Conducted in collaboration with Burson and The Neu Project and released during Neurodiversity Celebration Month, the research provides one of the most comprehensive looks to date at how associations are embracing neuroinclusive practices in both workplace environments and meetings. As associations strive to better serve increasingly diverse communities, this landmark study offers critical insights into how neurodivergent individuals experience association engagement, and where meaningful progress can still be made.

“This research represents an important step forward in helping associations move from awareness to action,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “Creating environments where every individual can fully participate and thrive is not just a value – it’s a responsibility.”

The study reveals both encouraging progress and clear opportunities for growth:

· Gap in Perceived Accommodations Association staff are less likely than members to report that neurodivergent-specific accommodations exist – and more likely to believe none are in place – highlighting a disconnect in internal awareness and communication.

· Leadership Support vs. Active Prioritization While both members and staff generally trust executive leadership to support neuroinclusion, staff are less likely to view it as an active organizational priority.

· Governance Awareness Varies Members – particularly those who identify as neurodivergent – are more likely than staff to recognize neuroinclusive language and practices embedded in governance documents.

· Event Planning Opportunity Only one-third of staff involved in meetings and events report giving significant

consideration to neurodivergent needs, underscoring a major opportunity to embed inclusion-by-design principles.

· Persistent Barriers to Inclusion Neurodivergent individuals report higher rates of discrimination, accessibility challenges, and exclusionary experiences, with inconsistent reporting of these issues to their associations.

“This study marks an important shift from awareness to action for our industry,” said Kevin Kirby, Executive Vice President, MPI Foundation. “At the MPI Foundation, we believe the future of meetings and workplaces must be intentionally designed for all individuals to participate and thrive and neuroinclusion is a fundamental component of creating environments where innovation, connection, and belonging can truly flourish. Progress at this level doesn’t happen in silos. It requires the association community to come together, share what’s working, and take collective responsibility for building more inclusive experiences. This research is an important step forward and a call for our industry to lead that change together.”

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of neuroinclusion across the association landscape, the study was conducted in four phases:

· Phase 1: Preliminary Landscape Review

Literature review to establish baseline understanding.

· Phase 2: In-depth Interviews (IDIs)

· 20 interviews with leaders and staff (9 neurodivergent, 11 neurotypical) to uncover barriers and opportunities.

· Phase 3: Quantitative Survey 1,675 respondents (485 employees, 1,190 members), including neurodivergent participants, providing broad quantitative insights.

· Phase 4: Online Journals 10 neurodivergent participants shared lived experiences to validate and deepen findings.

This important research is made possible through the generous support of Choose Chicago, Discover Puerto Rico, MGM Resorts International, Visit Kansas City, and Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

For more information and to purchase the full report, visit the ASAE Research Foundation website.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)