Authenticity Over Adaptation: A Systemic Approach to Neurodivergence and Inclusion in the Workplace
Tracks
Ballroom 1 - In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM |
Overview
Danielle Mahoney, The Health Effort
Presenter
Danielle Mahoney
Principal Psychologist
The Health Effort
Authenticity Over Adaptation: A Systemic Approach to Neurodivergence and Inclusion in the Workplace
Presentation Overview
Neurodivergent employees face disproportionate challenges in the workplace, particularly when returning after illness or injury. Australian data show that autistic adults experience unemployment rates of 18.2%, with 61% facing long-term joblessness. Additionally, 43% of neurodivergent professionals report current burnout, and 1 in 5 experience performance impairment due to chronic stress and masking.
This presentation explores how systemic, person-centred approaches can transform workplace inclusion and rehabilitation outcomes. Drawing on real-world case studies, Danielle demonstrates how coordinated stakeholder engagement, biopsychosocial interventions, and neurodiversity-informed planning led to improved return-to-work outcomes, reduced burnout, and enhanced job retention.
Psychologists and mental health professionals play a pivotal role in advocating for systemic change. Through the use of validated, evidence-based assessments and interventions, they are uniquely positioned to support neurodivergent employees and guide organisations in creating inclusive environments. Their collaboration with key stakeholders—including employees, HR, occupational rehabilitation providers, and other treating professionals—ensures that return-to-work processes are not only clinically sound but also psychologically safe and sustainable.
This session challenges neuro-normative structures and offers practical strategies for embedding authenticity, flexibility, and psychological safety into workplace systems. It advocates for a shift from adaptation to authenticity—where neurodivergent employees are supported not to mask, but to thrive.
Three Key Learnings
1. Quantifying the Challenge: Understand the prevalence of burnout and delayed return-to-work among neurodivergent employees, with insights from Australian workforce data.
2. Systemic Solutions: Learn how flexible scheduling, sensory accommodations, and inclusive communication pathways improve rehabilitation and retention.
3. Embedding Inclusion: Discover how psychologists and mental health professionals can lead systemic change through coordinated, evidence-based practice.
This presentation explores how systemic, person-centred approaches can transform workplace inclusion and rehabilitation outcomes. Drawing on real-world case studies, Danielle demonstrates how coordinated stakeholder engagement, biopsychosocial interventions, and neurodiversity-informed planning led to improved return-to-work outcomes, reduced burnout, and enhanced job retention.
Psychologists and mental health professionals play a pivotal role in advocating for systemic change. Through the use of validated, evidence-based assessments and interventions, they are uniquely positioned to support neurodivergent employees and guide organisations in creating inclusive environments. Their collaboration with key stakeholders—including employees, HR, occupational rehabilitation providers, and other treating professionals—ensures that return-to-work processes are not only clinically sound but also psychologically safe and sustainable.
This session challenges neuro-normative structures and offers practical strategies for embedding authenticity, flexibility, and psychological safety into workplace systems. It advocates for a shift from adaptation to authenticity—where neurodivergent employees are supported not to mask, but to thrive.
Three Key Learnings
1. Quantifying the Challenge: Understand the prevalence of burnout and delayed return-to-work among neurodivergent employees, with insights from Australian workforce data.
2. Systemic Solutions: Learn how flexible scheduling, sensory accommodations, and inclusive communication pathways improve rehabilitation and retention.
3. Embedding Inclusion: Discover how psychologists and mental health professionals can lead systemic change through coordinated, evidence-based practice.
Biography
Danielle Mahoney is Principal Psychologist and Health Psychology Registrar at The Health Effort in Red Hill, Brisbane. She employs an energetic, systemic, and holistic framework to support adults navigating life transitions, injury, and return to work. With a background spanning health and business sectors, Danielle utilises evidence‑based assessments and psychosocial interventions, collaborating closely with employees, HR, rehabilitation providers, and clinicians to promote sustainable outcomes. She is deeply committed to creating psychologically safe, inclusive spaces, especially for culturally and LGBTQI+ diverse communities, and to fostering environments where neurodivergent individuals can be fully authentic.
