potential.
• The future of work will depend on diverse perspectives, making neuroinclusion a strategic imperative.
Neurodiversity in the workplace is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an essential consideration for businesses looking to innovate and thrive. In A Hidden Force: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity at Work, author Ed Thompson delivers a compelling and well-researched exploration of how embracing neurodiversity can transform workplace culture, boost innovation, and improve overall business performance.
Written with clarity and purpose, Thompson makes a strong case that neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—bring unique talents and perspectives to organizations. Yet, many workplaces remain ill-equipped to support and fully integrate neurodivergent talent. This book serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for companies ready to harness the power of neurodiverse thinking.
Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Thompson begins by breaking down the concept of neurodiversity and its historical context. He outlines how society has traditionally viewed neurological differences through a deficit-based lens rather than recognizing them as variations in human cognition. He argues that the workforce is already inherently neurodiverse; the challenge lies in creating environments that allow all employees to thrive.
Shifting from Awareness to Action
A major theme of A Hidden Force is the need for businesses to move beyond surface-level awareness and implement concrete strategies for inclusion. Thompson provides data-backed arguments demonstrating that neuroinclusion goes beyond corporate social responsibility—it directly contributes to organizational success.
A supporting quote from the book for the section “The Business Case for Neurodiversity” is:
“For a company that’s in it for profit, we owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our shareholders. We owe it to everybody to leave no stone unturned for top-tier talent.”
The Business Case for Neurodiversity
Drawing on case studies from leading companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and SAP, Thompson illustrates the tangible benefits of neurodivergent inclusion. These companies have reported increased innovation, improved problem-solving, and even financial gains as a result of hiring neurodivergent employees. The book highlights how neurodivergent individuals often excel in areas such as pattern recognition, deep focus, and out-of-the-box thinking.
“An organizational decision to pursue the goal of greater neuroinclusion, like any business initiative, inevitably requires a business case. For neuroinclusion, that includes the ability to access and hire a wider range of talent, optimize for comfort and retention, and get more out of a team or organization’s human capital by way of performance.”
Challenges and Misconceptions
Despite the advantages, the book doesn't shy away from the hurdles. Thompson discusses common misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity, such as the belief that accommodations are too costly or that neurodivergent employees cannot function in traditional team settings. He provides counterarguments, demonstrating how small adjustments can lead to significant benefits for both the individual and the organization.
“Some people experience negative reactions to their ways of working, from a reluctance to engage with unconventional or out-of-the-box ideas to accusations of laziness or even milking it. They suppose employees disclose as neurodivergent tactically, to gain special treatment.” .
Practical Steps for Neuroinclusion
One of the book's strongest elements is its practical approach. Thompson outlines actionable steps that businesses can take to become more neuroinclusive, including:
- Redesigning recruitment processes to focus on skills rather than social performance.
- Implementing flexible work environments that cater to sensory needs.
- Providing training for managers to better understand and support neurodivergent employees.
- Building a culture of psychological safety where employees feel valued and understood.
Neurodiversity and the Future of Work
In the final chapters, Thompson explores how the future of work is evolving and why neuroinclusion will be a key differentiator for forward-thinking companies. As automation and AI reshape industries, human ingenuity and diverse perspectives will become even more valuable.
No, the quote “The world is going to need all the different kinds of minds to work together.” by Temple Grandin is a well-known statement often attributed to her, but it does not appear to be directly from A Hidden Force by Ed Thompson. Let me find an authentic supporting quote from the book for the “Neurodiversity and the Future of Work” section.
“... neurodiversity and neuroinclusion are going to be ever more pivotal ingredients for future organizational success.”
Divergent Money's Verdict
If you're a business leader, HR professional, or an advocate for workplace inclusion, A Hidden Force is an invaluable resource. Thompson’s insights will not only inspire but equip you with the tools to make meaningful changes in your organization. For neurodivergent professionals, the book offers hope and validation, showing that the world is slowly waking up to the untapped potential they bring to the table.
Whether you're looking to build a more inclusive team or understand how neurodiversity can drive innovation, this book is a worthwhile investment in the future of work.
I’d rate A Hidden Force: Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity at Work by Ed Thompson 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Strengths:
✅ Insightful and Well-Researched (5/5): The book is backed by strong data, real-world case studies, and expert opinions, making it a credible and valuable resource for understanding neurodiversity in the workplace.
✅ Actionable Strategies (5/5): Thompson doesn’t just highlight the issues; he provides clear, practical steps that companies can take to implement neuroinclusive practices, making it a useful guide for HR professionals and business leaders.
✅ Engaging and Accessible Writing (4.5/5): The book presents complex concepts in an easy-to-digest format, making it appealing to a broad audience beyond just corporate professionals.
✅ Compelling Business Case (5/5): The book effectively ties neuroinclusion to business success, showing how organizations can benefit from diverse cognitive perspectives.
Areas for Improvement:
🟡 Business-heavy focus (4/5): While great for corporate audiences, the book may feel less relevant to smaller businesses or individuals seeking personal neurodiversity insights.
🟡 Repetitive in Places (4/5): Some concepts are revisited multiple times, which could have been condensed to improve the book’s flow and pacing.
🟡 Limited Focus on Intersectionality (4/5): While the book acknowledges neurodivergent experiences, it could benefit from deeper exploration of how neurodiversity intersects with other aspects such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
An Excellent Resource
Overall, A Hidden Force is an excellent resource for businesses looking to embrace neurodiversity and create inclusive workplaces. It strikes a balance between theory and practice, making it both informative and applicable. The minor critiques don’t significantly detract from the book’s overall value, making it a highly recommended read for those in leadership, HR, and advocacy roles.
